Hungry Babies and Growth Spurts

If you've managed to get your baby into a reasonable routine and feeding schedule, it's just typical that as soon as you are starting to enjoy doing a few things other than feeding, your baby suddenly wants to nurse every hour! Two steps forward, one step back and you're right back to those early days with your newborn wondering if your baby is getting enough milk.

Should I Worry If My Baby Is Feeding More Often?

Don't worry, a sudden increase in the frequency of feeds is unlikely to be due to inadequate milk production. Breastfeeding works by demand and supply; if your baby is feeding more often, you will begin producing more milk. During a growth spurt a baby feeds more frequently in order to stimulate greater milk production from his mother's breasts. Growth spurts happen most commonly between one and three weeks; and another between six and eight weeks. After that, you can expect more at three months, six months, and nine months - although remember that every baby is different so there is often some variation to this pattern. It is important that you allow your baby to feed as much as they want to during these periods, which can be hard on you - but here's the good news: a baby's growth spurts usually only last a few days, so things should return to normal fairly soon.

Signs Of A Growth Spurt

There are two obvious signs that come with a growth spurt: Firstly, it will seem as if your baby wants to eat all the time. Relax, take a deep breath and go with it. The more often you feed your baby, the more you will stimulate your milk supply to keep pace with his growing appetite. It can be hard, you might find that you feel more tired, and it can be tricky managing the unpredictable nature of their feeds. Also, your baby will be up more often at night - unfortunately the increased feeding pattern isn't just for daylight hours! His daytime naps might be affected too.

You are likely to feel more tired during this period, and you may struggle to get enough rest or do anything other than feed your baby. So make sure you drink plenty of water to keep hydrated, ask your partner, family and friends to help for a few days with cooking, cleaning and household chores so that you can concentrate on feeding and catching up on sleep. It really helps to remind yourself that these regular feeds are for a purpose and that a more manageable routine can begin again shortly.

Often women feel that these multiple feeding sessions are a sign that they are not producing enough milk, and they can be tempted to offer their baby formula to supplement the routine feeds. This is actually counterproductive because it means that your body doesn't get the right signals from the increased feeds to produce the extra milk that your baby needs. So if you can manage it don't give up on breastfeeding now. You may worry that he's not getting enough to eat, but don't doubt yourself. Just remember that the extra feeds your baby is demanding will be boosting your milk supply to keep pace with his new feeding requirements.

What To Look For With A Growth Spurt.

If your baby still seems hungrier than normal after a week, check two things - weight gain and nappies. You will be looking for a steady gain in weight and for your baby to have plenty of bowel movements and lots of wet nappies. If these are happening, then he's definitely getting what he needs. Remember that it is important to get your baby weighed regularly throughout their early months as weight gain is one of the important signs of a healthy baby (although it is only an indicator and must not be depended upon as the only means of monitoring a baby, conversely you must also remember that not all babies follow the growth charts perfectly, some variation is normal). Your health visitor will be able to advise you on where your nearest clinic is with baby scales.

Identifying A Problem.

If your baby is continuing to feed around the clock and you aren't seeing adequate weight gain, then it might be that your milk supply isn't increasing in line with what they need. Speak to your health visitor about any concerns over your baby's weight or their feeding. They may advice that you check that your baby is positioned correctly and latched on effectively when feeding. Once you are confident he is taking milk (you will hear gulping or see swallowing movements), make sure he is emptying one breast fully before starting on the next. You will then need to increase the number of times you feed your baby to stimulate your milk production. Remember that there are plenty of breastfeeding advisors available, and they will be able to help you get your breastfeeding back on track.