how long does your 1-2mo old nurse?

laura.noel

My 7-week-old son nurses for what I think is a really long time, an hour or more per session, often much more, plus an evening cluster feed. He's not falling asleep, he's actively eating for most of that time, and I've been to aLC, so I know he's getting 3-4oz per session, which is not a huge amount for nursing that long. He does about 6 feeds plus the cluster (3-4 hours or more on and off) a day, for a total of about 12 hours or more of nursing.  

Is this normal? And at what age did your LOs become more efficient? 

savvyash

From what I remember, he was still at it for 45 + minutes around a month.  At 2 months I went to visit an LC because I was going back to work soon and my nips were pretty purple.  He was still nursing for a long time.  She timed us and weighed him after just 10 minutes and he had gained a nice amount of weight.  She told me to cut back on the time that I was allowing him to nurse.  Pointing out that he was literally just hanging out and was getting what he needed after just 5 minutes per side.  I thought he was still nursing too (not falling asleep, going through the motions).  This was at 10 weeks not 4 weeks though.  This did help my nipples greatly and he continued to gain just fine.  At 10 weeks, I was sending 3-4 ounces to daycare for a feeding and he was eating every 3 hours.

I hope that helped.  I think it is normal.  If you could weigh him after 10 minutes per side to see if he has gained 3-4 ounces, you might be able to take him off instead of allowing him to nurse for longer. (save your nipples)  Of course, you could let him continue to nurse.  He probably just likes being close. 

rosiemomma

My daughter nursed a lot at that age, she would nurse for 30-40 minutes than be hungry no more than an hour later!

On days it was tough I took her out on a walk, or handed her to daddy right after she nursed and took a hot shower by myself while he played, rocked, sang, and shusshed her. If I needed I would go on a walk, even if it is for 20 minutes it can really help! Reading a good book, or watching a movie is a great way to pass the nursing time....

So is what your experiencing normal? Yes! and your baby will get more efficient.  

willflu

My first DD was a 45 minute to an hour nurser, sometimes even longer!  My butt hurt from sitting so long.  I also remember those cluster feeds at night where it seemed like all I was doing was nursing all evening before bed.  So I think that is normal as long as he is having wet and poopy diapers, gaining weight, and seems satisfied he is fine. He just takes a little longer. FYI... my first DD is 5, almost 6, and still takes a long time with almost everything.  I think it was just her personality.  DD2 was a 15-20 minute nurser from the start which was great so there is hope when you have a second one!