- my iParenting
- quick clicks
- babies today articles
- babies today q&a
- toddlers today articles
- toddlers today q&a
- breastfeed.com articles
- breastfeed.com q&a
- community & groups
- research baby names
- prepare a birth plan
- content channels
- ip channel rss feeds
- read birth stories
- read parenting stories
- recommended books
- e-newsletters
- safety recalls
- ip diaries
- ip store
- mom of the month
- dad of the month
- editor's letter
- letters to the editor
From Our Sponsors
- e-newsletters
- Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters
- award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Expert Q&A
 |  |  |
| By Ann Calandro BSN, RNC, IBCLC Lactation Consultant | ||
 |
I was told by the pediatrician in the hospital that I should only allowmynewborn to nurse for a total of 10 minutes out of every 2 hours and then,after a week or two, gradually work up to a total of 30 minutes out ofevery 4 hours. I let my first son nurse as long as he wanted, as often ashe wanted and everything went well. I am not following the pediatrician'sadvice and am feeding my new son the same as the first. What is youropinion on this matter?
I think you are doing the right thing to meet your child's hunger needs.Imagine sitting down to enjoy your meal and someone taking away your food in10 minutes, or 15 minutes! You might not be finished! It surely wouldupset you. Babies are not so different from us. Once in a while, there maybe a baby who would completely finish in 10 minutes, but the majority ofbabies eat more slowly than that. Remember that the breast milk comes incourses: first skim milk, then whole milk, then cream. The cream (dessert)is at the end of the feeding, and there are many calories in the cream, soit is important to allow the baby time to finish the breast.
Babies usuallynurse until the cream satisfies them, and then they are content. It maytake 20 or 30 minutes before the baby signals that he has had enough byreleasing the breast and relaxing. Following ""rules"" for amount, length orfrequency of feedings may cause a myriad of problems such as slow weightgain or decrease in your milk supply. Mothers who follow their instinctsrealize that babies are very smart about letting them know how much and howoften to eat.
Ann Calandro, RNC, IBCLC
Related Expert Q&A
- I'm breastfeeding, and got a fissure from bad positioning. How long until it's healed?
- Is it normal to have sore nipples when breastfeeding?
- Can a 7-month-old be taught to latch on and nurse?
- I am having a difficult time breastfeeding. Can you help?
- I really have tried everything to nurse my daughter, but I'm having severe problems. Do you have any ideas for my situation?
More Answers by this Expert
- My breasts are so large now, I am worried I will smother my baby if I try to breastfeed. Also, will my breasts return to their former size?
- Is it necessary to give multi-vitamin supplements to a breastfed baby? Doesn't Mother's milk provide all the nutrients a baby needs?
- Are there any laws in effect that hinder women from breastfeeding in public?
- What are an employer's legal responsibilities and duties for breastfeeding and/or pumping at work?
- I am pregnant, and my nipples are like a faucet, particularly when I'm sleeping. Is this normal?