Recommended Length of Time to Breastfeed

Breastfeeding your baby for the first year of her life is rewarding for you and your little one. Although it may take a bit for the two of you get the hang of the procedure, youll be providing vital nutrients for her growing body and both of you will be sharing an invaluable bonding experience. The American Academy of Pediatrics has set some general breastfeeding guidelines, but ultimately the length, frequency and duration is unique to you and your baby.

Hunger and Satiety

Instead of relying solely on a rigid breastfeeding schedule, the AAP recommends breastfeeding on demand. You will notice your baby hunger cues and satiety. When its time to eat, the AAP states that she will look more alert; start sucking on her fingers or hands; make smacking sounds with her mouth; or squirm, kick or start rooting. Crying comes after these early hunger signs. When she has had enough to eat, she may fall asleep, pull away from the breast or simply look content. Babies actually regulate their own length of feeding pretty well.

Frequency

At the beginning, you may feel like your baby is eating all the time. Breastfed newborns are hungry more often than bottle-fed newborns and older babies. They will eat every two to three hours or eight to 12 times every 24 hours. As a baby gets older, the time between feedings is farther apart, closer to every three to four hours or six to eight feedings a day.

Duration

The length of time per feeding will vary. For the first month, each feeding may take 20 to 45 minutes, as youre both getting used to the process and she may have a hard time latching on or staying awake. You must switch breasts during the feeding and alternate which breast you offer first. If you are worried about your baby eating enough, the AAP points out that your baby gets 90 percent of her nutrition within the first 10 minutes on each breast. As she gets older, feedings will take around 15 to 20 minutes. During growth spurts, you may notice that she eats longer and more frequently.

When to Stop

The AAP advocates breastfeeding as the only source of food for the first six months of life. Somewhere around the six-month mark, you will start introducing solid foods into her diet, in addition to breast milk. The AAP also recommends continuing to breastfeed until her first birthday. After that, the choice is up to you. Keep in mind that your baby will get increasingly distracted and active as time goes on. Teeth also start to come in by her first birthday, so be mindful that she may clamp down and this can be painful for mom.