Growth Spurts - All About Breastfeeding - Parent Education Resources - Women’s Services - Medical Services and Programs - Seton

What are growth spurts?

• Growth spurts are periods when a baby suddenly wants to nurse more often because he or she is getting ready to grow a lot. Mothers may worry about whether or not their baby is getting enough milk during these periods because the baby seems to want to nurse all the time. Growth spurts only last a day or two, just long enough for the baby to build up your milk supply to meet his growing needs.
• The first growth spurt usually occurs when baby is 10 to 14 days old. This is also the time you notice that your breasts seem softer and not as full as they did at first. This is normal, so don't think you are losing your milk, the baby is just making sure you make even more! Resist the temptation to offer formula because you will make less milk and your body will not get the necessary signal to make more. Future growth spurts typically happen at four to six weeks, three months, and six months of age, but may happen at any time your baby is ready to grow.

What should be done?

• Feed baby more often. Frequent nursing makes more milk than longer feedings. For example, 20 to 30 minutes of nursing every two hours will make more milk than longer, less frequent feedings.
• Avoid giving formula. If you feed formula instead of nursing, your body does not get the necessary signal to make more milk and you may make less milk.
• Remain patient. It will only take a day or two of nursing more often to increase your milk supply to meet your baby's needs.
• Solid foods are not recommended until approximately six months of age. Ask your baby's doctorbefore starting any solid foods.

What if I am using a breast pump?

• If you have been pumping your breasts to provide milk when you are away you may need to do some of the same things listed above to increase your milk during growth spurts. In addition:
• Pump more often (about every two hours). Pump each breast at least 10 to 15 minutes or until the flow slows to drops and breasts are soft. (20 minutes maximum)
• Add breast massage before and during pumping to increase the flow and make more milk.
• Pump both breasts at the same time with a commercial quality electric rental pump. Pumping both breasts at the same time (as if you were nursing twins) will help you make more milk than pumping one breast at a time. Use of a commercial quality electric pump is the most effective way to increase your milk when you are not able to put your baby to breast.

How can I be sure my baby is getting enough?

• You can feel reassured if:
• baby is wetting at least six diapers a day
• baby is having at least three soft, golden yellow colored dirty diapers a day (in the first six weeks)
• baby is gaining weight ( should be four to seven ounces a week in the first six weeks)

Remember:

• The more often and effectively the baby nurses, the more milk there will be. Your baby is the best judge of when he needs to eat.