Hi Marianne
In Aus, we have stopped using the term 'growth spurt' since there is no
evidence that this is in fact what is going on - and as another poster has
pointed out, no evidence that milk supply is actually increased by the
behaviours that mothers describe.  
However, we have found that many mothers notice an increase in feeding
frequency and fussing at around 10 -14 days, around 6 weeks and around 10
weeks.  So we talk about 'fussy days' and try to normalise the behaviour by
observing that 'many mothers find their babies go through a period of fussy
days at (whatever) ages.'  Describe the pattern of more frequent feeding and
irritability which settles down after a few days.  Suggestions for managing
life during this time are offered and the mother is encouraged to contact us
again if things don't change by the end of the week.
In the real world some babies will have their 6 week 'fussy days' a little
early and some a little late.  In practice I find this a convenient way to
normalise unexpected behaviour for mothers who seem to think that babies can
be programmed to eat and sleep predictably in perpetuity and are staggered
to find that they gave birth to an individual.  By the end of the week,
babies are usually less irritable because they are getting what they need
and mothers are working life in around them.
I have heard it suggested that these fussy periods do exist and that they
precede the achievement of a neurological milestone. (Smiling responsively
at 6 weeks; rolling over at 10 or 12; crawling at 6 ...)  The suggestion is
that they are irritable because they are frustrated and working hard at
mastering this new skill.  
Good luck
Nina Berry
Australia

-----Original Message-----
From: Lactation Information and Discussion
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Marianne
Vanderveen-Kolkena
Sent: Sunday, October 19, 2008 12:08 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Regeldagen :o)

Girls,

In the Netherlands, we use the word 'regeldagen', meaning something like
'rescheduling days', during which supply and demand have to be 'reset'.
They're supposed to occur around 10 days, 6 weeks and 3 months.
I honestly don't know what the English word would be and therefore wonder if
it 'exists' in other languages, which leads me to the fact that some are in
favour of getting rid of the word altogether.
A few questions: what is the word in English? Do you use it in everyday
practice? Would you like to abolish it? How else to explain the phenomenon?
Fast replies are much appreciated, as we are editing one of the brochures in
which the word comes up and I would like to offer some thoughts on the
issue. Thanks in advance.

Warmly,

Marianne Vanderveen, Netherlands (like many others drawing near to the 24th
;-))

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