Re: Question for breastfeeders...what do you do when the baby NEVER comes off the breast?

DS was always a slow nurser. As a newborn, he nursed for 45-60 minutes. At almost 11 months, he still nurses for about 25 minutes. I'd pull him off when it seemed he was sucking more for comfort than food. I'd usually put a pacifier in since he just wanted to suck. If he got upset, I'd put him back on. Try to listen for swallowing sounds. If you hear them, you know he's getting milk and not just using you for comfort.

Re: Question for breastfeeders...what do you do when the baby NEVER comes off the breast?

Re: Question for breastfeeders...what do you do when the baby NEVER comes off the breast?

if it hurts on one side, you might have thrush...eek! ask your lactation consultant to check you for that. slings work wonders i've heard. i lived with my daughter super glued to my boobs 24/7. it was not fun at night when i tried to sleep and she wanted to be on my boob. after a while i gave into co-sleeping and kicked DH out of the room, but that's something you might be able to look into. good luck and remember- if bf'ing sucks, you're doing it the right way. haha just kidding, but it feels like that alot!

Re: Question for breastfeeders...what do you do when the baby NEVER comes off the breast?

I have no advice, just wanted to offer my support.

Re: Question for breastfeeders...what do you do when the baby NEVER comes off the breast?

There was some great advice offered on this thread and some I don't necessarily agree with. All babies are different and some just NEED to be on the breast longer. I would never recommend limiting feedings. Try offering a paci, but if he refuses or gets fussy, put him back on the breast. To truly be successful at breastfeeding, the baby needs to be on the breast as often as he needs to be- ESPECIALLY in the very beginning. As long as there are plenty of wet and dirty diapers, he's getting enough.

I'll share my experience: my first, Madelyn, was a very fast efficient nurser. She'd drain one breast in less than 3-4 minutes and be satisfied for about 3 hours at a time. Eliza on the other hand was camped out on my breast for the first 5 months of her life. She ate every 2 hours on the dot. My LC just figured she was a big eater. She was and still is. She gained 3.5 pounds her first month and at 1 year weighs the same as her big sister. She's a 90th percentile kid while my first is a 10th percentile kid.

I promise you, it DOES get easier.