Can you starve your baby while breast-feeding?

Question

My daughter is 5 months old and doesn't nurse for a very long time on each side. Maybe 5 minutes on each tops. I am always so afraid that she isn't getting enough. Someone once told me that you know your baby is eating well is if she takes each side a min. of 10 minutes. So I am afraid that shes not getting enough and isnt going to gain the proper weight she needs. Or worse... be failure to thrive.. Does anyone have any suggestions?? And is it possible to starve your child not meaning too??

Answer 1

as long as she has at least one p**p and 6-8 wet diapers a day, and she's gaining consistently, then there's no need to worry. Also consider how often you feed her. if she's only eating 5 min. on watch side, and you're not feeding her every hour or two, you might want to consider increasing the amount of times that you nurse her, so you'll worry less about how much she's getting. But you should know that each baby is different, and each mommy is different. so what might take the average baby 10 min. to consume will only take your baby 5 min.

Answer 2

As long as she is peeing after each feeding and has normal bowl movements, I wouldn't worry about it.  If her weight is also within range, don't worry.  You can request a scale from your local hospital, doctor or lactation consultant if you have concerns and weigh her after each feeding.  

Answer 3

"How can I tell if my baby is getting enough milk?"

http://www.llli.org/FAQ/enough.html

Take a look at that link, you will probably find your baby is just fine.

So long as your daughter is happy, gaining weight and having plenty of wet and dirty nappies - she is just fine.

Answer 4

Older babies are often very efficient at the breast.  She can easily get what she needs in 5-10 minutes.

If she was starving she would let you know.  She'd act hungry and nurse longer.  She would be fretful.  She would be losing weight and having few wet diapers, and her urine would be dark.

Relax.  If she's happy and healthy, she's doing fine.  

Answer 5

No way!! Stop worrying. If your baby is not losing weight and is happy, she is just fine. All babies and children go through phases of eating alot and not eating much at all. Some babies eat faster, some more often, it all works out in the end. You will definitely know if your baby is unhappy. Trust your motherly instincts you will be right 98% of the time and will never hurt your baby. Babies have built in alarm systems that will not allow them to perish without a fight. It is a really horrible cry that you KNOW something is wrong, that includes extreme hunger! You are going to be a great mom, number one rule, Trust Yourself!! Take care and congrats on your new baby!!

Answer 6

Mine is about 4 months and does the same, actually she eats less then 5min one just one breast, and she is gaining weight and has wet/poopy diapers all the time. But i still get paranoid she isnt getting enough. My mom said i was the same, i never had any problems at all. Every baby is different. Dont feel like your starving her, just feed her what you have when shes hungry. If she is gaining and giving you diapers, your doing just fine :)

Answer 7

NOOO!! Your body will make what it needs! I was just reading about it in the book from LeLeche on nursing..If your baby nurses like that, then she is a get on get off, get the business done kinda gal! If she is growing, and progressing as she should, dont worry about it..You are doing just fine!

Answer 8

you can call your doctor mine has a lactation specialist that can come to my home. the best thing to do is call the doc and let them check the baby and the wieght and to check how your breast feeding. GL

Answer 9

She's just full!!!She will stop when she's full.If you force her to eat,she will just throw it all up.

Answer 10

thats a worry all breast feeding moms have. as long as your producing milk she won't starve. if shes gaining the weight she needs then shes fine. my sister-in-law would only feed hers for about 5 min on one side! it baffeled me, but her daughter is well fed and growing like a weed, so every child/mother combo differs. as long as shes healthy shes getting plenty.

Answer 11

No, some babies get the all the milk they need, in a matter of minutes... 5 minutes on each side, is plenty, for many babies (that's how mine were), and as long as her pediatrician is telling you her weight gain is fine, you shouldn't worry. :)

Answer 12

Hi,dont worry...this just means that she has mastered feeding very well and therefore only takes 5mins,my baby girl is exclusively breastfed also and is 18 weeks old,she takes about 2mins each side(she was born at 8lb 9oz and is now 16lb 13oz) it used to take about an hour to feed her when she was first born...also its not possible to starve her,by 5months your milk supply is working well,and knows what your baby needs,i too worried like crazy at the beggining and still do now if my b***s feel empty but shes always satisfied after a feed so that puts my mind to rest....also alot of people on here help reassure me. just make sure to drink lots and lots of water and you will be just fine..xx