How long should maternity patients typically feed a newborn per breast?

The correct response indicates that maternity patients should typically feed a newborn for 15-20 minutes per breast. This time frame is generally considered optimal for allowing the baby to effectively latch and retrieve adequate amounts of breast milk, as well as to stimulate the mother's milk production.

During the first few weeks of life, babies often have frequent feeding sessions, and a duration of 15-20 minutes on each breast allows them to transition through foremilk and hindmilk. Foremilk is the watery milk that is available at the beginning of a feeding, while hindmilk is richer and higher in fat, which is important for the baby's growth and satiety. Feeding the baby for this time also helps to ensure that they are obtaining nutrients and that the mother is adequately stimulated for milk production.

While shorter feeding durations may not allow the baby to fully receive the nutritional benefits of hindmilk, feeding longer than 20 minutes on one breast may lead to issues such as discomfort for the mother or over-stimulation of one breast, causing imbalances in milk supply. This balance makes the 15-20 minute recommendation appropriate for both the baby's needs and the mother's comfort and milk regulation.