When to detach?

Question

I’m a FTM and I’m having trouble determining when my little guy is still getting milk or just sucking to sooth. I worry I leave him on for too long sometimes. Any tips?

Answer

My lactation consultant gave me an invaluable tip that I pass on to anyone who nurses. When you think baby is done eating lift his or her arm, if it's stiff and he pulls it back down he is still eating. If babies arm is limp then they are done. It's that simple! I was nursing for 45min, the lactation nurse said no no no, that's way too long!! Then she gave me the tip, did it with me while I was there and nursing. Pretty neat 😊

Answer

In addition to the arm suggestion, another one is to look at the bottom of their ears. If they’re sucking for milk their jaw muscles will wiggle their earlobes. If they’re just sucking for comfort they’re earlobes won’t move.

Answer

My baby gets off by himself, sometimes when he goes a min or two w out sucking , i take him off. Or if he's wide awake & he just has my nipple on his mouth , looking around & smiling , i know he's done nursing lol.

Answer

I read that it is comforting for the baby to leave him latched on and not remove him. I’d let my baby feed for as long as they like, even if they are just using my breast as comfort.

When to detach?

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