Expert: ruth kraft - 11/9/2009

Question
hello
my baby is 12 weeks old and im breastfeeding her exclusively but she only has milk fr 5 to 10 mins and just leaves it as if shes content but at times she gets hungry after half an hr and at other times she doesnt demand to b fed for 2 hours.Im unable to understand what might cause this and i find myself uncertain as to when id have to rush and start feeding her again.
thankyou

Answer
Babies usually get most of what they need in the first few minutes of nursing. after that it is more like topping off . Nursing on demand is usually the best way to go to ensure she gets as much as she needs as you can never over feed her. However, at three months, if you are doing something, and need to take a minute before you nurse her she will thrive well still. Sometimes, they arent just nursing to get food. they are also nursing for comfort. and their need for comfort is just as strong as their need for food. It sounds very normal to me, so you don't have to worry. If she is having wet diapers, she is getting enough . ( 6-8 a day ) the rest is up to her system. Letting her eat when she wants is the best way to stimulate good eating habits later :)

good luck :)