"How long should I nurse the first time I breastfeed my baby?"

It is recommended that the first feeding be as soon as possible after birth. There is no specific amount of time that a baby should nurse for; every baby is different. Once your baby has latched on properly he/she will feed until he/she has had enough from that breast and then will come off the breast or fall asleep. Then you can burp the baby and offer the other breast. At this first feeding the baby may only suck for a few minutes on each side. Feeding soon after birth also means there will be a nurse close by to help you get started.