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Growth Spurts in Breastfed Babies

31/07/2025 Gynecology

What If You’re Not Running Out of Milk… But Your Baby Is Growing?

Your baby cries, arches their back, latches and unlatches constantly—and you start thinking: “Maybe I’m not making enough milk anymore…”

 

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Before you worry, take a breath. What you might be going through is not a problem… it’s a growth spurt—and it's a normal part of your baby’s development.

Let’s walk through what’s happening during this intense (but temporary) phase, and how you can move through it with confidence, love, and support.

 

 

What Is a Growth Spurt in Babies?

A growth spurt is a period when your baby goes through a noticeable leap in physical or neurological development. It often shows up as sudden changes in their feeding behavior—and yes, they usually want to nurse all. the. time.

What it can look like:

  • Increased fussiness
  • Frequent and unpredictable nursing sessions
  • Baby latches on, then pulls away or cries
  • Shorter naps or more nighttime waking

It might feel like your baby is restless or rejecting the breast, but in reality, they’re sending a powerful biological message to your body: "Make more milk—I'm growing!"

 

 

When Do Growth Spurts Happen?

They can happen anytime, but the most commonly observed ones are around:

  • 3 weeks
  • 6 weeks
  • 3 months
  • And sometimes again around 6 months

Each growth spurt typically lasts between 3 and 7 days, though the 3-month one can be a bit longer.

 

 

Why Does It Feel So Overwhelming?

Because it throws off the routine you were just starting to enjoy.

After the first few weeks, you and your baby probably found a rhythm—then suddenly, everything changes. Your baby seems to nurse non-stop, you feel drained, and you might even start to question your milk supply.

But here’s the truth: If your baby is nursing, you’re producing. That frequent nursing is your baby’s way of adjusting your supply to meet their new needs.

Once the growth spurt passes, your supply rebalances—now perfectly tuned for the next stage of their development.

 

 

Watch for These Normal but Intense Signs

  • Baby wants to nurse every 30–60 minutes
  • Fussiness right after nursing
  • Short, erratic feedings
  • Trouble sleeping or more frequent night waking

These don’t mean something is wrong. They’re temporary signals of growth, not failure.

 

 

When Should You Check with a Professional?

While growth spurts are normal, it’s always a good idea to reach out to your pediatrician or lactation consultant if you notice:

  • Noticeable weight loss
  • Fewer wet diapers
  • Persistent refusal to eat
  • Fever, lethargy, or major behavior changes

Never hesitate to ask for help—you deserve support.

 

 

Tips for Getting Through It

💗 Keep nursing on demand
💤Rest whenever you can—even short naps count
🤱Don’t introduce formula unless medically advised
🤝Lean on your support system (and ask for what you need)
💬Talk to other moms—you're not alone

These intense days can feel endless, but they truly are brief—and incredibly meaningful for your baby’s long-term development and your breastfeeding journey.

 

 

Why This Matters to You—And to Us

At our hospital, we believe breastfeeding is more than nutrition—it’s a bond, a comfort, and a powerful act of love.

We support you not just during birth, but before and after—with certified lactation nurses, one-on-one education, and the compassionate care you and your baby deserve.

Breastfeeding doesn’t have to be perfect to be powerful.

 

 

Preparing for Your Baby?


👉Schedule a tour to our hospital
Because from your chest… a whole universe of love begins. 🌌

 

 

 

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