How long should you breastfeed? It's one of the most common questions new mums ask. The honest answer is that it depends on you and your baby. There is no single right answer. But there are some helpful guidelines that can make the decision clearer.
How Long Each Feed Should Take
Newborns feed slowly and frequently. A typical session can last anywhere from 10 to 45 minutes. As your baby gets older and stronger, feeds usually become shorter and more efficient.
A few things affect feed length:
- Your milk letdown speed
- How hungry your baby is
- Whether your baby is comfort nursing or feeding for nutrition
- Growth spurts, which can make feeds longer and more frequent
Let your baby finish one breast fully before offering the other. This ensures they get the higher-fat hindmilk, not just the watery foremilk at the start.
How Often Newborns Feed
Newborns typically feed 8 to 12 times in 24 hours. That works out to roughly every 2 to 3 hours. This is normal and necessary. Frequent feeding helps establish your milk supply in the early weeks.
By around 3 months, many babies settle into a more predictable routine. Feeds may drop to 6 to 8 times per day. Every baby is different, so follow your baby's hunger cues rather than watching the clock too closely.
How to Track Which Side You Fed On Last
In the fog of early parenthood, it is incredibly easy to forget which breast you fed from last. Starting on the same side repeatedly can lead to uneven supply or discomfort.
A simple solution is a feeding tracker bracelet. The NursElet Baby Nursing Breastfeeding Band Bracelet sits on your wrist and slides across to remind you which side to start on next. No app needed. No mental load. Just a quick glance.
How Long Should You Breastfeed Overall
Health organisations including the World Health Organisation and the Australian Breastfeeding Association recommend:
- Exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months
- Continuing breastfeeding alongside solid foods until at least 12 months
- Breastfeeding beyond 12 months for as long as both mum and baby want to continue
These are guidelines, not rules. Some mums breastfeed for a few weeks. Others go well past two years. Both are valid. What matters most is that feeding works for your family.
When Mums Commonly Stop Breastfeeding
There are a few common points when mums choose to wean:
- Returning to work, usually around 4 to 6 months in Australia
- When the baby starts solids at around 6 months
- Around 12 months when cow's milk becomes an option
- When the baby self-weans, which often happens gradually between 1 and 3 years
Weaning does not need to happen all at once. Dropping one feed at a time over several weeks is gentler on your supply and more comfortable for your body.
What If Breastfeeding Is Difficult
Breastfeeding can be hard, especially in the first few weeks. Sore nipples, latching issues, and low supply concerns are very common. This does not mean you are doing it wrong.
Reaching out early makes a big difference. Australian resources that can help include:
- The Australian Breastfeeding Association helpline: 1800 686 268
- Your midwife or maternal child health nurse
- A certified lactation consultant (IBCLC)
Getting support early can often resolve issues that feel overwhelming in the moment.
The Bottom Line
There is no magic number for how long you should breastfeed. Feed for as long as it works for you and your baby. Focus on responsive feeding, look after yourself, and use simple tools to take the guesswork out of your routine. The NursElet Breastfeeding Band Bracelet is one small thing that makes the day-to-day a little easier.
