How can I tell if my baby's finished their breastfeed?

New parents learning to breastfeed often worry about their baby getting enough milk. This makes sense, as the signs your baby is finished can be hard to spot. Unlike bottle feeding, you can’t measure the exact amount of milk your baby is taking at each feed. It’s important to make sure your baby is getting enough milk at each breastfeed, so they get adequate nutrition. Keep in mind that every baby is unique. Some babies may be eager to feed, while others might need a gentle nudge to wake up and have a snack. Some moms produce a lot of breast milk, while others struggle with low supply. Tuning in to your baby's cues is key to working out whether they’ve finished their feed.

Signs your baby is hungry or full

You won't know for sure when your baby's full. Sometimes, you may assume that they are, but then they will get a second wind and want more. Or you may have eased them into their crib after a long feed, or they’ll fall asleep at the breast, only for you to hear them cry after a few minutes. Then they seem to be starving when you nurse again.

All this is quite normal, because there are no rules about how much a baby needs at any given time. Your baby is your best guide to how long to feed. Your baby might give you some signals. They might cry if they're not done, they may keep sucking if you remove them from your breast and then offer it again, or they might grasp around for something more to suck, like their hand or your shoulder (PHAC 2020). Baby might also give you clues that they're full. They might suck but not swallow. They may sigh or seem very relaxed. Or they might drift off to sleep.

Observe your baby and look for their unique signals. Newborn hunger cues include stirring, grunting or crying, moving their arms, an open mouth, yawning or licking, hand to mouth movements, turning their head from side to side, and rooting (SMDHU 2017).

Do feeding patterns change?

Expect lots of changes in baby’s nursing habits. Your baby's appetite will vary from one feed to another, depending on whether they want a quick drink, a snack, or a proper meal (LLLC nd). Their appetite will also change as they grow, go through first colds, teething, and changes to their sleep patterns. You may find that as soon as you figure out their patterns, it all changes. How long to breastfeed a newborn will be different than how long to breastfeed a six-month-old baby.

How long should my baby nurse for?

How long to breastfeed on each side is as unique as your baby. The amount of time baby spends on your breast doesn't dictate how much milk they drink. Some babies are done in five to 10 minutes and others take longer (PHAC 2020). Let your baby finish your first breast. Over the course of the feed from that first breast, your milk will become creamier and richer in fat. If baby's very hungry they'll keep on feeding, to get the richer milk.

When baby first gets on the breast they have quick sucks, but once the milk is let-down, they will have long slow sucks with rest periods. You will also be able to see and hear the baby gulp and swallow. If they stop sucking, suck but don’t swallow, or you take them off and they don't root for more, use this time to take a break.

Sit baby up, or place them looking over your shoulder and rub their back. They may or may not burp. If they seem very sleepy, you could change their diaper to wake them up a bit.

Then offer the second side, which they may or may not take. If they don’t, start next time’s feed with this second, unused side. You could try using a wristband or hair tie on your wrist to remind you which breast needs to be offered first.

Until baby is gaining weight, midwives tend to advise that you feed every 2-3 hours, with one longer stretch of 4-6 hours over a 24-hour period. Once they’re gaining weight then letting your baby set the pace means they'll benefit from having the whole feed, including the fat-rich milk that comes later in the feed, if they want it. You may notice that their sucking pattern changes toward the end of a feed, to more frequent rapid sucks, and just the odd swallow (LLLC nd). The fat-rich milk is thicker, so it takes more work for your baby to suck it along the fine milk ducts.

Taking baby off your breast before they’re finished could mean that they don't get enough of a feed. If you let your baby feed when they want, and for as long as they want, they'll get all they need. The best proof that your baby is getting enough milk is their weight gain (LLLC nd), so be sure to take them to their well-baby visits. Their growth will be tracked on a chart and you can adjust your feeding routine if needed.

If you have any questions or concerns about nursing, speak to a lactation consultant. Your doctor, midwife, or a breastfeeding clinic at a local hospital can help you find one.