“My baby was up every hour last night eating. This can’t possibly be normal. I must not be producing enough milk.”

As a postpartum doula, these are common concerns I hear from clients. I reassure them that while this can feel exhausting and alarming, it is usually completely normal.

Most babies go through several growth spurts, sometimes called frequency days, during the first 12 months of life.

During a growth spurt, babies eat more often than usual, sometimes as often as every hour. They may also seem fussier or harder to settle. This is true for both breastfed and bottle-fed babies.

Babies often increase their nursing sessions or bottles when they are working on a new developmental milestone, such as rolling over, crawling, walking, or talking. These big developmental tasks require extra energy, which means more frequent feeding.

When Do Growth Spurts Typically Happen?

Growth spurts are common throughout the first year. While every baby is different, they often occur around:

• 7 to 10 days after birth
• 2 to 3 weeks
• 4 to 6 weeks
• 3 months
• 4 months
• 6 months
• 9 months

Before doubting your ability to nourish your baby, ask yourself whether a growth spurt could be the reason for the increased feeding.

Most growth spurts last 2 to 3 days, though some can last a week or more. Even though it feels intense, this phase is temporary.

Follow your baby’s lead. When babies nurse or feed more frequently, your body responds by increasing milk supply through the natural supply-and-demand process.

If you are breastfeeding, there is usually no need to supplement with formula or expressed milk during a growth spurt. Supplementing can interfere with this natural cycle and prevent your body from getting the signal to make more milk.

If you are nursing, be sure to care for yourself as well. Eat nourishing foods, drink plenty of water, and rest whenever possible.

If you are formula feeding, talk with your pediatrician. You may need to increase the amount or frequency of feeds during this time.

Growth spurts can be stressful for both baby and parent. Try to stay grounded and remember that this stage is temporary. Your baby is growing, learning, and doing exactly what they are supposed to do.

Interested in learning more about newborn growth spurts and taking care of baby? Take our Bringing Home Baby class at your own pace online!

This post is written by Anna Rodney, owner and founder Birth & Baby University and Chicago Family Doulas. She is a leader in the perinatal field and a trusted resource for expecting families and perinatal professionals.