How Many Minutes Should a Baby Feed on the Breast?

Babies breastfeed at different speeds.

How Your Body and Your Baby Respond

The amount of time your baby breastfeeds depends on several factors such as the age of your baby and whether you're producing colostrum or actual milk. Many babies snooze while breastfeeding and therefore aren't actually feeding the entire time at the breast. When you begin breastfeeding your breast should feel firm. Once it feels soft again and your baby unlatches by herself you can generally burp her and attempt the other breast.

Approximately 10 to 20 Minutes Per Breast

On average a baby does most of his active feeding within the first 10 to 20 minutes per breast. Active feeding means your baby isn't sleeping or nibbling but actively sucking and gulping. After 10 to 20 minutes at one breast unlatch your baby, burp him, and switch to the other breast for 10 to 20 minutes.

Bottom Line

All babies eat at different speeds. A newborn isn't as skilled at breastfeeding as a six month old. Older babies may be able to drain a breast in as little as five minutes, where a newborn may take 45 minutes to truly get her fill. A baby is generally done eating once she grows lethargic and unlatches, or your breast turns soft. Many experts recommend that a woman pay attention to her body and her baby more than the clock.

References

• KidsHealth: Breastfeeding FAQs: How Much and How Often
• Breastfeeding: Feeding Questions
• ProMoM: Some Brestfeeding Myths
• Sutter Health: How Often to Breastfeed
• ACOG: Breastfeeding Your Baby

Resources

• BabyCenter: How long is my baby supposed to nurse in one sitting?
• Pregnancy: Nursing My newborn. What's Normal?