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Whether you are planning to breastfeed or are already breastfeeding your baby, you may have asked at some point “What is cluster feeding?”. I know that I sure did, I didn’t have a clue and I wanted to make sure that I was as clued up as possible before I began my breastfeeding journey.
Breastfeeding is a great bonding experience for you and your baby. What happens if it doesn’t quite go to plan or you become overwhelmed by it all? You look to the internet for advice. That’s where you will find the largest community of other mums who have experienced this problem. So let’s get to it, shall we?
First up…
What is cluster feeding?
This is when your baby wants to feed all the time. It will literally feel like you have your baby permanently attached to you. Generally, cluster feeding takes place in the evening. Usually when you are trying to eat your dinner! Cluster feeding can also occur in formula-fed babies. You will probably find that your little one will want to eat constantly for a few hours, but then be satisfied for longer than usual once the cluster feeding episode has finished.
Related: How to Clear a Blocked Milk Duct.
Why do babies cluster feed?
Babies cluster feed because it is their way of filling themselves up to go for a longer period of time between feeds. That is why cluster feeding typically occurs in the evening because your little one is gearing up for a longer period of sleep.
Another reason for cluster feeding is that it is the evening when your milk supply is at its lowest. Which means the cluster feeding is also to try and stimulate your milk supply to produce more milk so that it is easier for your little one to fill themselves up.
It’s a little bit of a catch-22 with your milk supply and cluster feeding because naturally, our milk supply is lower in the evening, your little one, however, will try their hardest to boost it.
How long does cluster feeding last?
This is hard to answer because, as we know, every baby is different. A cluster feeding ‘phase’ may only last a couple of days or a week as it may be associated with a growth spurt and/or milestones.
The early newborn phase a cluster feeding is for approximately 6-8 weeks. After this, their stomach has grown in size and is able to accommodate more milk, which in turn means that they are satisfied for longer.
If you are finding that your baby seems to be feeding all day AND all night, then you may have a low milk supply, an incorrect latch or your baby may be snacking. Don’t be afraid to ask your health visitor for advice, they often have a breastfeeding consultant within their team that can come out and help you.
Related: Breastfeeding Essentials you Actually Need.
Can I stop my baby from cluster feeding?
You can’t necessarily stop them from cluster feeding, because remember, this is a perfectly natural thing to do and we don’t want to change that just for OUR convenience.
You CAN, however, influence when your baby cluster feeds. For example, If you know that they always cluster feed in the evening when you are desperately trying to eat your dinner while it’s warm. Then try purposefully cluster feeding them in the late afternoon to try and relieve some of the pressure for you.
What to do if you can’t cope with cluster feeding
You’ve heard people talking about cluster feeding, you’ve even taken the time to ask ‘what is cluster feeding?’ and now you’ve probably experienced it and thought OMG, I can’t do this! Don’t worry, I was in exactly the same boat. It is hard work mama, but remember, it won’t last forever and afterwards it will get so much easier.
If you really feel as though you can’t cope with cluster feeding, there are a few different things you can do. Hang in there ok!
If you feel comfortable with it, you can supplement with formula. I know that there is a lot of bad press for formula feeding and they say ‘Breast is best’, but it is whatever works for you. Remember, ‘fed is best’. My tip would be to express while your little one has their formula.
Another way you could cope with cluster feeding is to give your baby expressed milk from a bottle. That way dad can help out again and feel part like he is taking part in the journey with you.
Try not to skip a nursing session, as this can affect your milk supply. I suggest, that when/if you decide to give expressed milk, or even formula, that you express as well. This not only keeps your milk supply at where it should be, but it also gives you a breastmilk freezer stash (this saved me more than once).
Related: 12 Breastfeeding Tips for Success.
5 Products to help relieve sore nipples
All this cluster feeding can lead to sore nipples. This does not always mean that you have an incorrect latch. It can literally just be from feeding so often. Don’t worry though as I have found some amazing products that can truly help that. Many of these I have used myself with both of my children. They are tried, tested and loved by mums and I’m sure that you will find something in the list that works for you as well. Need some convincing about nipple shields? Read this mums experience.
Arming yourself with this information will enable you to approach your breastfeeding journey in a practical way. Knowing what you could expect also helps to make the process much easier as nothing springs on you by surprise.
Any questions? Let me know!
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