How Long Should An Average Nursing Session Last?

By: Sabrina Granniss, IBCLC

0 min

time associated with a breastfeeding session is as variable as the amount of milk consumed

We’re often asked how long an average nursing session should last. There is no right answer to this and no relationship exists between the length of a nursing session and how much milk is consumed by baby. ⁣

In terms of breastfeeding basics, the best rule of thumb is to allow for cue-based feeds and let baby set the pace of their breastfeeding schedule. How are baby’s poops? How is baby’s weight gain? Are you seeing/hearing lots of active swallowing at the breast? Is baby content after feeds? If so, you likely have nothing to worry about. ⁣

How long is a typical breastfeeding session for you?

Newborn Poop Colors

Baby's Weight Gain in the First Year

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Comments

My 2 week old’s nursing sessions last anywhere from 15-40 minutes. My milk flows fairly quickly, so I just follow her lead. Towards the end of the longer nursing sessions, she’s typically just suckling for comfort, not so much for eating.

My 1 month old has always been a bit of a chugger. He nurses for 10-20 minutes usually falling at 15 minutes for most of his feeds. He is gaining weight and always producing plenty of poopy and wet diapers. I was scared he wasn’t getting enough but it seems like he is doing great!

My 5.5 mo old nurses for 5-8 minutes about 8 times in a 24 hour period.

my 4 monther currently averages about 40 ish minutes per feed 8 ish times a day (and gets one bottle from Dad in the wee sleeping hours)

My 5 mo nurses mainly at left. My left has more flow and milk. I’m worried if I continue feeding on one side my breasts become lopsided, he usually drink 5-10 min unless he gals asleep at my breast. He is on 3 percentile weight wise. I don’t know how to get home to drink more
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Legendairy Milk replied:
It’s very common for one breast to produce considerably more milk than the other. It is helpful to think of breasts as sisters, not twins. Their shape, size, and amount of milk each produces can vary slightly or quite a bit. ⁣⁣ If you’re trying to even out production for both sides, you might try increasing stimulation/breast emptying in the lower producing breast by starting more feeds on that side, pumping more often on that side, power pumping, etc. You can also try hand expressing for a few minutes after every feed/pump session.

If you are having breastfeeding concerns, consulting an IBCLC is also a great next step.

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