Growing Pains: Surviving Breastfeeding Growth Spurts

My sweet little girl is going through a growth spurt and I’m completely spent. Plum tired. Wiped out. Tuckered out. Pooped. You name it.

Growth spurts are a necessary part of baby’s physical development. They’re typically characterized by increased fussiness, an erratic sleep pattern and a desire to feed more often. Sounds a little like PMS doesn’t it? I must admit, I’m beginning to develop the same symptoms myself! I’m unbelievably tired, irritable and I’m hungry. All. The. Time.

Now don’t get me wrong, breastfeeding my daughter has been an absolute joy. I love everything about it…except the growth spurts. We’ve been through our fair share, but this one has really worked a number on me. Not only is my 9-month old going through a crazy-wicked growth spurt, but she’s also teething! There have been many tears and many sleepless nights. On both our parts. It’s enough to make this committed breastfeeding mama second-guess herself.

After writing a few posts about my love of breastfeeding and steps to breastfeeding success, you’d think I’d be a pro when it comes to growth spurts. Well dear friends, I’m not. I don’t have all the answers, just an overwhelming desire to stick with my committment to exclusively breastfeed my daughter.

Breastfeeding, although extremely beneficial and rewarding, can be difficult at times. This is one of those times, but I’m dead-set on toughing this thing out. Besides, it’s only temporary. This too shall pass. Eventually we’ll settle back into a routine and all will be right in our world. Mommy and baby will once again be happy and well-rested. Until then, I’m holding on to these little nuggets of truth:

With my daughter’s help, I will continue to produce enough milk to nourish and sustain her.
Supplementing with formula is not an option for me. I’m determined to exclusively breastfeed my child.
I must use this time to relax and care for my needs and my child’s. Cleaning my house is not a priority at this time.
My husband’s support is invaluable. I can’t do this on my own.
And finally…
This growth spurt will not kill me. It will pass.
And yes, I will survive.

I’d love to hear from you! How did you manage to survive your child’s growth spurts? What advice could you offer to worn out breastfeeding mamas like myself?

*Common Sense Disclaimer: The experiences and opinions expressed in this blog post should not be used to diagnose or treat baby’s growth spurts and should not be used as a substitute or addition to your Pediatrician’s care. I’m not an expert, just a mom who needs to vent. For oodles of breastfeeding information, visit kellymom or La Leche League International and as always, seek the advice of a Lactation Consultant.

Tags: Motherhood

20 Responses to “Growing Pains: Surviving Breastfeeding Growth Spurts”

Natalia (1 comments)

Just as you said I got through the growth spurts taking it one day at a time and seeking support from my hubby and family. Although there are difficult times, breastfeeding has been an extremely rewarding experience. We are still going strong she will be 2y.o. in May. Through growth spurts, biting, her little hand constantly in my shirt (this can b very irritating) and sleepless nights I will stick with it until she is ready to move on. great post every breastfeeding mom can relate!

Kristi (82 comments)

Thank you so much for your comment Natalia. Congratulations for sticking with breastfeeding for 2 years now. What an inspiration!

Just Like June (3 comments)

Thank you so much for stopping by. What an excellent story! And this post? Good for you for not only exclusively breastfeeding, but for admitting that you are human and don’t have all the answers. I plan to exclusively breastfeed and, like all parenting decisions, I’ve gotten a ton of “advice.” I put that in quotes because it’s really just people being pushy and giving unsolicited opions. Gotta love it. I’ll definitely be back to read more.

Cheers!

Jessica (1 comments)

I haven’t had a child, yet…but hearing about your experiences…wow. Not prepared for that kind of moment…

Kristi (82 comments)

Oh no! Please don’t let this discourage you from give breastfeeding a shot. The reality is that it does get difficult from time to time. The growth spurts are rough, but only last a few days. In all honesty, I quit breastfeeding with my older 3 kids because I had no clue about growth spurts. Thankfully I’ve learned more and am now equipped to make it through these tough times. I hope you’ll still consider breastfeeding as an option when you’re ready to have children.
Thanks so much for stopping by.

