Feeding FAQ: 0-8 weeks – Breast Feeding

How do I know if my 14 day son is having a growth spurt?

I would like to know how I can tell if my baby is having a growth spurt. He is 14 days old and for the last 2 days seems to be feeding much more. He was 7lb 14oz at birth and did not lose any weight in the first 5 days, then after a further week he weighed 9lb, so is gaining rapidly. He is already following the 2-4 week routine, is breastfed apart from a bottle of formula at 10pm (where he has taken from 3-6oz – usually 4oz).
If he is having a growth spurt do I just express less in the mornings?
Thanks
Caroline

As a baby enters his third week he often has two or three days of feeding more, which is indeed a growth spurt. On average, growth spurts happen every three weeks or so.

In order for you to give him the extra milk he needs you need to cut down your morning expressing by about 1oz. Providing you are expressing at regular intervals your supply should be able to match his growing needs. If you feel that your supply is not meeting his needs or that he is beginning to need more feeds follow the plan for increasing your milk supply and rest as much as you can between feeds.