Most of the growth in normal babies takes place within the first one year of their life. By their first birthdays, babies usually grow up to three times in weight and about 8 to 10 inches in height. The head circumference in babies too, increases the most during the first one year. However, contrary to the common belief, this growth is not a gradual process; sudden growth in babies generally takes place in fits and starts, which is why they are referred to as growth spurts. These growth spurts in babies are an essential part of the growing and developing process and they are also important milestones in the baby's life. It is a good for parents...
...to be aware when their children are going through growth spurts, since the sleeping patterns and nutritional requirement of the baby may increase. It is especially important for nursing mothers to get additional information on the correlation between baby growth spurts and breastfeeding.
There are several behavioral and physical changes that a baby may go through, during a growth spurts. Some of these changes could include an increase in appetite and changes in feeding patterns. Another theory surrounding baby growth spurts and breastfeeding states that at times children could feed for a longer period of time only because they find the nipple soothing. The relation between baby growth spurts and breastfeeding could be a bit confusing for any new mother. Most women who are breastfeeding become concerned that they may not have an adequate milk supply to meet the requirements of a baby going through a growth spurt. They may also mistake the increase in the baby's appetite, for a decrease in the supply of breast milk. However, most baby growth spurts last for around 2 to 3 days or a week at the most, after which the mother's milk supply should be able to satisfy the baby's appetite, like before. See also baby growth chart
Many experts state that baby growth spurts increase lactation in mothers. The more a mother allows the baby to feed during a growth spurt, the more the supply of milk increases. Therefore, during baby growth spurts nursing the baby more frequently and for longer periods of time should stimulate the mammary glands, which increases the flow of milk in the breast. Fortunately, it is easy to find a lot of information on pregnancy, growth spurts and breastfeeding through online resources. However, it is best to consult a doctor, if there are any major problems that result from baby growth spurts and breastfeeding.
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