6 week growth spurt hell

[*Lindsey*]

Hazel and Lucy are in the middle of their 6 week growth spurt. :

I cannot catch a break today. They're nursing every hour and not sleeping! They got up at 8:30 this morning, it's 5:30 now, and they've slept an hour total, most of that on me. (They usually have 3 "naps" that last 2ish hours each during the day.)

I think my nipples might fall off.

[De-lovely]

It will end soon!!!! Hugs mama! I know its so hard!!! Atleast you are nursing! I am so envious....

[GinaRae]

WOW, poor you!!

[Beckula]

Hah, i feel like mine are going to fall off too (though if they came off could we use them as pacifiers cause the plastic one does nothing for us anymore), I can't even imagine it if I had two. you are doing great mama and they are going to get bigger and get past this stage and then you will miss it.

[Lizzie9984]

Geez, I don't know if mine's going through a growth spurt or not, but she's eating 'round the clock, too. She's only 6 days old, and she's wolfing down 4 ounces at a time (sometimes just 3, though) Is that a normal amount for a 6 day old baby??? She's got all of us amazed with her appetite.

[GinaRae]

Originally Posted by Lizzie9984

Geez, I don't know if mine's going through a growth spurt or not, but she's eating 'round the clock, too. She's only 6 days old, and she's wolfing down 4 ounces at a time (sometimes just 3, though) Is that a normal amount for a 6 day old baby??? She's got all of us amazed with her appetite.

It depends! Is it formula or breastmilk and how often is she eating?

[renaissanceed]

Oy, Lindsey, you have my sympathy. Having 2 little ones nursing around the clock does not sound like a party I want to attend. Hopefully it won't last too long.

[Lizzie9984]

Originally Posted by GinaRae

It depends! Is it formula or breastmilk and how often is she eating?

Formula, for the most part, but I'm trading out that for breastmilk now, a little at a time (don't want any digestive upset)---My milk didn't come in until I think Sunday night, she had to eat something in the meantime! She eats roughly every 2-3 hours, sometimes 4, depending on how long she snoozes for at a time. I'm trying to increase her 3 ounce BM intake by one 3 ounce bottle a day, so tomorrow I'll add a third bottle. By the end of the week, I'm going to have to up the amount to over 4 ounces, just to keep up with her portion increases. She doesn't seem to either notice a difference or give a rat's behind in any differences between the 2, so I'm counting my lucky stars there, but she's no fan of my big ol' nipples---They're HUGE compared to the bottle nipples. Oh well, I'm not opposed to pumping, so long as she gets the good food!

[scheelimama]

Lizzie, the bottle nipples are easier for her. But you will soon tire of pumping. You really need to try to get her on the breast if you want to successfully nurse her. You can also dry up a lot quicker with pumping. It's harder to keep up with the demand when they are on a growth spurt if you are not nursing from the breast. Have you talked to a lactation consultant?

[scheelimama]

Lindsey, I really can't imagine having two of them nursing round the clock. It's bad enough with one when she's on a growth spurt. You're a good mama.

[Curlita]

I bet you're feeling hounded and hunted by ravenous beastlets. Hang in there.

[sorteep]

i do not know how you do it times two and withall your other lo's... you amaze me...

[*Lindsey*]

Thanks mamas.

Nicole...I didn't know you weren't able to nurse Cora. I feel bad complaining now!

Originally Posted by Curlita

I bet you're feeling hounded and hunted by ravenous beastlets. Hang in there.

That's exactly it!

And, Laura, I'm not sure I'm doing any of it (taking care of the older kids, etc.) very well these days.

[yogamama74]

My nipples hurt so bad just nursing one little beastlet. Take good care of yourself and you'll get thru this growth spurt. Bless you for breastfeeding your twins...I'm crying over here over nursing one...it takes a lot out of a woman!!