Marathon feedings

[mellowbarking]

My little guy is almost four weeks old. For the past day or two he's been lingering on the breast for HOURS. He eats some, nibble some, naps some, and then cries up a storm if he's parted from the boobs. It seems like he did this a couple of weeks ago too, but it's all a blur.

Is this "normal" behavior? I've read that he could be doing this to build up my milk supply for a coming growth spurt. However, I'm worried that he's not getting enough milk when he does eat, so he just hangs around the food source.

If his marathon nursing is productive, I'm happy to accommodate him. However, how can I tell if he's not filling up?

[Nurseliz]

Yep, its a growth spurt. 2 weeks they go through one and again at 4 weeks and 6 weeks and 8 weeks then they spread out by monthish.
No worries, you milk will catch up. He probably is not filling up but that is ok, he will soon enough. I will pass soon, my girls nursing marathons (like your term) usually lasted 2-3 days then leveled back out.
Hang in there,
Liz Pevytoe, RN, IBCLC
www.askthelactationconsultant.com