Hi all

As part of the ongoing discussion about growth spurts, feed frequency, calorific
value of milk etc, I emailed Prof Peter Hartmann (Biochemist and researcher into many things
lactational), for his comments. As he is not on Lactnet, I'll pass on his comments:

I have been interested in these "growth spurts" for a while now.  However,
I am not sure what is going on.  We have not seen obvious increases in milk
production at this time, in fact production overall from 1 to 6 months is
pretty constant in fully breastfeeding mothers.  The area which we have
looked at quite closely is when mothers begin to take the contraceptive
mini pill.  Mothers also report a decrease in supply at this time however,
we have not measured any decrease in milk production when the mother begins
the pill.  The important point is that when mothers notice change they
immediately deduce that it must relate to their milk - either production or
composition.  Thus the more important information is the observations which
the mothers make which leads them to conclude that a) the baby is having a
growth spurt (have they measured a rapid increase in the baby's weight?) b)
What is the observation which leads the mothers to conclude that their milk
supply is insufficient for the baby's needs at these times.  All that I can
conclude it that more objective information is required before a reasonable
explaination can be given.  It is an important issue, indeed, I have just
had a call from a health nurse in Queensland who claims that all breastfed
babies that he sees go through this phase which also includes the
development of a rash.  I would be interested in your observations on this
issue. For example what is its frequency, at what age is it most common,
what are the observations on which the mothers are basing their
conclusions, is a rash involved, etc?


Comments anyone??

Fiona Coombes
Doctor, LC
Perth Western Australia