Expert: ruth kraft - 11/6/2009

Question
I am the mother of a beautiful 4 month old baby girl and I figured that by NOW I would have a better idea if she is getting enough during feedings. She eats every 3 hours now but sometimes she doesn't seem to eat as well as others and most of the time she only eats for about 10-15 minutes. She has 6-8 wet diapers a day and doesn't seem terribly tired or fussy. Should I try spacing out her feedings more? Is she getting enough to eat in such a quick amount of time? Should I worry that my being a vegetarian is affecting her nursing or the "quality" of the milk I am producing for her? Or am I just being a typical overly worried new mom?

Thanks for your help/advice!

Answer
Hello :) Yes, your a typical over worried mother :) Most babies get all the milk they need in the first 4-7 minutes of nursing!  if they don't get enough one feeding, they will make up for it later so you don't need to worry :)  as long as she is having wet diapers every day, you know she is getting enough!  yeah for you!!!  4 months is far longer than many nurse, so be proud of yourself. Just follow her lead and nurse as long as is comfortable for both of you :)