I think my milk supply dropped! My son is almost three weeks old and he is acting hungry even after I just fed him. He is more fussy and isn’t sleeping as well. Could I be drying up?
Welcome to a growth spurt! Given your baby’s age and behaviors, this sounds exactly like what is happening. Think back—you may have even noticed that he did the same thing around one week of age when your mature milk came in full swing (there can be a mini growth spurt at this time).
Growth Spurt 101
Growth spurts are a normal and necessary part of your baby’s development. Understanding that they indicate healthy growth can help ease any worries you may have about your baby or breastfeeding.
During growth spurts babies need more calories to fuel their rapid growth. They get those extra calories by cluster feeding—grouping several feedings close together.
It's important to note that not all moms recognize every growth spurt. If you are used to feeding your baby very often, they can go unnoticed.
When to Expect Growth Spurts
Though growth spurts can happen at different times, the average ages when they occur are:
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- 2-3 weeks
- 6 weeks
- 3 months
- 6 months
There may also be another growth spurt around 9 months, but by that time, babies are usually receiving complementary foods, so it may go unnoticed.
If your baby was born prematurely, growth spurts will likely occur based on their adjusted age.
Growth spurts typically last about 2-4 days and then baby's normal feeding pattern resumes.
Baby's Behavior
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- Fussy: More difficult to soothe, appearing irritable and cranky.
- Hungry: Needing to breastfeed more frequently and for longer durations.
- Clingy: Wanting to be close to you and crying when set down.
- More or Less Sleepy: Experiencing disrupted sleep patterns.
Helping Baby Cope
Just like growing pains in older kids, growth spurts can be painful for babies, and breastfeeding can help soothe these aches and pains. Spend more time skin-to-skin, and offer your breast more, even during the night, following his cues.
How Moms May Feel
Many moms worry during growth spurts that they are not making enough milk for their babies, but this is often not the case. Keeping track of your baby's wet and dirty diapers can assure you that he is getting enough milk. One important thing to note is that during growth spurts, babies may have fewer dirty diapers, as they are using most of the breast milk for growth and may not produce as much waste.
Breasts may feel lighter, softer, and emptier. Remember, empty breasts refill quickly!
Growth spurts are tiring for moms! Ask for help from family and friends so you can focus on nurturing your baby through this growth spurt.
Moms may even experience mixed emotions as they notice their little baby growing out of their clothes, gaining weight, and getting taller.
Milk Supply
You might notice that your milk supply increases during growth spurts, but this boost is temporary and is meant to support your baby during this rapid growth. Once his normal feeding pattern resumes, your milk supply will even out. It does not need to keep increasing, as it is becoming more fat, calorie, and nutrient-dense. Click here for more information on the average intake of a breastfed baby.
If your baby seems frustrated at the breast, try massaging before and during the feeding to increase milk flow. Breast compressions can also help increase how much milk he gets while nursing.
Avoid the Formula Boobie-Trap
It's important to know that your baby is not starving during a growth spurt. Supplementing with formula is unnecessary, but many moms find themselves falling into the formula boobie-trap during growth spurts. Unfortunately, it can become a vicious cycle that is hard to break.
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- Mom doubts her milk supply
- Gives baby some formula
- Baby's tummy is overfull
- Baby sleeps longer
- Baby nurses less
- Mom produces less milk
- Repeat
Exclusively Pumping Moms
If you are exclusively pumping breast milk for your baby, continue to pump consistently, even during the night. You may need to add a few pumping sessions to your daily routine when you suspect a growth spurt is coming on. Increasing skin-to-skin time with your baby is great for your milk supply, as it stimulates milk-making hormones.
Growth spurts can seem tiring at the time, but remind yourself that they only last a few days! You can do it!
SOURCE: https://wicbreastfeeding.fns.usda.gov/cluster-feeding-and-growth-spurts