Growth Spurts of a Breastfeeding BabyIs your breastfeeding baby nursing all the time? It may just be another one of their growth spurts!
What are Growth Spurts?They are a very normal part of development in a baby’s life. A new, inexperienced mother may wonder why her baby is more fussy than usual or why she needs to nurse more often. A spurt is simply when the baby’s body grows more rapidly than normal.In fact, your child will experience growth spurts all throughout his childhood. Your baby, however, will have these spurts more often because babies grow more rapidly than children or adolescence. When Do They Occur?Your baby will most likely experience a growth spurt a few days after birth, one to three weeks, six to eight weeks, three months, six months and between seven and nine months. Each baby, however, is different and there is no rule that state when a baby will go through a spurt. They may come more randomly...and often do!When a baby is growing, he may be more fussy than usual. He may wake several times at night to nurse and he will be nursing more during the day. Don’t worry if your infant wants to breastfeed more often than usual. He’s is getting what he needs. Babies hunger increases during a spurt. Chances are you are producing enough milk for him and by nursing more often, you are signaling your body to produce more! If your baby is gaining enough weight, has five to six very wet diapers a day and is having regular bowel movements, chances are good that your baby is getting enough milk. However, if your child does not seem to be gaining weight or keeps a dry diaper for unusually long periods of time, make a visit to your pediatrician to assure all is well with your child. How Long Do They LastThey usually last 24 to 48 hours. However, they can sometimes take as long as a week to run their course. During your child’s growth spurt, increase your water intake and breastfeed on demand. This will assist you in producing enough milk. After a growing spurt babies have been known to sleep more for a couple days, you will feel fuller for a day or two, baby may have more wet diapers than normal, and he will calm down at the breast. "How Do I Handle This?"The best way to handle your baby’s growing spurt is to just relax and listen to your baby’s cues. He will tell you when he needs to nurse and you will be able to tell by his weight gain and number of wet diapers if he is getting the nourishment he needs.Don’t let this be a stressful time for you. Rather, enjoy your baby and taking these opportunities to enjoy and bond with your child. Where Do You Want to Go Next?Want more tips for moms-to-be in our How to Breastfeed page? ...or want to see our breastfeeding ...or visit our Nursing Necklace and Teething Bling Shop? ....or to see our latest finds in our ....or see where you can find the
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