Medical Questions & Answers

Question: Is it necessary to feed the child at both breasts? How long should a feed last?
Whether or not both breasts must be emptied while feeding, will depend on the child’s hunger and the amount of milk. If the milk is flowing adequately, the child may be satisfied with a feed from just one breast. If not, the child may wish to continue sucking and appears to ask for more. It should be put to the other breast immediately. A child is usually satisfied after 10 minutes at each breast. Some babies seem to suck greedily and quickly swallow the milk like little gluttons. Their hunger is appeased in less than 10 minutes.
If, even after feeding for 20-25 minutes, the child appears dissatisfied and hungry or continues to make sucking sounds or cries at being parted from the nipple, you may presume that lactation is inadequate. Do not be tempted to start on top milk in such a case. Rather, increase the frequency of breast feeds. The frequency of sucking and the periodic emptying of breasts facilitate the flow of milk. Instead of keeping the child for a long time at the breast and giving widely spaced feeds, reduce the interval between the feeds, making them shorter and more frequent. This serves the dual purpose of fulfilling the child and increasing the flow of milk.

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