It sounds as though you're doing a great job, if you're letting your baby spend as long breastfeeding as she needs.
If every feed takes ages, without your baby seeming contented at the end, just check that she's latched on well.
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But a long feed isn't necessarily a problem. Babies can take as much as an hour to finish a feed, or as little as five minutes. The important thing is that, in the early weeks and months, your baby sets the pace.
The length of a feed depends on how long it takes for milk to go from your breast to your baby. For some mums and babies, this happens quite quickly. For others, it’s on the slow side. However, the amount of milk the baby gets in both cases is about the same.
If you allow your baby to feed at her own speed, she’ll develop good appetite control. This will tell her that she’s full when she’s taken in the calories she needs to grow.
You’ll know she’s getting enough milk if she’s gaining between about 110g to 200g (4oz to 7oz) a week in her first three months. This is an average, so try not to be disheartened if your baby only makes a small gain one week. Babies are all different sizes, but you should notice your baby's body getting longer, and her head getting bigger.
It’s best to allow her to feed whenever, and for as much time, as she wants, because she’s growing all the time. There will be periods when your baby seems to want to feed more often, or for longer. These are sometimes called growth spurts.
Or, your baby may not be feeling well, and needs to comfort herself with sucking. Other times, she may simply be hungrier than usual.
Your body will adjust and make more milk to give her what she needs.
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Rather than clock-watch while your baby is at your breast, try to relax and enjoy being with her. Breastfeeding is a great opportunity to bond with your baby.
If she’s tucked into bed beside you, get some much-needed rest and allow yourself to doze. Be sure you know how to co-sleep safely before you fall asleep with your baby.
Once your baby is four months or five months old, she'll notice much more of what's going on around her. She'll be more easily distracted, and may spend as little as five minutes feeding.
Find out how breastfeeding changes as your baby grows.
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FAQs
Feedings are not usually spaced evenly around the clock. Most babies will vary the time between feedings and the length of time each feeding takes. The average amount of time a breastfeeding session takes can vary from about 10 minutes to about 45 minutes.
How long should a breastfeeding session last for a 3 month old? ›
Between one and three months of age Dr Kent showed a decrease in both the average frequency of breastfeeding sessions (from 7.6 to 6.6 per day), and the average duration of each breastfeeding session (from 36 to 29 minutes), and a concomitant increase in the average amount of milk consumed (from 106 to 126 mL).
Is it normal for baby to nurse for 45 minutes? ›
Newborns typically take longer because they are still learning how to breastfeed, so they may not be as efficient yet. For newborns, you can expect nursing to take anywhere from 15-45 minutes. For babies that are 6 months and older, you can expect nursing to take 10-20 minutes.
Why is my 3 month old nursing so long? ›
Many babies are fussier during growth spurts and will want to nurse longer and more often, as much as every 30 minutes. It may feel like all you're doing is feeding your baby! But this is your baby's way of helping you increase your milk supply so that you can keep up with baby's needs.
Is it normal for a 3 month old to breastfeed every hour? ›
Over the first few weeks and months, the time between feedings will start to get longer. On average, most exclusively breastfed babies will feed about every 2 to 4 hours. Some babies may feed as often as every hour at times, often called cluster feeding.
Should I let my baby breastfeed as long as he wants? ›
Don't remove your baby from the breast. Allow him to tell you when he's done with the first breast. You'll know he's had enough when he removes himself or when he stops sucking for longer than a few minutes. There's no specific amount of time he should spend on each breast.
How do I know if my 3 month old is getting enough breast milk? ›
Signs your baby is getting enough milk
Your baby's cheeks stay rounded, not hollow, during sucking. They seem calm and relaxed during feeds. Your baby comes off the breast on their own at the end of feeds. Their mouth looks moist after feeds.
What is the 3 month nursing crisis? ›
The third crisis occurs after three months, at this stage the baby has much greater suction strength and will take faster feedings as he is able to empty the breasts with greater speed, that is to say, take more in less time, this period coincides with the development of their hearing and vision, that makes everything ...
How long should a 3 month old feed for? ›
For babies who are breastfed, you should be feeding your baby every 3 to 4 hours at this stage and nursing for about 15 minutes on each breast. Formula-fed babies also will eat every 3 to 4 hours and may take anywhere from 4 to 8 ounces depending on their age.
How many minutes is too long to breastfeed? ›
Newborns may nurse for up to 20 minutes or longer on one or both breasts. As babies get older and more skilled at breastfeeding, they may take about 5–10 minutes on each side.
This first month is usually the most demanding when it comes to breastfeeding. But just because your baby appears constantly hungry and is feeding really often – perhaps every 45 minutes – don't assume that you don't have enough milk.
Why does milk supply drop at 3 months? ›
Dropping feedings/pumping sessions
Another common reason milk supply changes at 3 months is a decrease in the number of feedings or pumping sessions, which can happen for a variety of reasons. By 3 months babies who initially nursed 10-12 times per day (or more) may be feeding fewer than 8 times per day.
Why is my 3 month old breastfeeding for less time? ›
Three-month-old babies may start eating less than they did previously. Breastfed babies do get more efficient, so it's normal for your baby to feed in about half the time it took them to feed as a newborn. If you see all the signs that baby's getting enough to eat, it's perfectly normal.
How do I know if I'm overfeeding my breastfed baby? ›
What are some signs of oversupply?
- Baby is restless during the feeding, may cry or pull off and on the breast.
- Baby may cough, choke, splutter, or gulp quickly at the breast, especially with each let-down. ...
- Baby may clamp down at the nipple to try to stop or slow the rapid flow of milk.
Warning signs of a feeding problem
Here are some common red flags to look out for in your child: Refuses to eat. Vomits frequently. Has gas when feeding.
What is second night syndrome? ›
Second Night Syndrome
Generally occurs about 24 hours after birth for almost every baby. Your baby will want to be on the breast constantly but quickly fall asleep. If you put him down, he will probably wake up. If you put him back to breast, he will feed for a short time and fall asleep.
How long should a 3 month old be on the breast? ›
For babies who are breastfed, you should be feeding your baby every 3 to 4 hours at this stage and nursing for about 15 minutes on each breast. Formula-fed babies also will eat every 3 to 4 hours and may take anywhere from 4 to 8 ounces depending on their age.
How long should a 3 month old latch? ›
Newborns may nurse for up to 20 minutes or longer on one or both breasts. As babies get older and more skilled at breastfeeding, they may take about 5–10 minutes on each side.
How do I know when my 3 month old is done breastfeeding? ›
Signs Your Baby is Full
Some signs that babies are done eating are: Baby releases or "falls off" your breast. Baby turns away from your nipple. Baby relaxes their body and opens their fists.
Does breastmilk supply decrease at 3 months? ›
Dropping feedings/pumping sessions
Another common reason milk supply changes at 3 months is a decrease in the number of feedings or pumping sessions, which can happen for a variety of reasons. By 3 months babies who initially nursed 10-12 times per day (or more) may be feeding fewer than 8 times per day.
