Don't know when to stop

[MGardner]

I have a lot of trouble trying to figure out when my baby is done nursing. I give him one side, he sucks for about 5 minutes aggressively and then just starts to suck a little, stop for awhile, suck a little again, I let that go on another 5minutes or so. So then I stop, change his diaper, burp. I try putting him back on, sometimes he sucks, sometimes he fusses. If he fusses I stop. However sometimes I offer teh other breast and when i do this he sucks like crazy again. So I think he empties out the first but still wants to eat. So I don't know what to do. I can't figure out when my breast is empty, I can't figure out if he gets hindmilk, I can't figure out if he is satisfied and if I should offer the other side. This whole thing is a mystery to me and I just want to do the right thing. What should I do? Oh he is 7 weeks old, I thought I would know what to do and how to read him by now?

[Harvey and Theos Mam]

He could be full if he is stopping feeding, but if you are worried that he may still be hungry or you just want to see, then offer him the other breast.

But my guess is, he is full and could just be an efficient eater. My ds eats fast and is done in no time too, he has always been like this. Some babies eat fast and some slow.

[CaedensMama]

I would echo Rian - if he is not wanting to eat and keeps pulling off - try burping and if he doesn't want more he is done. If you concerned about him getting enough, you could try nursing again maybe 15 minutes later and see if he takes some more, but if he is seeming happy and content I would think he is just an efficent little nurser. My son was as well - if he nursed for more then 15 minutes - it was LONG!
You may not necessarily feel more empty after he eats, it depends on the person. I usually don't unless we went a long time and I was really full then I could sometimes feel a difference.
If he seems to be overall happy and is sleeping okay, I would think he is getting all needs, hindmilk and all!

Not sure where you live, but if you have access to a LaLeche League group, they are wonderful and maybe you could go to the group a time or two. They can also help with latch issues and other nursing issues, besides just being a good support for breastfeeding!

Or you can always stop be here!
Hope that helps!

[*Nicola*]

I'd agree with everyone above. 

Ciara was a really efficient eater and would be done in 5 mins.  I'd offer her the other breast but usually 1 was enough for her.  As Jennifer says, if you lo is sleeping and is happy then all seems well.