Growth spurts

[JaffaJaffaJaffa]

So I'm a FTM to a beautiful 18 day old boy, who is currently going through a growth spurt. We're on day three of this growth spurt and I'm just wondering how much longer it'll last? He's fussing and a little grumpy, feeding every two hours and doesn't want to be put in his basket to sleep - daddy and I are quite exhausted and my nipples are starting to hurt in their attempt to keep up with his demands..!

Now heading into our 4th night of this...

Congratulations on your little baby!
Sorry to read it's tough on you and Daddy.

It's something that night last for quite a while though. Feeding every 2 hours is pretty standard for a new born though and can sometimes lasts right up till they are 4 months old (I have a few friends who still have this at 4 months). Breast milk is digested every 2 hours which is why babies then want refilling.

Advice I can offer to help you would be ensure your baby is getting hind milk by ensuring one boob is empty before switching to the next one (this might mean offering same boob twice in a row). Get yourself some nipple cream, highly recommend Lansinoh.

This might not work for your baby (but did for mine). I struggled to get my DS to stay under the UV light (as he kept crying for me to hold him) when we were in hospital and so the MW rolled up a blanket and (put it under the incubater sheet) then positioned him that his bum was in the nest she had made so he had the sensation of being snug and held. She then showed me how gently patting him either on the chest or on side of his legs helped to settle him whilst making a shhhhh noise.
When we were discharged home we continued to do the same and he slept in his Moses basket.

Also try to keep in mind this will pass. You may feel like poop now and so tired and nearly at the end of your tether but it will pass.

Good luck lovely xx

(Might last not "night last"!)

Also, I found this website super useful for tips and advice during those early months kellymom.com/hot-topics/newborn-nursing/

Thanks for your reply - he's feeding for 15 to 20 mins on each breast, so hopefully getting the hind milk? He's typically fed every 3 to 4 hours since birth, which is why I'm finding every 2 hours so exhausting - he's also typically slept in his moses basket until these last few nights, the last few nights he's had to be attached to one of us.. It doesn't help that I have cold sores at the moment so can't kiss him to soothe/settle.