How Long Should I Breastfeed Per Session?
Ah, the age-old question—how long should my baby be latched onto me like a tiny, hungry barnacle? If you’re a new parent, you’ve probably asked yourself this while staring at the clock at 2 a.m., wondering if your little one is ever going to let go. Breastfeeding is a full time job and can feel like a overwhelming at first, but don’t worry—I’ve got you covered!
The Short Answer…It Depends
I know, I know—you came here for a number, but the truth is, breastfeeding times vary from baby to baby and even from feed to feed. That being said, here’s a general guideline:
Newborns (0-6 weeks): 20 to 45 minutes per session
Older babies (6 weeks+): 10 to 20 minutes per session
Some babies are efficient eaters and can finish in 10 minutes, while others like to take their sweet time
What Affects Breastfeeding Time?
A few factors can influence how long your baby nurses:
Your Baby’s Age – Newborns are still learning the whole suck-swallow-breathe routine, so they tend to take longer. As they get older, they get faster.
Milk Supply & Flow – If your letdown is fast, your baby might get full quicker. If it’s slower, they may nurse longer.
Baby’s Hunger Level – A very hungry baby might eat more quickly, while a sleepy or comfort-seeking baby may linger.
Latch & Positioning – A good latch means efficient feeding. If your baby isn’t latched properly, they might take longer or not get enough milk.
Signs Your Baby Is Getting Enough
Instead of watching the clock like a hawk, focus on your baby’s cues. Here’s what you want to see:
✅ Content after feeding – A baby who has had enough will usually unlatch on their own and seem satisfied. They might fall asleep or look calm and relaxed. If your baby is still fussy or rooting around for more right after feeding, it could be a sign they didn’t get enough.
✅ Good diaper output – One of the best indicators that your baby is getting enough milk is the number of wet diapers they have. You should be seeing at least 6-8 wet diapers a day. Also, their stools should change from the sticky meconium to mustard-colored poops as they feed more. (Though don’t worry if the frequency of poops varies, especially after the first few weeks.)
✅ Steady weight gain – If your baby is gaining weight steadily, it’s a great sign they are feeding well. Most newborns lose a little weight initially (which is totally normal), but they should regain it by around 2 weeks old and then continue to gain. Your pediatrician will check this regularly, but keep an eye on your baby’s growth—it’s a clear indicator of whether they’re getting enough milk.
When to Worry About Breastfeeding Duration
While every baby feeds differently, there are some situations where the length of a breastfeeding session might indicate a potential issue. Instead of solely focusing on time, it’s important to observe your baby’s behavior, weight gain, and overall feeding patterns. Here’s when you might want to take a closer look:
1. Nursing Sessions Consistently Last Over an Hour
If your baby regularly takes more than an hour to nurse and still seems unsatisfied, it could mean:
They have a shallow latch, making it harder to extract milk efficiently.
Your milk supply or let-down reflex may be slower, requiring extra effort from your baby.
They’re using breastfeeding more for comfort rather than feeding (which is fine sometimes, but excessive sessions may indicate an issue).
If this happens frequently, it may be worth working with a lactation consultant to check your baby’s latch and ensure efficient milk transfer.
2. Very Short Nursing Sessions (Under 5 Minutes Regularly)
Some babies are super-efficient eaters, but if your baby consistently nurses for only a few minutes and isn’t gaining weight properly, it may mean:
They’re not getting to the hindmilk, which is richer in fats and calories.
They may have a weaker suck, leading to less effective milk extraction.
Your let-down might be so fast that they get overwhelmed and stop too soon.
If your baby seems hungry soon after nursing or isn’t gaining weight well, you may want to check in with your pediatrician or a lactation consultant.
3. Baby Falls Asleep Too Quickly at the Breast
Newborns are notorious for drifting off mid-feed, especially in those early weeks when everything feels exhausting for them. However, if your baby constantly falls asleep within minutes of latching and isn’t waking to finish their feed, it could be a sign that they:
Need gentle stimulation (tickling their feet, stroking their cheek) to stay awake long enough to feed properly.
May not be getting enough milk, leading to lower energy and sleepiness due to hunger.
Could have jaundice or another medical issue making them extra drowsy—if you suspect this, definitely check with your pediatrician.
4. Baby Seems Fussy or Frustrated at the Breast
If your baby is pulling away, fussing, or constantly latching and unlatching, it could mean:
A fast let-down, making the flow too overwhelming.
A slow let-down, causing frustration while waiting for milk.
Gas or reflux issues, making feeding uncomfortable.
Sometimes adjusting your nursing position, burping more frequently, or hand-expressing a little milk before latching can help make things smoother.
Breastfeeding isn’t one-size-fits-all. Whether your baby is a quick sipper or a likes to take their time, the key is making sure they’re happy, full, and growing well. So, try not to stress too much about the timing—just enjoy those sweet, snuggly moments (even at 2 a.m.). And remember, no matter how long or short your sessions are, you’re doing an amazing job!