My son used to nurse 30-40 min early on and stayed at 30 min up until 7 mo or so. Since then it seems like he is getting quicker and quicker and will only nurse for about 8-15 min a feeding, now. I have heard that babies become quicker in getting what they need over time. Is this true? Has anyone else experienced this?
Babies do get more efficient at getting all the milk in a shorter time. I had that experience with both of my boys. Don't worry. It's totally normal.
Dear T.,
I'm sure your son is just fine. The older and more active babies get, the less time they need to hold still to nurse. At 9 months your baby is likely having some foods also which makes them less inclined to nurse for long periods of time. My son loved food and still nursed until he was 15 months.
Both my kids were quick nursers. 20 min a most. Not only did that time dwindle, but by thier first birthday, both were kind of done with nursing. They were busy doing other things and were interested in all the new finger foods.
T.,
Yep! As I recall, both of my girls did that. They get so smart about nursing and we have no idea how much they are actually pulling out of us. Just be sure to hydrate yourself well and eat like crazy and enjoy! Oh, and if he is eating solids, he will do this even more. Mine just nursed until 18 mos. and both are super healthy, growing girls who'll end up bigger than me!
T.
My daughter got to the point where she could empy one breast in about 6 minutes! I think it's totally normal as the baby gets stronger, and as your body gets used to letting down milk. If he seems satisfied and isn't fussy afterward, I think he's just getting more efficient.
HTH,
L.
Both of mine did this...it's all good!
Hi T. -
I have heard the same thing. In my experience so far, my baby has always been a quick eater. She used to do just about 10 mins on one side, and less than 5 on the other. As she has gotten bigger, she now does 10 mins on each side, but that's pretty much it. She is growing well, so 10 mins each side is all she needs. I only share that b/c I think it's not unreasonable that your son feeds "quickly." As long as he doesn't seem to be any fussier and is still wetting diapers as usual, I wouldn't worry about it.
That is totally normal. My son is now 7 months old and he only nurses about 5-7 minutes on each side now.
I think he should be most likely getting most of his njutrition from finger foods and baby food by now.
Yes, that is what happened with my babies. They got so efficient at gulping it down that eventually it only took 5-10 minutes (or less) for each feeding. Besides that they were very interested in playing and exploring--who wants to sit eating longer than necessary when there's playing to be done. If he seems full and happy, lasts until the next feeding time (3-4 hours), and is still growing, then count yourself blessed. :)
Infants become more efficient at breast-feeding over time. While my son progressed similar to yours, my daughter is even more efficient. She used to take about 20 minutes early on and now, at 10 months, it's 5 mins/side, if that. Yet she takes in at least 6 to 8 oz per feeding. It is mind-boggling at times.
