Breastfeeding by Age and Stage: Part 2 - Weeks 6-12

Believe it or not, by 7 weeks, you don't have a new newborn anymore. Yes, they are still an infant and no, they might not be sleeping as well as you would like, but the days of new newbornhood are gone. Many people find that things get a little easier by 6 weeks, but if your timeline isn't lining up with that expectation, that's also totally normal. Here's what's happening for your baby at this time in development:

• Babies begin to have larger wake windows, which also sometimes means longer fussy periods.
• Feeds should somewhat condense, and by that I mean you should get a few 3 hours stretches between feeds somewhat regularly throughout your day.
  
• Some babies get more efficient at feeding, especially at the breast, during this time. That means time spent feeding time decreases!
  
• Babies get bored! Yes, at this age, they might get tired of seeing the same ceiling. Taking your baby out into the world, or even just around the block can give a bored baby just the stimulation they needed.
  
• Some babies sleep longer stretches at night- but not all, so don't feel freaked out if your baby is not, yet!
  
• A lot of babies, who slept peacefully and without trouble in the bassinet in the early weeks, begin to be less content with being put down in this stage. A baby carrier can give them the closeness they crave while leaving you hands free to move about your day.

Now for the lactating parent, you, are also going through some changes yourself. Here's what's happening during weeks 6-12 for the lactating parent.

• Milk supply begins to calm down and regulate. This means the feeling of bursting at the seams, ideally, is gone and you make the amount of milk your baby needs.
• This regulation of milk supply also means that it is harder to drastically increase your milk supply at this point.
  
• Some parents get their menstrual cycle back this early. The average breastfeeding induced amenorrhea in the United States is 6 months, but many find that Aunt Flo shows up earlier - or later than that figure.
• Speaking of bleeding, lochia should be cleared up by now.
  

Like I said, many begin to feel a little more in a routine by 12 weeks and the early shock of birth has worn off. It's important that moms in this period begin some light movement, if cleared by their doctor, and get fresh air and sunlight regularly. Getting out of your house or apartment and surrounding yourself with other moms in similar seasons will be a lifeline to feeling connected. The best news is that a lot of moms find breastfeeding immensely easier after 12 weeks, so if you've made it this far, give yourself a massive pat on the back because all of your hard work is about to pay off. (Hopefully.)