3 month old cutting down feeding time

by Emily F.
(Clarksburg, West Virginia, United States)

My daughter has just turned three months old and started teething a few weeks ago. She doesn't seems to want to feed very long like she used to. She has a pretty powerful set of jaws, so I'm wondering if she is just quick to empty now that she's a little older. I still feel a little milk when she's finished, but she still seems agitated, and when I offer the other side, she still doesn't seem to want to take it. I'm worried that she may not be getting enough, especially the hind milk. This seems to happen more during the day, and it seems like she has a small case of reflux (which her pediatrician just blows off). What could be done about this?

Answer from the Lactation Consultant
Most babies will nurse in 10-15 minutes total once they figure out how to feed effectively. My first daughter finished her feeds in under 8 minutes. My second took about 20 minutes, so the time can vary. As long as she is gaining weight , having good wet/dirty diapers (a minimum of 6 diaper changes per 24 hours) and meeting her developmental milestones, all should be fine.
As long as she is meeting the parameters discussed above then nothing needs to be done. But if she is NOT, then I suggest you meet with your doctor and a lactation consultant to evaluate her for illness and breastfeeding problems.
You mentioned hindmilk. There has been much recent discussion on foremilk/hindmilk. In my personal opinion, the only time I see a “problem” with intake of hindmilk is in the the first 10-14 days when babies sometimes fall asleep after nursing for under 5 minutes and feed non stop for hours on end. This can cause tummy discomfort.
If you have any follow up questions, feel free to submit them as a comment on this thread.
Liz Pevytoe, RN, IBCLC