What is a ‘cluster feed’:
Cluster feeding is exactly what it sounds like! A group of breastfeeding sessions that occur at frequent intervals to each other. Typically, a cluster feed would mean baby feeds three to four times, with less than half an hour between feeds, sometimes even shorter durations. This occurs most often in newborns and is also common later at night. It may seem like they can never get enough and start signaling for more the second you let them off the breast! This can provide discomfort to the mother who needs a break from being attached to her baby. It can be more convenient to keep the baby in a carrier, or wrapped around mother during this more sensitive, needy time. Has your baby been hungry only thirty minutes after they just fed? They might be cluster feeding!
Why does it happen:
Most babies do this- even bottle fed ones. Babies need to eat and empty their stomachs often, especially in the first few weeks. A baby’s stomach is about the size of a pea when they are born, it then triples and quadruples in size in the first month to become the size of a walnut, meaning their demand is increasing faster than we can sometimes anticipate! As mom’s milk comes in, so does the amount corresponding to how much her baby needs. It is common for cluster feeding to coincide with growth spurts, occurring on the threes. Three days, six days, nine days, three weeks, six weeks, three months, and six months. Babies know the sooner they feed after they finish, the more you will make! They are telling your body what to do, so they will have enough milk later!
When is there a cause for concern:
What you can be assured of is that this is normal! Constant feeding does not mean the baby is not getting enough. The saying ‘mother knows best,’ still rings true here.
Begin by checking for the contents and number of diapers produced. In the early days, your baby should produce one wet and one poopy diaper per day of life. After they return to their birth weight you can be confident they are getting enough milk and the nursing sessions are likely a result of a growth spurt. Keep in mind, the body is very efficient at using most of the breastmilk. As they get older, your baby may not poop for several days, or even a week. As long as the baby is gaining weight, they are getting enough. If it seems that your baby seems to be ‘cluster feeding’ longer than expected, it is possible they are simply nursing as a source of comfort and not needing extra.
How to cope:
Cluster feeding is not the best time to try and implement or improve breastfeeding habits since the baby has less patience for times inbetween feeds. Make sure you have an established and comfortable feeding routine, including a comfortable place to sit, healthy foods to snack on and water to drink. Consider changing positions from more involved and lifted ones, such as a football hold or the classic cradle hold which may be straining and make you sore, to relaxed and gentle lying down ones. Consult a lactation counselor, who you can meet through our breastfeeding classes, for extra assurance and advice. Ask for support from your spouse, family member, or friend, knowing that you have to attend to your baby more than normal. For working mothers, this can cause more stress to the already difficult transition back to work. Inform babysitters or nannies about the period your baby is going through, have extra bottles prepared, and know your baby is doing what he or she needs to do- Grow!
By: Grace Tannen
