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What Is Cluster Feeding & How Long Will It Last

Cluster feeding is a normal newborn feeding behavior, but it can cause parents a load of stress and anxiety. Here’s what you need to know to cope.

How often does a breastfed baby need to feed? 

Is it every two hours? Three hours? How about overnight? 

Here’s a straightforward answer: Constantly.

Okay, so that’s not the case, but that’s what it can feel like for parents caring for a breastfeeding baby who’s in the middle of cluster feeding. 

Our sympathies go out to parents who are smack in the middle of cluster feedings. Cluster feeding has lots of causes, but we can reassure you of one thing: You’ll get through this. In the meantime, here’s a breakdown of what’s going on with your baby. 

What is cluster feeding?

If your baby feels like they are constantly feeding during a particular time of the day, you might be in the middle of a cluster feed. 

Newborn babies already need to eat frequently — usually every 2-3 hours, although sometimes more depending on their needs and your milk supply. But cluster feeding looks — and feels — differently than your regular nursing sessions.  

The most straightforward way to understand cluster feedings is that your baby is simply bunching a lot of feedings together in a short time frame. Instead of one meal every few hours, your baby is snacking — a lot! 

But cluster feeding is more than just feeding a lot. A baby who is cluster feeding will feed for short periods before unlatching, fussing, nursing more, maybe hiccuping or burping — and so that pattern continues. 

If you’ve noticed that your baby is especially attached to you — literally — in the later afternoon and evening, that’s also part of cluster feeding. Staying close to their milk source during this time is imperative for a cluster-feeding babe!   

Why do cluster feeds happen?

If you’re in the middle of cluster feeding your baby, you’re probably wondering, “Why on earth is my baby feeding so much?!” (And, maybe, “When will this end?”)

First of all, some babies are simply cluster feeders — they may do it every day, especially when they are very young.  

For newborns, one of the benefits of cluster feeding is its positive impact on milk production. The more a baby nurses, the more you produce.

Milk flow is slower at night.

Your primary milk production hormone is prolactin. Prolactin levels tend to be highest in the middle of the night and early morning hours — that’s why waking to feed or pump during your baby’s early weeks is so important for establishing your supply. 

The flipside of this is that prolactin levels gradually lower throughout the day. By late afternoon and early evening, your prolactin levels may have lowered enough to slow your milk production. 

Because of this, babies need to nurse longer or more often to fill up their tanks. 

Another factor? Cluster feeding babies may also drink more to prepare for long stretches of sleeping and growing overnight.

A growth spurt or developmental leap is in the works.

Seeing your baby grow and learn new skills is a delight for parents, but it’s a big job for your baby. And a big job requires a lot of energy. 

Your baby will go through numerous growth spurts and developmental leaps during the first year of life. This is true for all babies, regardless of how they are fed. The most common periods happen around 2-3 weeks, 6 weeks, 8 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months. 

Remember, though, growth and development can happen at any time — there’s no one-size-fits-all pattern for how your baby will develop. 

Nursing is soothing for your baby. 

Being a baby is tough work — truly! Your baby’s brain and body are rapidly developing, all while figuring out the world around them. (See above.) What’s more, babies often need help learning how to relax and soothe themselves. 

That’s one of the beauties of breast milk. Breast milk is full of hormones that support your baby’s circadian rhythm. For some babies, cluster feeding is a helpful way to boost sleepy, relaxing, restful hormones. 

Your baby is teething or sick  

Holding and snuggling your baby is certainly comforting, but that alone may not do the trick if your baby isn’t feeling well.  

Many babies cluster feed when they’re dealing with a cold or virus — and it makes sense! Your breast milk helps your baby’s immune system fight off illness. What’s more, breastfeeding can help reduce your baby’s pain thanks to the analgesic effects of breast milk. 

Interestingly, skin-to-skin contact also can provide pain relief benefits for your baby, which correlates with your baby’s strong desire to be attached to you during cluster feeds. 

Cluster feeding and your milk supply

While cluster feeding can be tiring, it can provide a boost to your milk supply if you nurse on demand during this time.  

Your milk supply is tailored to your baby’s nutritional demands — precisely tailored to it. So when your baby has a growth spurt or is fighting a cold, cluster feeding can boost your supply to provide enough breast milk for your baby or provide your baby with the antibodies they need to fight off their illness. 

How long do babies cluster feed?

Forever? 

We know that at 8 pm, after nursing for 3 hours straight, it feels like it may last forever. But we promise — it will not. It absolutely will not last forever. 

Usually, cluster feeding resolves within 2-3 days after starting. Also, a few helpful things to remember when cluster feeding is feeling endless: 

• Cluster feeding occurs around developmental milestones — your baby’s body is doing important things!
• Over time, your baby will nurse less often, especially as they start consuming more and more solids.

