"Growth spurts", or periods of increased nursing, commonly occur at around 10 days to 3 weeks of age, 6 weeks of age, 3 months of age, and 6 months of age, although deviations from these time periods are normal as well. During these times your baby may demand to feed more often than he has previously, maybe as often as every hour. He may seem fussy and less content after feedings than he has in days before. This increase in the number of feedings is baby's way of increasing your milk supply to meet his needs. This is not the time to supplement or adhere to a strict schedule as your breasts need the extra stimulation in order to "boost up" your supply. Simply allow your baby the extra time at the breast that he needs. In a few days when he has increased your supply, he will return to his previous nursing pattern.

Last revision: December 31, 1998

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