growth spurt help

RandiRed · #1 (**permalink**) 07-09-2007, 05:01 PM

Mira is 2 1/2 weeks old and when she is awake, all she wants to do is eat. I am assuming this is a growth spurt because its not typical of her. Anyway, last night She was only practically all night from 7pm till about 1ish. Everytime I would take her off (either she was asleep and stopped sucking or she fell off but still had the nipple in her mouth) she would scream like there was no tomorrow, so back on t he breast she would go.

My breasts got so soft and I swear she wasnt getting anything so at 1ish I gave up and gave her a 2 oz bottle of EBM and she gobbled it up and fell right to sleep and stayed asleep for a good 3 1/2 hours.

Sooooo... what can I do to make this easier on me? To help my supply but not make my boobies burst open. Get her to not eat every 1/2 hour? How long will this last? Anything else I should know?

ScorpiosThree · #2 (**permalink**) 07-09-2007, 06:24 PM

Giving her the EBM is not always a great idea because it can keep your breasts from knowing that they need to produce more milk. Having your breasts empty is how the glands know they have to produce more, but I can completely understand why you would want some peace!

Don't worry, this too shall pass. Your breasts will figure out how much milk to make - this is a temporary situation. Even when your breasts are soft there is milk because your breasts are always producing milk so she is getting *something*. It's also a great comfort for her to suck, and it probably makes her feel better while she's going through the growth spurt.

I totally know how you feel. Vivian would never take a paci so she was attached to me constantly, especially when there was a growth spurt going on.

blessedmom · #3 (**permalink**) 07-10-2007, 08:06 AM

At her age I would just nurse whenever she wants to nurse. You are still trying to regulate your supply. For the first 6 weeks it feels like all you do is nurse. It's hard, but so worth it. Keep up the good work momma!

shannj77 · #4 (**permalink**) 07-10-2007, 01:22 PM

Just keep feeding her. That's the only way to increase your supply to meet her needs. It is so tough in the beginning, and especially during growth spurts, but it is so worth it in the end. If you really want to give a bit of EBM so she can get some sleep, I would throw in at least one good 20-30 minute pumping session. Even if you aren't getting much, it will stimulate milk production while she gets some rest. The best way to stimulate production though is to just keep at it. A pump will never be as effective as she is.

I remember those days (especially that first trying month) so well, and it is the part I am least looking forward to when this baby arrives. I cried with him for so many of those feedings out of pain and frustration. Those early days are such a huge adjustment. Good luck, and keep up the good work!!!!

mom2tig99Nroo03 · #5 (**permalink**) 07-10-2007, 04:05 PM

i agree with everything the other 3 posters said..

ykelly1 · #6 (**permalink**) 07-12-2007, 12:23 PM

Like everyone has said, just nurse and nurse and nurse. Before you know it, you and the baby will be in a routine. She might be going through a growth spurt, but more likely it's just that everything is still new to her and she's still learning how to eat. Almost everyone I talked to in the beginning told me to expect nursing non-stop for the first 8-10 weeks.

Scottyjsmom · #7 (**permalink**) 07-13-2007, 01:27 PM

The first 6 weeks are bootcamp. If you get a chance to do anything(including a shower) besides nurse, then you are lucky!!! If your couch/bed doesn't have an indention where you butt has been then you are lucky!