Luschka (6 comments)

Hi Kristi. My LO is only three months, so I can’t give you advice, but just wanted to encourage you. You are obviously doing your best for your little girl. Keep it up. You might enjoy my post ‘For the Love of Breasts’ on my blog. Good luck and stay strong!

Shell (22 comments) twitter: @shellthings

The best thing about growth spurts is that they don’t last that long. They feel like it, but it’s only a few days. And guess what? This is your last one that you have to deal with!!!! Do as little as possible besides nurse, sleep, and drink tons of fluids.

Hang in there!

Sarah @ OneStarryNight (73 comments) twitter: @onestarrynight

Going through the 3-month growth spurt right now! I’ve not slept in about 24hrs heh. I take it all in stride really. We stay in bed all day, Dad / older brother go about their day playing, bringing me food/beverages/etc. I just nurse the baby and play on the laptop.

Kristi (82 comments)

Wow! You are such a breastfeeding diva! How do I get a gig like that? My little girl is mobile so those lay-in-bed-while-the-baby-nurses-the-day-away days are over. By the way, I just wanted to let you know that you’re one of the breastfeeding mamas who’s really had an impact on my breastfeeding success. Keep up the great work tweeting and blogging about breastfeeding.
I’m so glad you stopped by…

Erin (7 comments)

Thanks so much for posting this! I’ve been struggling with breastfeeding the last few days myself. I don’t know if it’s a growth spurt or what, but the little guy is killing me! So nice to know that even a breastfeeding superstar struggles from time to time.

Good luck & hope things get easier for you soon!

Kristi (82 comments)

Hi Erin! I don’t know if I’d go as far as to call myself a breastfeeding superstar, but thanks! I’m so glad to hear that you’re still breastfeeding. Keep up the good work mama. It gets difficult for all of us from time to time. It’s just great to have the support of other breastfeeding mamas.
Thanks so much for stopping by my blog.

marfmom (15 comments)

1) You are doing a GREAT job!

2) What a beautiful picture of you feeding your daughter!

3) I hear ya! There were days my son would nurse every 60-90 minutes. I remember telling my mom I felt like a cow, lol. It’ll pass though, you’ll get through it. What a wonderful thing you are doing to help your daughter grow up healthy. Don’t ever forget that! You’re a superwoman!

Kristi (82 comments)

Maya, you are so sweet. Thanks for all the encouragement. If I haven’t already told you, I think you’re a superwoman too!

The Local Cook (2 comments) twitter: @wendypchef

Happy SITS Saturday Sharefest!

Shannon (2 comments)

My kids are all teenagers, but I did breastfeed. I just say hang in there, and good for you for sticking to what you believe in. It will get better, women wouldn’t have done this for all of time if it didn’t work. Just hang in there. In the blink of an eye, they’re asking for the car keys.

Kristi (82 comments)

Thank you so much Shannon! You’re right. My soon-to-be 15-year old will be asking for the car keys in no time. I’m going to say “no”.

debbie (12 comments) twitter: @suburbsanity

I breastfed my four and was a LLL leader but still had troubles at times! We all do. When we had a growth spurt, I tried to simplify my life (as much as possible) and just hunker down with the baby. Usually in a couple of days my milk seemed to catch up.
Good luck!

Kristi (82 comments)

Great advice. I’ve found myself feeling a lot of guilt over not being able to keep the house up like I’d like to. I’m learning that it’s important to relax and take a step back during these growth spurts. It’s not time to try and be super mom. Thanks so much for stopping by again Debbie.

pchanner (1 comments)

Thanks for the great post. I am also exculsively breastfeeding. Not a drop or speck of formula in this house. The growth spurts have been … fun (not really). Honestly the change in sleeping pattern doesn’t effect me too much … I am still at home (little ones 5 months). What gets to me is the day or two of engorgement when its over. My poor system gets all out of wack and my cloth breast pads are pretty much worthless for those days. Other than prayer and a tough skin of endurance.