How long is a newborn supposed to nurse for?

Question

My son is 2 weeks old & I strictly breastfeed but everytime I breastfeed him, it’s only for 10 minutes sometimes a little over 10 minutes, and he doesn’t want anymore, I don’t know if that’s normal because they say it’s supposed to be 20 minutes and up, but he hardly nurses for 20 minutes. He always falls asleep after 10 minutes and doesn’t want anymore.

Answer

I would attempt to tickle his feet and see if that will wake him up. If he is gaining weight appropriately it’s probably okay. My baby never nursed for longer than 10-15 mins. Sometime only 5 mins on each side. I know you hear about babies nursing for 20-30 min but every baby is different.

Answer

I think this also depends on how efficient they are. My son would cluster feed all day & not get much of anything, but my friend would do 10-15 minutes at a time, and her daughter was totally fine.

Answer

Stroke his cheek when he stops. A nurse in the hospital showed me that. Even when my daughter was still asleep it would trigger her sick reflex again.

Answer

After he falls asleep, tickle his cheeks and chin to see if hes still suckling. My LO likes to fall asleep at the boob, but I was told never to force him to unlatch even if he falls asleep

Answer

Don't worry, my baby was the same. She is 3 weeks now and feeding for longer.

How long is a newborn supposed to nurse for?

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