Mother should breastfeed for how long?

Let your baby become your guide. All babies have their own unique feeding characteristics, so take time to observe your baby's feeding habits and characteristics. Think of the first time breastfeeding as if you were running a marathon. Some babies take up to 45 minutes to feed (although the average time is 20-30 minutes). Therefore, you should not force your baby to stop feeding after 15 minutes of feeding on one side. Wait until your baby seems ready to stop feeding to give the other breast, but don't force your baby.

Ideally, one of your breasts will be fully fed by your baby. However, your breasts are never really exhausted, only temporarily out of milk. This is even more important than the baby suckling from both breasts because only then can you be sure your baby is getting real milk (high-fat milk), not just the first period.

Nipple pain and how long should a mother breastfeed?

Dividing feed time into short intervals (about 5 minutes per breast) and dividing it into repetitions is once believed to prevent nipple pain as it will help your breasts get used to breastfeeding. . However, nipple pain is the result of improper feeding. As long as your feeding position and your baby are correct, there is no need to limit the length of your baby's feeding.

How should you end a nursing period?

The best way to end a feed is to wait until the baby comes out of the nipple. If your baby refuses to let go (some babies often fall asleep while suckling), you know when to end by changing the rhythm of sucking from sucking and swallowing continuously down to suck many times before swallowing. Usually, your baby will sleep after feeding on one side and wake up to suck on the other or go to sleep until the next feeding. Start the next feed with the breast that was not fed the last time or the side that still has plenty of milk. To remember, mark the side that was fed by tightening the bra strap or inserting a pad or tissue inside the bra. The pads will suck up leaking milk from the breast that your baby has not yet fed, and this breast can overflow if the milk is kept too long.

If you still have any questions about breastfeeding, consult your doctor or midwife for prompt advice and help.