Ever feel like your baby is hungry ALL the time! Is your infant becoming a permanent fixture to your breasts? Do you feel like you don’t have enough milk? Are you tired? Do you think, Surely he can’t be hungry again? If so, your baby may be experiencing a developmental  or growth spurt. 

What is a Growth Spurt?

Growth spurts are times when the baby puts on add weight, grows longer, and may even meet a developmental milestone. Babies are more hungry and may be more irritable and fussy and or more ‘clingy’. Fortunately it only lasts for about 48 hours. During a growth spurt the baby may breastfeed more often and longer. Growth spurts are predictable. So stop reaching for the formula bottle or the rice cereal and breastfeed the baby. More breastfeeding equals more supply.

• Two week – This first growth spurt catches many moms by surprise. You have made it through engorgement and now baby is acting hungry. Do I have enough milk? The answer is yes! Your baby is just growing! The journey has begun.
• Three week – Baby is learning to snuggle and lift his/her head. Your baby is enjoying looking at mom or dad. He or she can focus about 10-12 inches, just far enough to see your face. So snuggle into a comfy chair or pillow,  breastfeed and enjoy!
• Six week – Baby is starting to interact and smile. Babies become more social and fun. Baby may have a crying time so look for disengagement cues that baby is ready for a break. You may be going back to work so the temptation is to introduce formula. Keep breastfeeding and/or pumping and supply will increase to feed baby while you are away. 

Three, Six, Nine Is Growing Time

Just prior to a growth spurt, babies may be sleepier than normal. Extra cuddles and breastfeeding is what the baby needs and wants. This is a time to take care of yourself as well. Increase water intake, rest and put the chores on hold. Now is a good time to elicit family help with the laundry! 

• Three month – Baby will swipe at objects, lift his/her head while on his tummy. Baby will also maintain eye contact and follow moving objects. Babies smile at the sound of mom or dad’s voice and they will begin babbling.
• Six month – Baby will ‘find his feet’ and begin to sit up on his/her own. Baby is using a raking motion to grab at toys. How fun!
• Nine month – Let the crawling begin. Baby may even try to pull to stand. Baby may also say ‘mama’ and ‘dada’. Baby may also use hands to ‘wave bye-bye’. 

Encouraging Words for Moms

The journey through growth spurts can have its ups and downs, but be encouraged, your body was made to provide milk for your baby. You can do it.

(sources: Nurse Family Partnership, 2016, http://www.babycentre.co.uk, http://www.healthychildren.org, http://www.momsmakemilk.com, http://www.whattoexpect.com, )