How do I respond to: why is my baby breastfeeding for over an hour?

Babies may breastfeed for over an hour due to several reasons such as inefficient milk transfer, growth spurts, or simply for comfort and soothing. It is common for newborns to nurse frequently and for extended periods in order to establish a good milk supply and bond with their mother.

Extensive response

Babies breastfeeding for over an hour can be a common occurrence and can be attributed to various factors such as inefficient milk transfer, growth spurts, and the need for comfort and soothing. Let’s explore these reasons in detail.

1. Inefficient milk transfer: Sometimes, babies may take longer to extract milk from the breast, leading to extended feeding sessions. This can happen if the baby has difficulty latching properly, if the milk flow is slow, or if the baby is learning to coordinate their suckling.

2. Growth spurts: Babies go through periods of rapid growth and development known as growth spurts. During these times, they may increase their feeding frequency and duration to meet their increasing nutritional needs. Breastfeeding for longer stretches helps ensure that the baby gets enough milk to support this growth.

3. Comfort and soothing: Breastfeeding provides more than just nutrition for a baby; it also offers comfort, warmth, and closeness with the mother. Some babies may nurse for extended periods simply for the emotional and physical comfort it brings.

To support this, lactation consultant and author Nancy Mohrbacher explains, “Many mothers feel that their babies are nursing forever at times. Babies comfort and soothe themselves by nursing. Because of this, the duration of breastfeeding sessions can vary greatly.”

Interesting facts about breastfeeding durations:

1. Newborns typically need to feed more frequently, sometimes every 1-3 hours, as they have small stomachs and breast milk is digested quickly.
2. On average, babies consume around 25-35 ounces of breast milk per day during their first month.
3. As babies grow, they may become more efficient at breastfeeding, resulting in shorter feeding sessions.
4. Breastfeeding duration can vary widely between babies and even within the same baby from one feed to another.
5. Extended breastfeeding sessions can help stimulate the mother’s milk supply and contribute to a strong bond between mother and baby.

By understanding the reasons behind extended breastfeeding sessions, parents can gain reassurance that their baby’s behavior is normal and natural. It is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or a lactation consultant if there are concerns about breastfeeding durations.

Here is a simple table offering a brief comparison between the reasons for extended breastfeeding durations:

Remember, every baby is unique, and their breastfeeding patterns may vary. Trust your instincts and seek support if you have any concerns about breastfeeding or your baby’s development.

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Further answers can be found here

The biggest culprit for hour-long nursing sessions? Your baby is likely dozing off. Sure, it might look like he’s still nursing, especially when you see his lips and mouth move. But he could simply be sucking to comfort or soothe himself to sleep instead of eating.

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