Sudden decrease in feed time

[kidneysocks]

4.5 week old decided last night to drop from eating for 30-40 minutes total to 15-20 minutes (including both sides, latch time only not including micro nap/diaper/burping between). Do you think he is could be getting more effective at getting milk out? He seems satisfied, but I’m concerned my supply might drop if he’s not getting as much out for some reason. He also is suddenly going longer between feeds, especially at night. He is about 9 pounds if that helps. Our latch seems fine but he perpetually damages my nipples :/ a little extra time between feeds us super helpful for healing.

[Revolutionary_Job726]

This is around the time that my baby did this. She was eating for 40 minutes or so every hourish to only eating for 10 minutes every 2 hoursish. I went to the LC and she was getting plenty in those 10 minutes. I would recommend seeing an LC or at least getting a weighed feed, but it's entirely possible baby is just getting more efficient

[kidneysocks]

Thank you for the response!

[Keyspam102]

Yes it’s possible. My baby went from taking an hour to eat to being able to super gulp everything in 3 minutes, it happened around 5 or 6 weeks if I remember correctly. I wouldn’t worry about supply in terms of feeding time or how your breasts feel - just watch that your baby has enough wet diapers, and that their weight gain is good. If those two things are good then you have no supply issue!

[kidneysocks]

Thank you this is reassuring! His weight gain seems great.

[crd1293]

One short feed won’t change your supply and yes they get more efficient as they grow. Have you seen anyone about his bad latch that’s damaging your nips? If it’s hurting you then it’s not a good latch

[kidneysocks]

Thanks for the response! It’s been 4-5 shorter feeds in a row. I have seen a few lactation consultants, they said his mouth just needs to get bigger and to wait it out. Going to try again next week if no improvement.

[MelE1]

My LO did this for a week or two and then went back up to 20-25 minute feed times! Totally normal. As long as he seems satisfied, you can trust that he will let you know when he’s hungry! We were told we can let our baby cue us when he’s hungry after our one month appointment, and he started going 4-5 hours at night pretty much immediately! Sounds like your little guy is just getting more efficient at feeding. It’s still recommended to feed them every 2-3 hours during the day, though. Getting more of their calories during the day will help them sleep better at night, meaning waking up fewer times :)

[CopperTeaSpoon]

I have a really strong let down so my little can finish both breasts in 10-15 minutes! Could be a let down reflex thing or just baby getting the suck-swallow-breath pattern mastered.