Hello!

My daughter is nearly 8 months and she is breastfed as well as being on solids. I have noticed, however, that she is only feeding for a maximum of 8 minutes, and sometimes it is hard to keep her on for more than 4. I know that they get more efficient as they get older, and she is producing the requisite amount of wet and soiled nappies plus generally sleeping well, but I am still a bit concerned as it seems like a really short time. I have tried offering her cooled boiled water between feeds and she will have a few sips but otherwise isn’t hugely interested in it. Has anyone else had the same thing (not feeding for very long)? Should I be worried?


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  • As babies get more experience breastfeeding, they become more efficient and take less time to eat. Older babies may take five to 10 minutes, or less, on each side. Short nursing sessions are normal – and perfectly fine unless your baby is having trouble gaining weight.
    When you feel she feeds shorter because she gets distracted, you may want to try a calmer room.
    You may also find she feeds shorter during the day, but longer in the evening and first thing in the morning.


  • Yep my bub did the same at this age. The novelty of being able to explore on their own and investigate everything seems to trump their need to feed but they wont starve themselves. It’ll pass and they’ll be back to demanding feeds round the clock in no time. I found feeding in a quiet darkened room sometimes helped


  • Sounds like she might be self weening. If she’s not hungry and still producing enough wet and soiled nappies and still gaining weight, you shouldn’t have too much to worry about


  • See a doctor if you’re worried… ButI think she just knows what she needs.


  • I wouldn’t worry if she is happy and healthy. I never timed my daughter but 8 minutes sounds like a fair time to be honest, she would feed longer but she was a boobsleeper and always fell asleep feeding.


  • would she still feed frequently though? she must be getting enough if shes happy


  • are you demand feeding? Maybe she just gets on for a quick top up lol. They get easily distracted at this age and become more aware that things are happening around them. I suggest taking her somewhere quiet with little distractions so she might just feed properly.


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