https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Mon, 06 Apr 2026 00:42:55 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/breast-feeding-is-hard#post-2881415 Fri, 19 Apr 2019 10:46:26 +0000 mediagirl 2881415@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Umbreon: my baby typically only eats on one side and for only 10 minutes. It was really stressful for me because my first baby would eat for 20 minutes, on each side when she was a newborn! It turned out I had a lot more milk this time and she was getting satisfied on one side. I did a lot of weighing at the doctors office and they were happy with her weight gain, so it worked out okay in the end. </p> <p>I'm glad to see thing are going well! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/breast-feeding-is-hard#post-2881369 Thu, 18 Apr 2019 20:57:04 +0000 misolee 2881369@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Chiming in to day all 3 of mine were EBF and they also ate less than 10 min. They were efficient once they got hang of it and I also suspected that it was coming out too fast for them at one point. Trust your instinct! You’re doing a great job :happy: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/breast-feeding-is-hard#post-2881351 Thu, 18 Apr 2019 16:38:14 +0000 Autumnmama79 2881351@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Umbreon: Well done mama!!! Keep up the excellent effort :grin: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/breast-feeding-is-hard#post-2881188 Wed, 17 Apr 2019 18:26:34 +0000 SweetCaroline 2881188@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Umbreon: yay! Great news. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/breast-feeding-is-hard#post-2881186 Wed, 17 Apr 2019 18:09:06 +0000 LadyDi 2881186@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Umbreon: great news! Glad you’re feeling less stressed! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/breast-feeding-is-hard#post-2881184 Wed, 17 Apr 2019 18:04:17 +0000 Umbreon 2881184@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I thought I'd give an update! He has been eating better, it ranges from 5-10 min each breast (he usually takes both) every 2 - 3 hours.<br /> We had his first appt today and hes 1 lb over his birth weight!</p> <p>I feel so much better. Thanks to everyone who helped reassure me and gave me advice!</p> <p>I feel like we are getting the hang of things! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/breast-feeding-is-hard#post-2880578 Fri, 12 Apr 2019 11:27:33 +0000 Autumnmama79 2880578@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Umbreon: Yesterday sounds good! He's being a bit more wakeful during the day. And even 8 mins in the middle of the night is something. I hope today is another good one for you! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/breast-feeding-is-hard#post-2880548 Fri, 12 Apr 2019 09:18:29 +0000 Umbreon 2880548@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thank you so much for all the feedback and advice! </p> <p>Yesterday was much better. He was feeding 10 min on one side and 8 min on the other, on average. He was also showing hunger signs earlier than 3 hours so I would feed him. He still doesn't cry, but he will start sucking his fist. </p> <p>Last night was tougher. Once he is in his deep sleep it is SO hard to wake him. He takes the breast right away but falls asleep after 8 min. </p> <p>We will see how things go today though. I feel better now that we are seeing some improvement! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/breast-feeding-is-hard#post-2880536 Fri, 12 Apr 2019 08:36:09 +0000 jennlin821 2880536@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>When DD was about 3 weeks old, I called the lactation consultant because she ate very quickly and only on one side. I was scared she wasn't getting enough! The consultant told me that the internet says 30 min or longer is normal, but babies can become very efficient eaters very quickly. DD typically took only 10 min to eat. </p> <p>If baby is only eating on one breast, I recommend trying to find some kind of tracking to remember which breast. I would become so engorged on one side because I wasn't switching each feed :) I think I finally put a paper clip or hair clip or something on my bra strap, so that I would remember which side to use next time! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/breast-feeding-is-hard#post-2880322 Wed, 10 Apr 2019 19:59:48 +0000 periwinklebee 2880322@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It sounds like he is just efficient, which is amazing! Maybe consider buying a baby scale for peace of mind so you can track weight outside of the weight checks... It's tough but will get easier! We had a horrible time for the first few months but I'm still breastfeeding now at 15 mos and it's awesome. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/breast-feeding-is-hard#post-2880313 Wed, 10 Apr 2019 19:07:42 +0000 erinbaderin 2880313@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Some babies are just efficient eaters! With my first son it took 40-60 minutes every time to feed him. It was brutal. My second was, like yours, done in 10-15 minutes. If he’s peeing, pooping, and gaining weight he’s doing great. Congratulations on your new baby!