Questioning Dr

Clery

My doctor said lo only needs ten minutes on each breast every two and a half hours. She is five and a half weeks old. He said she will get more effeciant at nursing and get all she needs in the first ten. I feel like that might not be enough since she is used to more now. What do u think? thx

joeandmarsha

Your doctor is right, my LO will sometimes fall asleep before 10 min. I try to encourage her to eat longer or from both sides but it doesn't always happen. I have read that some babies will also only nurse anywhere fro 2 to 10 min. Your body will also get used to your LO's drinking habits and produce what she needs. I would say as long as your LO is gaining weight and happy she is fine. My LO is 3 weeks and has gained over a pound almost 2 since her 1 week well baby check.

synchrosally

Baby will tell you what she needs.  Just listen to her and forget the crazy doctor!

emberlee3

Allow your baby to nurse on one side until he comes off on his own (or falls asleep and is no longer sucking/swallowing).  Then offer the other breast.  Baby will get exactly what he needs.  Dr is right that as baby gets older, he will become more efficient.  But you don't need to time anything, just follow baby's lead.

I offered the second breast even if DS fell asleep on the first side.  Sometimes he took it in his sleep, sometimes he didn't.