Growth spurt day...

Once in 5 to 8 days, the newborn or early infant may demand more feeding than usual. That day is called 'growth spurt day'. For example, if the baby has been feeding every 2 to 3 hours for 10 to 15 minutes on each side; on the growth spurt day, the baby may demand feeds every hour for several minutes. The baby may not sleep well too.

Mothers often attribute frequent feeding on growth spurt days to their low milk supply and resort to formula milk. Some may even think that the baby has colic or some other issue. Usually, when babies have discomfort or pain, like in colic; they don't feed well (Exactly opposite to what they do on a growth spurt day!)

Growth spurt day is a normal phenomenon in early infancy. Babies grow more on that day than other days. For example, a new born who gains 20 to 30 grams per day regularly may gain 40 to 50 grams on growth spurt day. Nutritional requirement of the baby is more on that day and hence the baby feeds more.

What to do about extra feeding on growth spurt days?

An exclusive breastfeeding baby must continue with breastfeeding only. Formula milk must not be introduced. The mother can eat more and drink more water; and take more rest time to cope with increased feeding requirement. Sleep is very important to improve milk supply. Family members, including husband, must cooperate with the mother and reduce stress. Any form of stress reduces milk supply. Infact, frequent demands of feeding itself may cause stress to the mother. Baby may be rocked, held in laps and calmed more, to give gap between two feeds; so that the mother is able to cope and increase her milk supply.

In case the baby is taking formula feeds also (along with breast feeds); then along with the above measures explained, formula milk may be increased, but with good effort to give more breast milk.

The crux of management on a growth spurt day is to reduce stress on the mother.