How long should a newborn typically stay on each breast during the first feeding?

During the first feeding, it is recommended that a newborn stays on each breast for about 15-20 minutes. This duration allows the baby to initiate breastfeeding effectively, promoting proper latch and ensuring they receive adequate colostrum, which is crucial for their initial nutrition. Staying on the breast for this length of time facilitates the baby’s ability to suck efficiently, stimulating milk production for future feedings as well.

Furthermore, this time frame assists in allowing the baby to fully empty the breast of colostrum, which is rich in antibodies and vital for the newborn’s immune system. It also encourages bonding between the mother and newborn through skin-to-skin contact. In contrast, shorter durations may not be sufficient for the baby to obtain all the nutritional benefits of the initial milk, and longer durations may lead to fatigue for both mother and baby, particularly if the baby is not actively sucking. Therefore, aiming for around 15-20 minutes per breast aligns with the best practices for neonatal feeding.