Tips and tricks for managing cluster feeding

1. Keep nursing

We know that you might be tired and frustrated, but it’s important to keep nursing through cluster feedings as much as possible. Your baby’s nursing is helping your supply grow to meet the demands of growth and development. 

2. Stay well hydrated and well-fed.

Breastfeeding is thirsty and hungry work. Depending on your milk output, metabolism, and other factors, breastfeeding can burn an additional 300-500 calories a day. Plus, it requires a lot of water to keep producing that milk. 

And as far as water goes? The Institute of Medicine advises that breastfeeding parents drink 13 cups of water daily.

However, chugging Big Gulps isn’t necessary. Simply pay close attention to your level of thirst — and when you feel thirsty, drink!

3. Find support and community 

Cluster feeding is challenging and can feel endless. (Though it will end, we promise!) But in the meantime, having help will make a massive difference. 

Things you can do? 

• Create a cluster feeding plan with your partner so you can make evenings more manageable. 
• Call on friends for support with meals, chores, and help with older children.
• Connect with other breastfeeding parents through La Leche League, the Latch Lounge, or other breastfeeding communities — it helps to know you’re not alone!

4. Make yourself comfortable 

Are you breastfeeding for hours? It can become pretty uncomfortable. Your nipples might be sore. Your arms might ache from holding your baby nonstop. You might feel restless from sitting in the same position. 

A few tweaks, though, can make a big difference. Many parents find the side-lying or laid-back positions to be more comfortable if you have to settle in for a long stretch of nursing. Or simply try switching up positions!

Another option is to try babywearing. Babywearing can free you up to move around, which can offer you a much-needed change of pace during the long stretches of nursing. And if you master the art of nursing your baby in a sling or carrier, you’ve got even more options!

(But also, don’t pressure yourself! Not all babies or parents love babywearing, so please choose what feels right to you!)

5. Take care of your nipples!

Make sure you take care of your nipples during cluster feeds, as well. Applying nipple butter, lanolin, or even breast milk can help soothe your nipples. Hydrogel pads can also offer relief. Additionally, make sure to air dry your nipples after nursing and choose soft bras and clothing to avoid friction. 

And if you use nursing pads? Make sure to change them regularly to avoid the risk of bacterial or fungal infections, especially thrush.

Important note

If you are experiencing ongoing nipple pain, please reach out to an IBCLC! Cluster feeding is hard, but it shouldn’t hurt. Pain can indicate issues with latching, which can lead to problems with milk supply, clogged ducts, mastitis, and more. However, it’s entirely fixable with help from an experienced lactation consultant. 

6. Make time for yourself

Just like you need to take care of your nipples, you also need to care for yourself. Infant care is a big job, and it’s downright exhausting when you add cluster feeding on top of that. 

So find things that can bring you — yes, YOU! — a bit of joy right now. Is it downloading a new book by a favorite author to read while nursing? Rewatching Virgin River for the 10th time? 

Accepting help so you can take a quiet walk by yourself? Taking a few minutes to paint your toenails for the first time since you got pregnant? Making a pot of fresh coffee instead of reheating the old stuff?

There are all kinds of ways — both big and small — to make time for yourself. Make sure you do something that brings happiness to your heart!

7. Talk to an IBCLC 

Finally, the bit of advice we always offer to parents no matter what kind of breastfeeding situation they’re dealing with: Talk to an IBCLC! IBCLCs can provide invaluable support to parents looking for ways to make breastfeeding work for them and their babies. Never be shy about reaching out!

Your journey, our support

Cluster feeding is tough, but you don’t have to navigate it on your own. Book a convenient online video appointment with a Nest Collaborative IBCLC today.

Learn More About Nest Collaborative

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Breastfeeding in the first month: what to expect

Not sure how to establish lactation and increase milk production? If you need help, support, or just want to know what to expect, read our first month breastfeeding advice

Share this information

The first weeks of breastfeeding are a very stressful period. If at times you feel like you can't handle it, know that you are not alone. Feeding your baby all day long is completely natural and helps produce breast milk, but can be quite tiring at times. Be patient, think about yourself and remember: after the first month, when milk production stabilizes, it will become easier.

How often should a baby be breastfed?

Babies are born with a small stomach that grows rapidly with increasing milk production: in the first week it is no larger than an apricot, and after two weeks it is already the size of a large chicken egg. ^1.2 Let the child eat as much as he wants and when he wants. This will help him quickly regain the weight lost after birth and grow and develop further.

“Be prepared to feed every two to three hours throughout the day. At night, the intervals between feedings can be longer: three to four or even five hours, says Cathy Garbin, a recognized international expert on breastfeeding. Some eat quickly and are satiated in 15 minutes, while others take an entire hour to feed. Do not compare your breastfeeding regimen with that of other mothers - it is very likely that there will be nothing in common between them.

