Yes. Sometimes, all your baby needs is a snack. They may breastfeed for a minute or two, take a break, and then go back for a little more. This is sometimes called cluster feeding, and when you add all the cluster feeds up, it amounts to a longer feed. Most breastfed babies don't have regular, predictable feeding patterns, especially in the early weeks and months. As long as your baby is healthy there is usually nothing to worry about.
Why does my baby only breastfeed for a few minutes?
There are lots of different reasons why your baby feeds for only a few minutes at a time, especially at the start. Don’t forget, your newborn baby’s tummy is only the size of a walnut, so it fills up very quickly.
Your first milk (colostrum) is thick and creamy, so your baby only needs a small amount, around a teaspoon, to feel full. You may notice your baby feeding every hour for just a minute or two in the first few days, until your breastmilk comes in. After your milk transitions from colostrum, your baby will probably start to spend longer at the breast.
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If you’re still worried about the amount of milk your baby is getting, you may want to check the way they’re latched on to your breast. They may only feed for a short while if they’re struggling to get at your milk.
Check that your baby has a gaping mouth and they’re taking in a big mouthful of breast. Once your baby's latched on, you should be able to see more of your areola (the coloured part around your nipple) above their top lip than below their bottom lip. Get your partner or a friend to take a look if you find it difficult to see.
If you’re concerned about your baby’s latch, or if you’re experiencing any pain during breastfeeding, ask your midwife or health visitor to watch you breastfeed your baby and check for any problems. You could also ask to be referred to a lactation consultant, if you need extra support.
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How do I know my baby’s feeding well?
Your baby should seem content when feeding, and feeding should feel comfortable for you, too. Check that your baby’s jaw is moving up and down as they work their tongue to get milk from your breast. You may notice or hear deep rhythmic swallows once they’re feeding.
If your baby is healthy, gaining weight, and seems content after most breastfeeds, they’re getting what they need. Babies who are feeding well can take anywhere between five minutes and 40 minutes at each feed.
Another guide to how well your baby is feeding is what comes out! So plenty of wet and soiled nappies are a good sign.
From about a week old, a healthy, well-fed baby is likely to be producing six or more wet nappies a day. They will also have two or more soiled nappies with yellowish, runny stools with bits that look like seeds in them.
How can I make sure my baby is getting enough milk?
You can make sure that your baby's appetite is satisfied by offering them frequent breastfeeds. Also watch for clues that they’re hungry (feeding cues). They’ll tell you by opening and closing their mouth, making sucking noises, sucking their fists and fingers, opening their eyes, or turning their head towards you.
Spending plenty of skin-to-skin time together lets your baby feed whenever they want. Having a close cuddle is also a great way to bond with your little one.
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If your baby regularly falls asleep after just a few minutes of feeding time, wake them up so they can have a full feed. Gently tickle their feet, or blow softly on their face, to keep them awake and feeding. Or, massage their palm like the old nursery rhyme ‘Round and round the garden’ as this can encourage sucking.
If you're worried that your baby isn't getting enough milk, or you’re worried about your milk supply, mention it to your community midwife or your health visitor.
Your midwife will check your baby’s weight regularly in the first two weeks. It’s normal for babies to lose weight in the days following birth, but most regain or exceed their birth weight by the time they’re two weeks old.
More breastfeeding problems and solutions:
- What is nipple confusion?
- How to deal with cracked or bleeding nipples
- What to do when your baby won’t breastfeed
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