Length of feed for 10 week old?

[meliasmom]

Hello everyone.  New to this site, but I have been following BW philosophy as closely as possible...  Question for other breastfeeding moms - my 10 week old is taking about 15-20 minutes to feed for the past few days.  I pumped after I finished feeding today (in an effort to increase my potentially dwindling milk supply), and one side had about an ounce left, and the other nothing.  Up until these past few days, she had been taking 25-30 minutes to feed.  Is this normal?  She still has lots of diapers, and when we went to the doctor on Monday, she's increasing in weight, but (as a first time mom), I'm a little anxious, and thought that you all might have some input.  Thanks in advance for your thoughts!

[woopster]

Hi,
Is she feeding from both sides? How often is she feeding? She will become more efficient at emptying the breast as she gets older/bigger. So it is very likely she is getting all she needs.

Pumping isn't a very good indicator of how much milk you have. A baby is much more able to extract milk than a pump.

Your supply won't dwindle as long as she is feeding regularly. You say she is gaining weight well and has plenty of wet nappies - that's good!

[meliasmom]

Thanks!  She is feeding from both sides, and is feeding every 3 - 3 1/2 hours.  She also seems happy when she's finished, so I guess I'll just keep a (nervous) eye on it, and hope that she'll let me know if there's a problem. 

[woopster]

She is doing fine. 

[Peek-a-boo]

I agree with Woopster!  Try not to watch the clock.  Babies drink more quickly and efficiently as they get older. 

[clh]

Yep. Yep. Yep.  What pp's said!    You honestly watch your baby to make sure they're getting enough.  You look for
1) plenty of wet nappies (check)
2) appropriate weight gain (check)
3) contentment after feeds (check)

I second Woopster's pump advice.  It really doesn't tell you anything except whether you respond to a pump or not.      Baby is much more efficient.  So don't look to it to tell you about how much she is getting.  Also, know that around 3-4 months (give or take a couple of weeks) your boobs get a whole lot more efficient themselves.  They know how much milk your lo needs, so they usually stop producing an over-abundance.  That is NOT your supply going away.  It is *normal.*  Repeat with me:  NORMAL.    Just wanted you to be ready for it so you're not surprised if pumping goes down a bit.  Continue to look at the 3 things above to make sure lo is still getting enough. 

{{hugs}} You're doing fine, hun.