how long do growth spurts last? Tired...

[Ilovemyboy]

My DS (12wks) has been waking frequently in the night for the last week or so.

He goes 2.5-3hrs between feeds during the day which I am fine with as we have a little routine going. Then at night he is waking every 2 hrs or so.

Last night he went down at 8.30pm and slept until I gave him a dream feed at 11 (this is v.good I know). But then he woke at 12.30, 2.30, 4.30, 6.30 then we finally got up at 8.30.

I really want to exclusively breastfeed him until he is 6mths old and I am really enjoying breastfeed. It's just when I feel this tired I start thinking that maybe I am doing something wrong as he is obviously not full up enough.

[HumphreysCorner]

Bumping this for you so that someone more qualified will see it but would say that at week 11 I was ready to give up solely BF as DD2 was permanently feeding. Then a couple of weeks later everything fell into place and got much easier. She is now 7.5 months and is weaned but I still BF her when she needs it which is not that often. Stick with it, you are doing a grand job and it will get better.

[CorrieDale]

We had this at 12 weeks. It lasted a couple of weeks IIRC. Just in time for the next spurt!!! FF babies get them too, you know - I know that's not what MILs or HVs or best friends witha baby will tell you, but it's true! I know at least one woman who switched to formula in order to get her DD to sleep better, and it didn't work - she was devastated when her supply dried up and she still had a non-sleeping baby. And neither a bottle of formula or weaning worked for us. I eventually realised that some babies are good sleepers, and some not so much! (To make you feel better, I also have a friend whose baby slept like a dream up until she was 12 weeks. She hasn't slept through since and she is now 20 months old.)

[Eebs]

Can't be any help I am afraid, just to say I am going through exactly the same thing. My dd is also 12 weeks and 2 nights ago she went from 3/4 hours at night (even the occasional 7) and has reverted to 2 hours. It is a killer and just as I thought nights were getting ok. Good luck!

[determination]

Usually last around 5-7days, although every baby is different. Why not try the oat cookie recipe i have posted for an extra boost of milk, this may help.

No Bake choc cookies

2 cups sugar 1/2 cup cocoa
1/2 cup milk 1 stick butter

Boil the above ingredients for 2 minutes, remove from heat and mix the below ingredients in. Spoon onto wax paper and allow to cool.

1/2 cup peanut butter (if wished or replace with raisins)
3 cups of oats initially, add extra oats until mixture is very stiff
1 TSP vanilla

Giant Oatmeal cookies

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

1 cup flour 1 1/2 cups oatmeal
1 TSP cinnamon 1/2 TSP baking powder
1/2 TSP baking soda dash of salt
1/2 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup applesauce 1 egg
2 TBSP butter 1 TSP vanilla extract
1/2 cup raisins* optional- chopped walnuts

Mix first 6 dry ingredients and set aside. Blend sugar, applesauce, butter, egg and vanilla until well mixed. Add remaining ingredients, drop by mounds of dough ( 3 TBSP each) about 2" apart on a greased baking sheet. Flatten. Bake 10-15 minutes until lightly brown around the edges. Cool on a wire rack.

*If you can find them, Sun Maid makes baking raisins in a pouch, they are wet and moist and superior for baking

Lactogenic Foods and Herbs

[NoDoubt9901]

Just wanted to add that 3-4 months is the most frustrating that I found BFing. Not only do they have two HUGE growthspurts very close together but they are much more aware of the world around them and can become unsettled as well.

[ruth2007]

Hi
Similar story - My dd seems to have had a permanent growth spurt! I think when they say they last a day or two you have to take it with a pinch of salt. I went through thinking my milk had dried up, or that I should suppliment her with formula as I thought she was starving!

I spoke to a very helpful BF specialist HV (don't all faint there are a few good ones around!) and it really helped.

I soon caught up and things would settle down a bit so bear with it, and remember your long term goal!

She is nearly 6 months now and still gets the odd really hungry day.
HTH