When does breastfeeding become faster?

[Mrs P]

DS is coming up to 11 weeks old now and still can take at least an hour to breastfeed - that's both sides. And sometimes he will spend an hour on a side. Not conducive to getting much done throughout the day, especially as he is demand fed pretty much every 3 hours to the minute. It also makes it hard if I need to go out of the house or schedule an appointment. I've been spending most of my mum & baby yoga classes breastfeeding!!

I can't remember with DD when she started getting faster at feeding but I'm sure it didn't take this long with her!
We are using nipple shields as his attachment is poor without them (which led to terribly damaged nipples so I'm not keen on stopping using it). He definitely gets good suction still with the shields. But could that be a reason it takes so long?

[onthefly]

Hi Mrs P, that sounds pretty frustrating.
Have you looked into what was causing your attachment problems? It is quite typical for babies to get quicker by this age - though they are all different - I would start to wonder at this age (and given the attachment issues previously) if there isn't some underlying problem that is making it hard for your baby to feed effectively. It is also possible that the shields themselves are making it a bit harder for him.
What are the feeds like?
How is he going otherwise? Birth issues? Weight/growth? Signs of good milk intake? Health?

[HotI]

Does he feed from one side or two? Swapping sides more often might encourage him to feed more effectively. So, feed right then left then right.

[Mrs P]

Definitely signs of good milk intake - lots of wet nappies, and he's putting weight on. I've had him checked for a tongue tie. Sometimes he does fall asleep on the boob so swapping sides more often might help HotI. But currently he has each side once, alternating which one I start with. I think I'm a bit scared of dropping the shield as the start of our BF journey was so painful for me (scabbed bleeding nipples) that I don't want to end up back there. But maybe I should try some day feeds without the shield and see how he goes. It is easier just to chuck the shield on though!

[glorious]

maybe try the occasional feed with out the shield.. Being sure to go through attachment step by step to get it right. also dont forget he is now bigger and has got the breast feeding thing happening so it is unlikely he will do the same kind of damage, Plus you havent just given birth and you *should feel human again