How Long Should a Breastfeeding Session Last?

Welcoming a new baby into the world is an exciting yet often overwhelming experience for any Aussie parent. Among the many questions new mums and dads face, one of the most common is, “How long should a breastfeeding session last?” Understanding breastfeeding session durations can help parents feel more confident in meeting their baby’s needs. It’s important to remember that what works for one baby or mum, may not work for another.

 

How Much Breast Milk Does My Baby Need?

Breastfeeding is not a one-size-fits-all experience, and the duration of nursing sessions can vary greatly depending on several factors. Understanding these influences can help you feel more attuned to your baby’s needs and create a feeding routine that works for both of you.

Factors Influencing Feeding Duration

Age and Development of Your Baby

A newborn’s feeding habits differ significantly from those of an older baby. As your baby grows, their ability to latch, suck, and efficiently extract milk improves, which naturally shortens feeding times. Yes, just like toddlers need to learn how to walk, newborns need to learn how to nurse - it’s a brand new skill for both of you.

Your Baby’s Hunger Levels and Feeding Patterns

A baby’s appetite can vary throughout the day, depending on when they last fed, their activity level, or even whether they’re going through a growth spurt. Hungrier babies may nurse longer, while those needing comfort might nurse briefly.

Individual Sucking Efficiency

Some babies are naturally more efficient feeders, effectively nursing and getting a full feed in a short amount of time. While other newborns may take their time, nursing slowly or pausing frequently to rest. Again, nursing is a skill and your baby will get more effective with age.

• Newborns: Newborns often have frequent and longer sessions, lasting between 20–45 minutes. Newborns have really small stomachs, the size of a marble that later expands to the size of a ping-pong ball, so they can only hold small amounts of milk, and therefore need to be fed every 2–3 hours. 

Additionally, newborns are still mastering the skills of latching and sucking, which makes nursing slower. An interesting study by Dr. Jacqueline Kent from the University of Western Australia indicated that babies between 1 and 3 months old will on average, take 29 - 36 minutes for each breastfeeding session. (1)

• Older Babies: As babies grow, they become more efficient feeders, often nursing for just 5–20 minutes per session. Their stronger sucking skills and larger stomachs allow them to extract more milk in less time, and they may feed less frequently—especially as solid foods are introduced around 6 months.

 

 

How Long Should I Breastfeed My Baby Each Time?

Breastfeeding sessions can vary widely in duration, depending on your baby’s age and feeding habits. Understanding how long a baby typically nurses on each side and recognising signs of hunger or satiety can help ensure your baby is getting the nourishment they need while fostering a successful breastfeeding journey. Remember, some babies may naturally feed quickly, while others prefer to linger for comfort or extra bonding, and that is what makes breastfeeding special and unique for every mum.

How long should a nursing session last?

The length of a nursing session can vary widely depending on your baby’s age, hunger level, and feeding efficiency. Here’s a general guide:

1 Month Old

At this age, babies are still learning to nurse efficiently. They may need more time to get a full feed and might take a break in between or even fall asleep mid-nursing.

• Duration: 20–45 minutes per session.
  
• Tips: Keep your baby awake by gently stroking their cheek or burping them to extend feeding if needed.
  

2 Months Old

By now, babies are getting better at latching and sucking, so they often feed a bit faster. Growth spurts might temporarily increase feeding frequency and duration.

• Duration: 15–30 minutes per session.
  
• Tips: Allow your baby to finish feeding on one breast before offering the other to ensure they get hindmilk.
  
  

3–4 Months Old

Babies at this stage become more efficient and may finish feeding more quickly. They may also get distracted by their surroundings during nursing.

• Duration: 10–20 minutes per session.
  
• Tips: Choose a quiet, calm environment to help your baby focus on feeding.
  
  

5–6 Months Old

By this age, most babies have mastered feeding and can nurse efficiently within a short time. They may also start sleeping longer stretches at night, reducing the need for nighttime feeds.

• Duration: 10–15 minutes per session.
  
• Tips: Look for signs of satiety, such as relaxed hands or pulling away from the breast, to know when your baby is done.
  
  

7–9 Months Old

Babies at this age are highly efficient feeders and may prioritise play or exploration over prolonged feeding. Breastfeeding sessions may become shorter and more spaced out as they start eating solids as well.

• Duration: 5–15 minutes per session.
  
• Tips: Try to maintain a consistent nursing routine to ensure they still get enough breast Milk alongside solid foods.
  
  

10–12 Months Old

Older babies may nurse quickly, primarily for nutrition or comfort. As solids become a larger part of their diet, they may nurse less frequently.

• Duration: 5–10 minutes per session.
  
• Tips: Follow your baby’s lead—breastfeeding at this stage is often more about bonding and meeting emotional needs than fulfilling nutritional requirements.
  
  

What to Watch For Instead of Timing

Rather than focusing on the clock, pay attention to your baby’s cues and signs of effective feeding:

• Start feeding when your baby shows hunger cues like rooting, sucking on hands, or smacking lips.
  
