Beyond the First Six Weeks

The term “growth spurt” (also called frequency days) describes times when babies seem to nurse non-stop for a couple of days. It is believed that this is how the baby tells the mother’s body to increase milk production. Babies usually have several “growth spurts” in the first 6 months.  They often occur at 10 days, 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months. But they can occur any time.  After about 48-72 hours of frequent nursing, a baby will return to a more regular routine of nursing, rest and playtime.

As long as your baby is still having the same number of wet and soiled diapers, there is no reason to panic.  It is normal for a baby at around this age to change his nursing pattern. When a baby starts nursing non-stop for a few days it usually means that he is growing. After a few days of frequent nursing, your baby will fall into a new nursing pattern with your recently increased milk supply.  We call these episodes “growth spurts” or “frequency days”.