How To Prevent My Baby From Sleeping While Feeding?

Posted on Thu, 19 Dec 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 19 Dec 2013 Answered on

Sat, 4 Jan 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : My baby is 3 weeks old. I have few queries. 1. He feeds for 40-45 mins. After around 25 mins, he starts to sleep but doesnt leave the breast either. Should I stop the suction in 20 mins? 2. Should I feed 10 mins one side and 10 mins other side? 3. Baby sleeps continously for 4-5 hrs in the night. Should I wake him up inbetween and feed?

Answered by Dr. Synthyia Bhagat (37 minutes later)

Brief Answer: relax. Detailed Answer: Hi. Thanks for your query. I understand your concern. Firstly I congratulate you on arrival of new family member. -it takes some times for young infants to regulate their feeding pattern. -normally baby should take feeding for 15 to 20minutes at one time and then again feed after 2 hours during day time. - give feeding from one breast at a time,empty it completely because hind milk is rich in fat and help in gaining weight -it is common for babies to fall asleep while taking feed,wake him by gently tickling on back of ear,sole . - during night time give feed at interval of 4 to 5 hours. Hope I have answered your query,let me know if you have any further question. Wishing your baby good health. God bless....

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Synthyia Bhagat (7 minutes later)

Thanks for your reply. So, should I break the feeding after 20 to 30 mins?because he doesnt leave even after 45 mins sometimes.

Answered by Dr. Synthyia Bhagat (3 minutes later)

Brief Answer: yes Detailed Answer: Thanks for your follow up. Yes feed for 20 to 25 min and stop after that. Burp him properly for 10 to 15 minutes. Hope this helps.let me know if I can help you further. Happy parenting!!!

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar