How long??

[MrsSuzNZ]

I have recently realised that my boy is needing both sides. In he book it says up to 20mins for a feed for a 4 month old. I am just wondering is that 10mins each or 20mins each?
Sorry it seems like a really dumb question. 

[kgmf123]

Hello,

If your ds normally takes 20 mins to drain one boob, if you only offered him both boobs for  2 x 10 mins, then the first boob won't be empty. You need to make sure that he drains one boob before offering him the other as it is the hind milk that is the most calorific.
The book is just a guide - all babies are different. My dd drains one boob within 5 mins, she is an efficient feeder.

Sounds like your baby is doing really well!

Kat x

[Samuel's mum]

A 4 month old could finish a side in a short a time as 3-5 minutes or as long as 20. It's important to let him guide you as to feed length. Whatever you do, do not take him off the first side because you have reached a certain time (apologies if that sounds very obvious - but some people do make this mistake). Let him break off naturally (it can take anything from 5 - 20 minutes). If you take him off he may not reach the hindmilk.
You will probably sense when he is about to break off because of the pattern of his swallowing: babies begin with fast flutters to get your supply going, then gulp the foremilk fairly quickly then move to slower more steady swallowing of the hindmilk. It starts to really slow down towards the end. He will then usually break the latch himself. Offer the second side when he seems satisfied by the first (You may still need to wind/bring up gas in between.)
HTH

I posted at the same time as kgmf123 - we seem to agree!

[MrsSuzNZ]

Sorry, dumb question, but how do you know if it's empty? Sometimes I do take him off because it seems like he is only sucking, and ends up hurting after a while. Maybe not latched properly??
Thanks!!! 

[Samuel's mum]

Usually they will just break off naturally when the feed is finished, especially if they are still hungry and want to get to the second side.
Some babies with a high sucking need may carry on sucking for comfort. I think the best thing is to try and familiarise yourself with the sound/sensation of his swallowing. When the swallowing happens the chin will dip slightly as well as there being a swallowing noise. When the swallowing has stopped and his sucking has gone back to be more fluttery then he could be moving to comfort sucking. Don't rush to take him off though.
If you are getting some discomfort after a long period of comfort sucking then I think it's fine to move him. If you are experiencing pain while he is feeding then you may want to speak to someone like a helpline. Do you have other reasons to think his latch might not be great?