• Let your baby guide you on when to stop feeding. Signs that they are done include self-detaching from the breast or slowing down to the point of no active sucking/swallowing.
  
• Check for satiety. A content, relaxed baby with a full tummy will often look sleepy or calm after nursing.
  
  

When to Seek Help

If sessions consistently take longer than an hour or less than five minutes, or if your baby seems fussy or hungry soon after feeding, it might indicate:

• A latching issue.
  
• Low milk supply or inefficient milk transfer.
  
• A need for more frequent feeds during growth spurts.

In these cases, it’s a good idea to consult a lactation specialist for tailored support.

What Is a Normal Amount of Breast Milk a Mum Should Produce?

Breast milk production varies widely from mum to mum and even from baby to baby. However, there are general guidelines to help you understand what’s considered “normal” breast milk production. It’s important to remember breast milk changes over time to meet your baby’s unique nutritional needs, transitioning through different stages: colostrum, transitional milk, and mature milk. 

The table below outlines the characteristics of these stages, including how much milk is typically produced, how much your baby may consume per feeding, and how often they’ll feed at each stage.

 

 

If you are a mum who is pumping and wondering how to safely store your breast milk for future use, check out our comprehensive guide on breast milk storage: Our Ultimate Guide to Storing Breast Milk For Aussie Mums & Dads.

Factors That Influence Milk Supply

• Baby’s Demand and Mum’s Supply: As your baby nurses more often and effectively, the more milk your body will start to produce.
  
• Hormones: Prolactin (milk production) and oxytocin (milk letdown) levels play a key role.
  
• Health and Nutrition: Adequate hydration, calorie intake, and rest are essential.
  
• Baby’s Efficiency: A strong latch and effective milk transfer signal your body to maintain a healthy supply.

Can You Measure Your Breast Milk Production?

Measuring milk production directly isn’t always necessary, but pumping can give a general idea.

• Most mums can pump 30–90 ml per session per breast if nursing regularly.
  
• Your pump output isn’t always reflective of the total supply, as babies are typically more efficient than pumps.

How to Know If You’re Producing Enough Milk

• Your baby has at least 6–8 wet diapers and 3–4 dirty diapers per day by week 1.
  
• Your baby is gaining weight. Typically regaining birth weight by 10–14 days and gaining 100–200g per week after that.
  
• Your baby seems content after most feedings. Signs of satiety include relaxed hands, fewer hunger cues, and satisfaction.
  
  

Tips for Optimising Breastfeeding Sessions

• Create a calm environment:
  
  • Reduce distractions for the baby.
    
  • Comfortable positioning for both mother and baby.
    
    
• Observe and respond to baby’s hunger cues:
  
  • Early cues (rooting, lip-smacking).
    
  • Late cues (crying).
    
    
• Encourage baby to empty one breast before switching:
  
  • Ensures they get both foremilk and hindmilk.
    
    

When to Seek Guidance About Your Milk Production

Breastfeeding can sometimes come with challenges, and knowing when to seek help is key to ensuring both you and your baby thrive. Consider consulting a lactation specialist if:

• Breastfeeding sessions consistently last over an hour or less than five minutes.
  
• Your baby seems hungry shortly after feeding.
  
• There are concerns about your baby’s weight gain or your milk supply.

Every baby and mother is unique, so individualised advice from a professional can provide tailored solutions and peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I breastfeed?

Newborns typically need to breastfeed 8–12 times per day, or roughly every 2–3 hours. As your baby grows, the frequency of nursing may decrease to 6–8 feedings per day around 4–6 months. Follow your baby’s hunger cues, such as rooting, sucking on hands, or fussiness, rather than relying solely on a rigid schedule.

How do I count the time between feedings?

The time between feedings is counted from the start of one feeding to the start of the next. For example, if you begin a session at 8:00 AM and your baby starts feeding again at 10:00 AM, the time between feedings is 2 hours. Remember, this includes both the feeding session and the time in between.

How long does nursing take?

The duration of nursing sessions varies by age and efficiency. For newborns, sessions can last 20–45 minutes as they learn to nurse. Older babies may only need 5–20 minutes per session as they become more efficient feeders. Always let your baby decide when they are finished, as they will naturally stop when full.

Embracing Your Unique Breastfeeding Journey

Breastfeeding is a deeply personal experience, and there’s no universal standard for how long a session should last. By paying attention to your baby’s cues and their overall health, you can confidently meet their unique needs. If you encounter challenges or have concerns, remember that support is available—trust your instincts and reach out to a lactation specialist for personalised advice.

As you navigate your breastfeeding journey, you might also consider preserving your milk for the future. Freeze-drying your breast milk is a convenient and innovative way to retain its nutrients and make it portable. Learn more about how freeze-drying can benefit you and your baby as you continue this incredible journey together.

Resources

(1) What is the range of ‘normal’ when it comes to breastfeeding?
https://www.medela.com/en/breastfeeding-pumping/lactation-professionals/lactation-articles/breastfeeding/what-is-the-range-of-normal-when-it-comes-to-breastfeeding