Growth Spurt in Babies

What is growth spurt?

Why does my baby want to feed so often suddenly?

Why is my baby hungry all the time?

 

My baby is 3 weeks old. She used to breastfeed every 2-3 hours, but now she has suddenly started feeding every half an hour to one hour. I am finding it difficult to cope. Is my supply diminishing?

 

No, your milk supply is not diminishing. If anything, it is increasing to cope with the increased demand. Your baby baby is going through a growth spurt.

 

What is a Growth Spurt?

A “Growth Spurt” is a phase of growing up in babies. Babies go through several growth spurts during the first year. So, if you notice that your baby suddenly looks grown up and outgrows her clothes overnight, it is not just your imagination. Baby needs extra nutrition to grow and that is why the demand for feeds increase.

 

Growth spurt in babies

How often do growth spurts happen?

Babies go through several growth spurts during the first year.

Although growth spurts can happen anytime during the first year, they usually take place around three weeks, six weeks, three months, six months and nine months. This may vary a little from baby to baby.

 

My baby wants to feed so often. I am worried, she is not getting enough.

It may appear as if baby is not getting enough during a growth spurt, but she is. Your breasts cope with the increased demand by producing more milk. This is how the breast milk supply works.

You feed more often during growth spurts since the demand is more, breasts get stimulated more often and thus start producing more milk.

Growth spurts usually last 2-4 days. If your baby goes on demand more feeds for more days and is constantly fussy, consult your doctor.

Read more on How to know if your baby is getting enough breastmilk?

 

 

Should I supplement with formula during growth spurts?

No. It may appear that you are not producing enough milk since baby cries for feed ever so often, but this increased demand stimulates the breasts to produce more milk to meet the demand. Supplementing with formula will only cause less breast stimulation thus actually reducing the milk supply.

 

How long does the growth spurt last?

Growth spurts in babies may be tiring and frustrating, but remember that they are essential and temporary. They usually last only 2-4 days and your baby will settle back to her usual pattern of feeding and sleeping once the spurt is over.

 

I am exhausted. How can I cope with this phase of growth spurt?

Growth spurts can be exhausting for breastfeeding mothers. It is important to take good care of yourself especially during growth spurts. Take lots of rest and have healthy meals and lots of water to stay hydrated. Remember that it will be over soon and your baby will soon be bigger and stronger.



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2 Replies to “Growth Spurt in Babies”

  1. megha gopan says:

    Can growth spurts occur some days after the birth of the baby also?My baby needed continuous feeding may be with just half an hour gap.It actually made me feel that my supply is not enough!

    Reply
  2. Priya Sachan says:

    Yes, growth spurts typically happen around three weeks, six weeks, three months, six months and nine months and last 3-4 days.

    Reply

Leave a Reply to Priya Sachan Cancel reply