Many mothers are concerned about how much milk their baby is getting. Do not worry if your baby is feeding a lot. It's normal for newborn babies to feed very often.
There is no need to time your baby's feeds. But a newborn baby will usually breastfeed for about 10 to 40 minutes every 1.5 to 3 hours. This is because your baby’s tummy is tiny and breast milk is easily digested.
Supply and demand
Breastfeeding works on a supply and demand system. The more your baby drinks, the more milk you will produce. Unless your baby is very sleepy or ill and not feeding enough, you can trust your baby to know what they need.
Your baby will let you know when they are getting hungry, and also when they are full. Watch your baby, not the clock. Look for those early signs that it's time to attach your baby to the breast.
Responding to your baby's cues
Signs that your baby is full
After a good feed (20 to 40 minutes of active breastfeeding), your baby will usually either:
- detach themselves from your breast
- fall asleep at your breast
Your baby is learning what being full feels like. They are unlikely to overfeed.
How to tell if your newborn is getting enough breast milk
Timing breastfeeds
There is no need to time how long your baby feeds at each breast. Allow your baby to stay on the first breast for as long as they are feeding. Then take a break, wind your baby if needed and offer the second breast. Many babies can wind themselves while in laid-back or upright breastfeeding positions.
Some babies only take 1 breast per feed. Not all will need feeding from the second breast. If the last feed was short, go back to the first breast.
Weight gain
Some people worry that their breastfed baby will put on too much weight. But their growth is normal for them. Breastfed babies often become slim when they start to crawl, walk and run.
Weight gain in breastfed babies
How breastfeeding can help to prevent obesity
Leaking breasts (oversupply)
If your baby is feeding very often, your breasts may produce more milk than your baby needs.
Signs of an oversupply in your baby are:
- painful wind or 'gas'
- explosive green frothy poos
- struggling to control milk flow
- an uncomfortable tummy most of the time
If you feel your baby is feeding all the time and you're worried, talk to your midwife, PHN or lactation nurse or midwife.
Getting support
There are lots of ways you can get support.
Non-urgent advice: Talk to your GP, PHN or lactation nurse or midwife if:
- you are concerned about your milk supply
- you're concerned about your baby’s weight gain
- you have pain when breastfeeding
For help with any breastfeeding problems, contact a:
- midwife
- PHN
- lactation nurse or midwife
- online breastfeeding expert
- breastfeeding support group