</p> <p>Oh, that being said, you’re right - breastfeeding is SO hard! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/breast-feeding-is-hard#post-2880278 Wed, 10 Apr 2019 16:34:43 +0000 bees_knees 2880278@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think if he’s having enough poop/pee diapers and isn’t fussy, he is getting enough! If he’s gaining weight, I wouldn’t even supplement (unless you want to...but know that this could mess with your overall supply, should you ever intend to EBF in the future) All 3 of mine were power nursers and would nurse &lt;10 min on one side only. I would always offer the other side, but they would never want it. So I’d walk around lopsided all the time :silly: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/breast-feeding-is-hard#post-2880261 Wed, 10 Apr 2019 14:25:43 +0000 Autumnmama79 2880261@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Umbreon: Sounds like you're doing an awesome job mama! I would continue offering every 1.5 - 2 hours to get him interested. He's gaining and having good diapers so I think you're in good shape. Its so hard, keep up the great work. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/breast-feeding-is-hard#post-2880259 Wed, 10 Apr 2019 14:18:45 +0000 Petitduck 2880259@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>You’re only going to know if he’s getting enough based on his output (pee and poo) and weight gain. When is his next weight check?</p> <p>I didn’t have little babies, but they both were very quick nursers right from the beginning. I would try to get them to eat longer and they wouldn’t. 10 minutes per side tops right at the beginning. And in a few months it was 5-7 minutes. They gained weight quickly and steadily for the first 4 months.</p> <p>So maybe your kid is just quick and efficient. The uncertainty is hard.</p> <p>I also bought a baby/ toddler scale with my second for my own peace of mind. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/breast-feeding-is-hard#post-2880256 Wed, 10 Apr 2019 14:09:22 +0000 kiddosc 2880256@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Umbreon: They really want baby to gain back to their birth weight by 10-14 days... so the fact that he was only 2 ounces off and is only 6 days old sounds like you're doing fantastic. It really really sounds like you're doing well. I would just offer the breast frequently but wouldn't worry about trying to supplement with the bottle. At that age, and with such a small baby, he's not eating much at each feeding anyway. </p> [attach=1439/19/pprejm.506x600.NewbornStomach-size.jpg] https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/breast-feeding-is-hard#post-2880252 Wed, 10 Apr 2019 14:03:22 +0000 Umbreon 2880252@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsBucky: well that is reassuring!! I qmnhoping he will be at a good weight next appointment and I can stop worrying. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/breast-feeding-is-hard#post-2880251 Wed, 10 Apr 2019 14:03:12 +0000 DillonLion 2880251@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Umbreon: Maybe push back and be like "I'm glad you aren't worried, but I'd still like to set up an appt for a weighed feed. Is that possible?" </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/breast-feeding-is-hard#post-2880249 Wed, 10 Apr 2019 14:01:26 +0000 Umbreon 2880249@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@graceandjoy: thank you! We have started changing him between sides too. </p> <p>@Autumnmama79: I have noticed that after an hour after the initial 10 minutes, he might take the second breast for another 5 minutes. But he usually just falls right to sleep after that time. Last night he woke up at the 2 hour mark, fussing a but and was sucking his fist so I fed him then. I thought that was a good sign that maybe he is starting to recognize hunger if he is awake. But maybe I should be trying to feed him more frequently even if he isnt fussy. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/breast-feeding-is-hard#post-2880247 Wed, 10 Apr 2019 14:00:11 +0000 MrsBucky 2880247@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Umbreon: nope. She still eats for about 5 minutes each feeding. 🤷🏻‍♀️ She keeps gaining on a totally fine curve (small but above 10%) so I don’t worry about it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/breast-feeding-is-hard#post-2880243 Wed, 10 Apr 2019 13:56:16 +0000 Umbreon 2880243@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Kemma: usually he takes about 20 cc (sorry dont know the oz). We were supplementing with more before my milk came in. Now we are honestly just guessing how much to give him...</p> <p>@DillonLion: yes, we have talked to three different consultants and they all said it sounds like we are doing fine. The last nurse said the fact he was awake and alert, not sleeping all the time or fussing, sounded like he was happy and his needs were being met. She convinced me another home visit wasnt necessary as long as he was peeing and pooping enough. That was a few days ago and there is no change in his behaviour... I am just a worrier I guess. </p> <p>@MrsBucky: that makes me feel better! Did she eventually just start eating more on her own? </p> <p>@LadyDi: maybe we should get a scale just to ease my mind! