How Often and How Long?

[bmcneal]

How often and for how long should a ten month old nurse? Right now, he nurses 3 or 4 times a day for anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes total. It really doesn't seem like enough to me, but I'm not sure.

[PatioGardener]

Does that count night-time nursings too? Do you co-sleep? Are you together during the day?

Before a year, nursing before offering solid foods is usually recommended. 3-4 times in 24 hours doesn't seem like enough to me either.

[sparklefairy]

IME, that age can be a "low point" for breastfeeding frequency. Many babies are just becoming mobile; there are lots of developmental things going on which result in many babies just being too "busy" to slow down and nurse. Many mothers will see this as a sign that babies are ready to wean. Many babies will "demand" to nurse more frequently in the next few weeks.

Co-sleeping, co-bathing, and simply offering more often may encourage more nursing.

Some of the suggestions for a nursing strike might be useful: http://www.kellymom.com/bf/concerns/...to-breast.html

[Katie T]

I agree it doesnt sound like enough. But I wanted to add to let him nurse as long as he wants on each side. Maybe offer the breast more often if you dont already I think sometimes at that age they are just so busy they forget to ask. I also second the breastfeeding before offering solids.

[Super~Single~Mama]

definitely offer more. How much is he nursing at night? He may be catching up at night if he's not nursing much during the day.