What you Need to Know about Cluster Feeding
How to Survive Cluster Feeding your Newborn
Cluster feeding. It’s crazy to think that something I never heard about before having a baby became one of my main concerns after coming home from the hospital. I remember how excited my husband and I were when our brand new baby nursed for 45 minutes straight the morning we were finally released to head home. We bragged to the nurse about how much he was eating and she said, “oh yeah, he’ll probably start cluster feeding as soon as you get home.”
Cluster feeding? What the hell is that? In my own, non-medical terms, cluster feeding is when your baby eats on and off for several hours straight. It goes something like this – baby eats for 30 minutes, takes a 10 minute break, eats for 20 minutes, takes a 10 minute break, eats for 30 minutes, takes a five minute break, eats for 20 minutes… and so on and so on. In the end, it can feel like your baby is breastfeeding for hours on end. Kelly Mom does a great job of explaining cluster feeding if you want to learn more.
In hindsight, here’s what I would tell a new mom who’s dealing with cluster feeding.
Cluster feeding is actually a good thing.
While it’s a huge commitment and a ton of work, cluster feeding is what helps get mom’s milk supply up and running and gets baby’s weight back up (they typically lose some weight right after birth). Cluster feeding is actually a good thing. While it typically happens in the evenings, babies can cluster feed all day and/or all night. You’re probably already tired of hearing this, but all babies are different. Weston liked to cluster feed through the evening and into the night,, but especially from 1AM – 3AM. Old episodes of Fresh Prince of Bel Air are still hard to watch because they remind me of those late night feedings.
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Cluster feeding doesn’t mean that your baby isn’t getting enough or that you need to supplement.
Just because your baby wants to eat all the time doesn’t mean you’re not producing what he needs. Cluster feeding is natural, normal, and good for mom and baby. Keep an eye on wet and dirty diapers and your baby’s weight to determine whether or not your baby’s feeding needs are being met. You can read more about how to make sure you’re baby is getting enough breast milk here.
Tips for Survival
Be Prepared
Knowing what you’re in for a huge step in surviving newborn cluster feeding. Knowing that it’s normal for your newborn to want to constantly eat is key.
Get your Partner on Board
Make sure your partner is educated about cluster feeding and ready to help. In those first few weeks after Weston was born, my husband picked up the slack and did the housework (man style), grocery shopping, and cooking. God bless him. Even if your partner just wants to be on stand by for a cold glass of water (you’re gonna be thirsty), that is a huge help!
Keep the Remote Control and Smart Phone Handy
Ladies, we are blessed to live in a time where entertainment is at our finger tips at all times. Use this time to read, binge that show you’ve been wanting to watch, or scroll social media till your thumbs fall off. *Bonus Tip: Download a TV remote app to your phone. If you have Apple TV, an Amazon Fire TV Stick, or Roku, go to the app store and download the free remote! Trust me… you’re gonna need it!
Remember that it Doesn’t Last Forever
Cluster feeding typically happens during growth spurts. When you first get home from the hospital and you’re overwhelmed with everything that comes with having a new baby, adding in round the clock nursing can be overwhelming. But, if you just keep going, you’ll be through the thick of it before you know it. Find a comfortable spot on the couch, log in to Netflix, and follow your baby’s lead. I promise it won’t last forever. We used to track feedings through the Glow Baby app when Weston was first born. It helped us remember when he last ate and which side he nursed from last. It spits out this pretty little chart that helps you see your baby’s patterns. The picture below compares those first few days home from the hospital to when Weston was six months old. I promise you, it gets so much easier. Nursing quickly goes from a difficult chore to a secret super power that solves many of your new baby’s problems. Check out my list of must have breastfeeding items here, and make nursing life as easy as possible. You got this mama!
Related Breastfeeding Posts:
- 14 Tips for Breastfeeding your Newborn Baby
- 7 Lessons I Learned from my Lactation Consultant
- 9 Breastfeeding Myths and Misconceptions
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Tips and Tricks to Help you Survive Cluster Feeding
DISCLOSURE: Coffee and Coos is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional. Always consult your doctor for medical advice.
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