Is my baby getting enough milk?

[hzlntlatte]

My son is 9 weeks old. For the past week and half our feeding time has dramatically decreased from about 15-20 minutes to 5-8 minutes. Currently, after nursing for 5-8 minutes on one breast, he pulls himself away and rests his head against my chest and if I offer him my other breast, he'll suck a few times before pulling away and once again resting his head against my chest. I haven't been keeping count, but it does not stick out in my mind that we've had fewer wet and dirty diapers. We have noticed that, on occasion, he has more greenish looking stools, but the next stool will be yellow, as it should be. Is this really long enough for him to eat and get as much as he needs?

Also, if I try to feed him after an hour of feeding, he'll usually spit up everything he just ate, so I'm assuming his tummy is full and can't hold any more.

We had a checkup last week and he weighed 11 pounds 12 ounces and is right where he needs to be. The Dr. didn't mention any concern about his weight.

Also, he has been fussier at feeding times, pulling himself on and off the breast. I've done some reading into that and I'm not sure if my letdown is too strong or if I just have a super distracted baby.

I do not have an issue with milk supply. I've always had enough.

Thoughts anyone? Is he really getting enough after 5-8 minutes and just on one breast?

[MommaC]

I was told that an efficient baby can empty a breast in 8 minutes. If he's satisfied and gaining weight, he's obviously getting enough. If he doesn't take the other side, you can always pump it. As far as the frequent pulling off goes, yeah your flow could be a bit fast...but might he have gas? Just a thought. If you burp him (get 2 or 3 good ones), will he drink some more?

[eniese]

At about the same age my son went to nursing on just one breast for 5 to 10 minutes. I had a LOT of milk available and it came out fast, so it just didn't take any longer for him to be full. As long as his diapers are looking good and he's not seeming fussy, I wouldn't worry too much. If he's pulling off, especially right after the milk lets down, it may help to take him off for a moment and let the milk flow a little into a burp cloth or towel. I had to do that until my son was about 4 months old because of how strongly I let down (milk could shoot all the way across the room if he pulled off at the right time!). Also, if he consistently only wants one side, don't pump the other side if you can avoid it. Just try to get your body into rhythm with his eating habits. It will be much more comfortable long term. (You might look a little lopsided occasionally).