Around the 6-to-10-week mark, many parents find themselves in the thick of a major growth spurt. You may feel like your baby is living on the breast, leading to hours of "couch-trapped" cluster feeding. This is normal and serves a vital purpose: your baby is working to build your milk supply, and breastfeeding provides comfort and digestive support beyond just nutrition.
If you are feeling exhausted, remember this phase is temporary. To regain some freedom, try babywearing with an ergonomic carrier; this keeps your baby close, supports hip health, and allows you to move around. If your baby is simply comfort nursing rather than actively swallowing, it is perfectly fine to unlatch them while keeping them close on your chest for skin-to-skin contact. You can also enlist help from a partner or caregiver for non-feeding tasks to ensure you get rest. If breastfeeding feels overwhelming, know that introducing a bottle or utilizing a mix of nursing and expressed milk is a valid choice that can help you show up as your best self for your baby. Consult your pediatrician if you have concerns about weight gain or milk transfer.
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