How long does a newborn eat??

Question

My LO is barely 48 hours old, we just got home from the hospital today. In the beginning she was eating for long, long spurts. Maybe just using me as a pacifier, idk 🤷🏻‍♀️ but now she will wake to eat, nurse for about 15 minutes and then fall back asleep and REFUSE to open her mouth again even if I try to wake her. I’ve read that 20-45 minutes is normal. So are her 15 minute feedings not enough????

Answer

I had this issue and saw a lactation consultant. My son would fall asleep all the time and they said to strip him to just a diaper to help. You can also wipe them down with a diaper wipe to wake them up. Or change them once they fall asleep to wake them back up. 
If it’s a concern I’d see a lactation consultant. They were incredible helpful!

Answer

I was told to strip baby down, try to make them cold or stimulate them. It never worked with my stubborn girl! So she would just feed more frequently for less length. As long as baby is gaining appropriately, don’t stress!

Answer

They are just very sleepy at that age. I’d feed about 15 minutes on one side, change his diaper, and then switch sides and feed for 15 minutes. Then he would be full enough to sleep for a while. You kinda have to try to keep them awake because they need to eat.

Answer

Same advice was given to me when you notice they’re gonna fall asleep do something to stimulate them to keep eating. What mainly worked for us was nursing in just a diaper and the wipe.

Answer

Don't panic about the timings as they can vary from 5-60min. As long as enough wet diapers and sufficient weight gain, then all's fine; some babies are more efficient feeders.

How long does a newborn eat??

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