frequency patterns

[Guest guest]

Interesting discussion. There could be a good result at the end of this if we

really keep this topic open with the when's we see changes in the patterns of

frequency and then back it up with the changes that we know are happening in

both mom and baby

We've probably all heard a variation of the " they say growth spurts occur at

6-10 days, ~3 weeks, ~6 weeks, ~3 months " I will say that indeed I have had

many mums experience those time frames. but I don't call them growth spurts any

more- I just call them frequency days.

A lot of you are way more knowledgable than me but here are my wonderings-- add

in your observations:

6-10 days: Breasts are regulating in the fluid balances in the skin, and are

not nearly as turgid, and back pressure firm, and it can seem like that

reabsorption and breast softening happens overnight. That same day you may

have a baby that comes a lot more frequently to the breast because what used to

be a trigger happy let down push due to back pressure in the breast needs a

little more compressing to trigger the letdown AND the baby is dealing with a

softer mouthful means that the baby is practicing wrapping his lips around a

softer areola. Practice makes perfect.

3 weeks: A GI tract now is really smoothly functioning, baby's tummies are able

to fill up nicely, but if a growth spurt described behavior happens around here,

REALLY happens, then to me it is often a sign that there may be some slight GI

sensitivities that are coming into play now that the antigens have had a chance

to sensitize the baby-- the more cramping, the more the smart baby knows, hey if

I eat it helps my tummy/system feel better, then those lots of nibble nursings

cause some transient imbalance overload with some greener more liquidy stools. a

musing.

6weeks: They call this baby a settled baby, maybe picking up some frequency

during the day because some of the feed intervals are stretching a wee bit -

milk volume over 24 hours is still needed, so if there are stretches, then there

have to be periods of clusters; moms body has gotten closer to being recuperated

from being pregnant....what hormonal shift or fluid balances changes could be

signaling the baby to readjust some frequency to compensate?

3-4 months: Babies eye development is getting refined, postural stability is

increasing, babies love to practice and use their new skills so sitting up and

looking around is far more interesting than staring at the same location they

have for months. Feeds are cut short, so babies may pick up frequency in order

to make up for taking in smaller amounts (likewise can see an increase in night

feeds and or moms helping the baby to sleep longer stretches at night because

they did it once so they should do it all the time) Also, the shift in how the

breasts regulate supply is happening and while frequency isn't the leading

reason for supply maintenance anymore, occasional motor revvings by the baby

are probably helpful in keeping supply high. I get these calls all the time for

the baby is nursing all the time.....I always ask about what kind of

contraception did they go on last month.....

What are your thoughts for the reasons?

Foard, IBCLC

kfoardLC@...