Short feedings

[argogel]

My son is 4 months old and lately he has been only nursing for about 5 minutes on each side(long enough for the let down and for that to most likely slow down) and then fusses until I switch sides.(he used to nurse 10 mins on each side) About a month ago I had Mastitis in one breast and he seems to fuss more with that side. He is a rather large healthy baby and nurses 4-5 hours. Could I not be producing enough milk or is that all he needs? I have been pumping after each feeding and not much is expressed out, which makes me believe that I am not producing enough. ON the other hand he holds off for 4 hours and is for the most part happy through out those hours. I never had this problem with my 1st child so I am at a lost. Please give me advice or let me know if you had this problem also.

[lismom2]

As long as your lo is gaining weight and hitting milestones, you're probably producing just fine. It's more likely that your little one has become incredibly efficient . Ds would only nurse on one side for approximately 8 minutes. here's a link to Kellymom if you have more questions about supply, etc. It's one of the most accurate and readable sites I've ever been on for BFing. Hugs mama, You're doing great!!!!!
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/supply/enoughmilk-older.html

[Newmom!]

You are probably producing pleanty. I too was unable to pump much after 4-6 mo (like 1/2 an ounce) but after a feeding I could hear the milk sloshing in my baby's belly. Pumping is far less effective than the baby.

Also, most babies get shorter as they get older. In my breastfeeding group a woman was worried that her 6mo old was nursing for only 2 min a side. She weighed the baby before and after nursing on one side, she drank 4oz in that 2 minutes!

Some women just pour out the milk during let down, and as lismom said they also get more efficient. He is probably drinking enough. You should just continue to attend to his cues and keep nursing the way you are (and be happy you have a little more time on your hands :-)

[phoenix316]

I've got really good let down and an efficient baby, too. He's 6 weeks, but only feeds about 5 minutes a side, though he only does one side at a time. I agree that as long a LO is growing and has some content periods of the day, there's nothing to worry about.

[mamasocal]

yup as long as your baby is having 8-10 wet/dirty diapers a day and gaining weight and seems content after all is well