Tips for increasing length of nursing session

[@llli*squarah]

Hi,
My 11 month old is pretty tiny--we've been doing monthly weight checks since her 9 month check up and went again last night. She's 15 ibs 6 oz and only gained 1 oz (!) this past month. So now everyone is getting a little nervous. He suggested several things including trying to get 3-4 nursing sessions of at least 12 minutes in length per day. So far today the longest we've managed is 2 eight minute sessions (in the middle of the night) and 3 other shorter sessions (2-4 mins.) He's concerned that she's not getting enough of the hind milk. Any tips for keeping a very active & busy baby at the breast for longer? We generally only nurse alone in my quiet bedroom? I'd appreciate any tips!

Thanks!

[@llli*mommal]

Frequency is at least as important as duration, if not more so. It can be really hard to get a distractable older baby to stay on the breast for a long time, especially because many older babies get all their needs met in a very short time. A 5 minute nursing session may be all your baby needs in order to drain the breast.

Diaper output is your best friend in terms of evaluating milk intake- if she's wetting enough she's likely getting enough. Poop frequency doesn't tell you as much since there's such a wide range of normal at 11 months, but poop color is still somewhat informative. If her poops have a yellowish undertone then she's likely getting plenty of hindmilk. But if she's eating a lot of solids, and you're using disposables, you might not see that yellow undertone. (It's something I see with my 8 month old primarily when I wash out a poopy cloth dipe.)

Tips for increasing milk intake:
- Nurse in a quiet, low-stimulation environment
- Nurse before offering solids (breastmilk is more calorie-dense than most solids)
- Offer to nurse as often as possible
- Try using breast compressions

ETA: Even though your LO is on the small side, I'm not sure I'd be concerned. She's small but still on the charts, and it's very normal for breastfed babies to gain weight rapidly during their first 6 months and then gain much more slowly in their second 6 months. Once a baby becomes mobile, calories often go into reaching/rolling/crawling instead of being packed on as fat, so many babies slide down the charts as they become more active. As long as your baby continues to grow in height and head circumference and master developmental milestones at a normal pace, I wouldn't worry even if her weight doesn't increase much.

[@llli*LLLKaren]

Nursing more frequently is a good idea. She may get more milk in short, frequent sessions than in longer sessions spaced further apart.

Sometimes babies can be kept interested for longer by switch nursing. That's where you nurse on one side until baby is no longer actively sucking and swallowing, then you take her off and switch to the other side. When she starts to slow down again, switch her back to the first side. Keep going as long as the baby is willing.

Breast compressions might also help. Compress your breast back away from the nipple, close to your chest. Firmly, but not so that it hurts. That helps the milk flow a little faster and longer. If you can, rotate your hand around so that you can compress again putting pressure on a different part of the breast. Some babies actually figure how to do this themselves!

Oh, I just noticed mommal included a link with detailed info on breast compressions. Excellent! Definitely check that out.

[@llli*chickennoodlemom]

Keep "nursing only" toys on hand that are small enough for your LO to hold with one hand. Switch them out as baby becomes bored.

Wear long necklaces for baby to play with. I've made nursing necklaces out of strong fishing line and tons of random buttons and beads. Just don't let baby put them in her mouth, of course.

I'm going to actually try something new, too, and I'll let you know if it works: a light-up fishing bobber on a cord. They're not too bright so as to harm baby's eyes. Might keep her attention in a darkened room. We'll see.

I struggle with this same problem, BTW. My baby's eight months, and my other DD did the same. It's very frustrating, for sure! I can only nurse in one room in a certain chair. I can't NIP or even in the car! She is too distracted.