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/breast-feeding-is-hard#post-2880241 Wed, 10 Apr 2019 13:53:55 +0000 Autumnmama79 2880241@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Umbreon: Since he's so little could you try waking him to feed more frequently? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/breast-feeding-is-hard#post-2880240 Wed, 10 Apr 2019 13:52:02 +0000 graceandjoy 2880240@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>BF is super hard! And I know it's just endless worrying and anxiety! It's so hard to tell with newborn feeding. I also think as long as he meets his pee diaper quota, and is gaining weight at every check up, you don't have to worry! Newborns are so sleepy; I've had to strip mine naked, blow on them, tickle them etc to wake them up. A lot of times I will change diaper in between boobs to get them to really wake up a little. Trust that your LO is eating enough! As long as your latch is good, you can see/hear swallowing, you are probably fine! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/breast-feeding-is-hard#post-2880236 Wed, 10 Apr 2019 13:32:59 +0000 LadyDi 2880236@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Umbreon: I agree with what others have said, some babies are very efficient eaters! I would try not to stress about the length of time the baby is feeding and focus on his weight gain and output. You can also get a scale and weigh at home too. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/breast-feeding-is-hard#post-2880234 Wed, 10 Apr 2019 13:29:52 +0000 MrsBucky 2880234@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It is hard and everything is so nerve wrecking when they are tiny. Some babies are just efficient! My 6lb 1 oz baby’s never ate both sides and she finished in 5-7 minutes and was done no matter what I did. She was gaining though and happy so I tried to trust that. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/breast-feeding-is-hard#post-2880233 Wed, 10 Apr 2019 13:23:31 +0000 DillonLion 2880233@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Do you have lactation consultants or nurses that you can make an appt with at your hospital? They can do a weighted feed where they weigh him before feeding and immediately after to see how much he's taking in. It might ease your worries! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/breast-feeding-is-hard#post-2880232 Wed, 10 Apr 2019 13:19:05 +0000 Kemma 2880232@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>How many ounces are you supplementing with? Some babies are just more efficient feeders so if he’s gaining well, his latch is comfortable for you and his output is good then I wouldn’t stress! Just let baby have free and uninterrupted access to the breast and feed him as often and for as long as he’d like.</p> <p>Congratulations on your wee babe! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/breast-feeding-is-hard#post-2880231 Wed, 10 Apr 2019 13:14:26 +0000 Umbreon 2880231@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Autumnmama79: when he only does 10 min we have been giving him the bottle, but in general he feeds every 2.5-3 hours.</p> <p>If he takes the second breast and does 15 total, we havent been feeding extra. And maybe we should be?? But he doesnt seem eager for the bottle either but it's easier to "force it" in his mouth and he may drink it then. </p> <p>@LadyDi: sometimes he is awake, eyes open, etc. He just clamps his mouth shut and won't open. </p> <p>The 10 min he does feed for he take long sucks and swallows frequently so I know hes getting something. </p> <p>Is it because he is small? He hasn't quite gotten back up to 5 pounds yet ( as of last weight check a few days ago). I think he was around 4 lbs 14 oz. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/breast-feeding-is-hard#post-2880230 Wed, 10 Apr 2019 13:12:35 +0000 kiddosc 2880230@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Both of my kids were very sleepy newborns for the first month... like we wondered why everyone said the newborn stage was so hard. None of this sounds out of the ordinary. </p> <p>I really agree with @LadyDi: try to keep him awake by tickling him or undressing him, but if he's satisfied, gaining weight, and peeing/pooping it sounds like you're doing a great job. Also, little poops definitely count. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/breast-feeding-is-hard#post-2880226 Wed, 10 Apr 2019 12:58:57 +0000 Autumnmama79 2880226@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Umbreon: How frequently is he feeding for the 10 minutes? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/breast-feeding-is-hard#post-2880225 Wed, 10 Apr 2019 12:58:18 +0000 LadyDi 2880225@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Breastfeeding is definitely hard! Try to keep him awake by tickling his feet as he eats or I would blow on my son's ear or face or tickle under his chin to keep him awake and eating. Neither of my son's every ate for very long though. Otherwise though it sounds like you are doing a great job. If you're worried you can call your dr and go in for a weight check before your appointment next week. If he's peeing and gaining weight and not fussy it sounds like everything is ok. It's really hard when you can't tell exactly how much they are eating. </p>