How long should a 4 month old feed on each side? My DD feeds for literally only a few minutes each side, I'd be lucky to make it to 5 mins on each side. When she sleeps through and I have more milk, she then has a bigger feed and definately does over 5 mins per side. I'm just wondering if a few mins is enough for her? She seems to be full and sleeps well. She demand feeds every 2 hrs during the day with longer stretches at night.
I worry about my supply, I have always felt like I dont have enough for her. I stopped taking motilium for a week and noticed a huge difference, I never seemed to feel full. I started back on it today as I was so, so low. Some nights if she is whingey and seems hungry I offer her a bottle of formula (hopeless at expressing). I have also started offering her raffertys purees once a day which she gobbles down. Her last weight gain was almost 400g in 3 weeks which was good. Rambling now, but feel like I'm starting to lose a bit of confidence once again...
Also wanted to add that her nappies seem much heavier these days even on days when she hasnt had a bottle.
sounds like she's getting enough- she's probably become more efficient in her sucking and getting more in a shorter time. It took until 7 months for my DS to work that one out- you should be proud of her! If she's sleeping well and wetting nappies and putting on weight, sounds like you two have it sorted!
I was a bit worried about the same thing, DS started zooming through feeds a few weeks ago, especially when we were out or when we had people over! Apparently both boobs and babies get better at it as we go along So a 4 month old is totally capable of draining a breast in a few minutes.
Some babies can get really efficient at getting milk from the boob and it sounds like E is one of those. I have a friend who has 3 children and she said with her first two she could sit and read several chapters of a book while they fed and with her last baby she was lucky to read one page before he'd finished. I'm sure she is getting plenty otherwise she'd be letting you know about it for sure.
I'll echo everyone else - sounds like she's just very efficient at draining the breast. It was around 5 months that my boobs stopped feeling full, they did feel heavy, but not full anymore, I think it all just settled really. It was a little strange because I was used to feeling full close to feed times, but then I realised that my boobs must know what they were doing and the milk was still there. You're doing a fantastic job!
My DS has been a quick, effective feeder from birth (he averaged 10-15mins all up, longer feeds were 20-30mins). He's 3.5 months now and is finished in about 5mins (and he will only take one side), although he can feed a little longer overnight. I figure he must be getting enough as he is happy & content, demand feeds 3-4 hourly (he was going 2 hourly but he has stretched it in the last couple of weeks), and is putting on weight really well. If he weren't getting enough, I'm sure he'd be letting me know!
So your DD sounds like a totally normal effective feeder. If she weren't getting enough & wanted more, I'm sure she would be letting you know
Mine were both very quick feeders. By a few months old A was only having one side at a time and 5 minutes was a long feed. Don't worry if your breasts aren't feeling as full now too - you supply will be settling down to make the amount that E is having xx
Thanks so much ladies! I just worry as she is a small little thing. She did gain a great amount at her last weigh in, but I think that had to do with the introduction to solids and a bottle at bedtime? Trying not to rely on the bottle though.
My DD is a really quick feeder as well. She feeds for about 5 minutes and it's rare for her to have both sides. She usually just has one side. I generally never get the really full feeling anymore, but there always seems to be enough milk for her there. I've been a little worried the last week or so because my (still breastfeeding) toddler has been wanting to feed constantly, and I was worried that he would take too much from my DD. But so far they both seem to be getting enough.
Our bodies are amazing and even without getting the full feeling you'd be amazed how much can be in those wonderful breasts
Thanks Mylitta. Good to know you are in the same boat, especially seeing as your bub is the exact same age as mine! We must be doing something right!? hehe
MadB - No not really high calorie, just a bit of farex and apple puree?
BellyBelly Member
4 month old short feeds, getting enough??
So a 4 month old is totally capable of draining a breast in a few minutes.
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