At each feed, give your baby a full meal from one breast and then offer a second one, but don't worry if the baby doesn't take it. When the baby is full, he lets go of his chest and at the same time looks relaxed and satisfied - so much so that he can immediately fall asleep. The next time you feed, start on the other breast. You can monitor the order of the mammary glands during feeding using a special application.

Why does the child always ask for a breast?

The first month is usually the hardest time to breastfeed. But do not think that because the baby is constantly hungry and asks for a breast almost every 45 minutes, then you do not have enough milk.

In the first month, the baby needs to eat frequently to start and stimulate the mother's milk production. It lays the foundation for a stable milk supply in the future. ³

In addition, we must not forget that the child needs almost constant contact with the mother. The bright light and noise of the surrounding world at first frighten the baby, and only by clinging to his mother, he can calm down.

Sarah, mother of three from the UK, confirms: “Crying is not always a sign of hunger. Sometimes my kids just wanted me to be around and begged for breasts to calm them down. Use a sling. Place the cradle next to the bed. Don't look at the clock. Take advantage of every opportunity to relax. Forget about cleaning. Let those around you take care of you. And not three days, but six weeks at least! Hug your baby, enjoy the comfort - and trust your body."

Do I need to feed my baby on a schedule?

Your baby is still too young for a strict daily routine, so
forget about breastfeeding schedules and focus on his needs.

“Volumes have been written about how to feed a baby on a schedule, but babies don't read or understand books,” Cathy says. - All children are different. Some people can eat on a schedule, but most can't. Most often, over time, the child develops his own schedule.

Some mothers report that their babies are fine with scheduled feedings, but they are probably just the few babies who would eat every four hours anyway. Adults rarely eat and drink the same foods at the same time of day - so why do we expect this from toddlers?

Offer your baby the breast at the first sign of hunger. Crying is already the last stage, so be attentive to early signs: the baby licks his lips, opens his mouth, sucks his fist, turns his head with his mouth open - looking for the breast. ⁴

What is a "milk flush"?

At the beginning of each feed, a hungry baby actively sucks on the nipple,
thereby stimulating the milk flow reflex - the movement of milk through the milk ducts. ⁵

“Nipple stimulation triggers the release of the hormone oxytocin,” explains Cathy. “Oxytocin is distributed throughout the body and causes the muscles around the milk-producing glands to contract and the milk ducts to dilate. This stimulates the flow of milk.

If the flushing reflex fails, milk will not come out. This is a hormonal response, and under stress it may not work at all or work poorly. Therefore, it is so important that you feel comfortable and calm when feeding.

“Studies show that each mother has a different rhythm of hot flashes during one feed,” Kathy continues, “Oxytocin is a short-acting hormone, it breaks down in just 30-40 seconds after formation. Milk begins to flow, the baby eats, the effect of oxytocin ends, but then a new rush of milk occurs, the baby continues to suckle the breast, and this process is repeated cyclically. That is why, during feeding, the child periodically stops and rests - this is how nature intended.

The flow of milk may be accompanied by a strong sensation of movement or tingling in the chest, although 21% of mothers, according to surveys, do not feel anything at all. ⁵ Cathy explains: “Many women only feel the first rush of milk. If you do not feel hot flashes, do not worry: since the child eats normally, most likely, you simply do not understand that they are.

How do you know if a baby is getting enough milk?

Since it is impossible to track how much milk a baby eats while breastfeeding, mothers sometimes worry that the baby is malnourished. Trust your child and your body.

After a rush of milk, the baby usually begins to suckle more slowly. Some mothers clearly hear how the baby swallows, others do not notice it. But one way or another, the child himself will show when he is full - just watch carefully. Many babies make two or three approaches to the breast at one feeding. ⁶

“When a child has had enough, it is noticeable almost immediately: a kind of “milk intoxication” sets in. The baby is relaxed and makes it clear with his whole body that he is completely full, says Katie, “Diapers are another great way to assess whether the baby is getting enough milk. During this period, a breastfed baby should have at least five wet diapers a day and at least two portions of soft yellow stool, and often more. ”

From one month until weaning at six months of age, a baby's stool (if exclusively breastfed) should look the same every day: yellow, grainy, loose, and watery.

When is the child's birth weight restored?

Most newborns lose weight in the first few days of life. This is normal and should not be cause for concern. As a rule, weight is reduced by 5-7%, although some may lose up to 10%. One way or another, by 10–14 days, almost all newborns regain their birth weight. In the first three to four months, the minimum expected weight gain is an average of 150 grams per week. But one week the child may gain weight faster, and the next slower, so it is necessary that the attending physician monitor the health and growth of the baby constantly. ^7.8

At the slightest doubt or signs of dehydration, such as
dark urine, no stool for more than 24 hours, retraction of the fontanel (soft spot on the head), yellowing of the skin, drowsiness, lethargy, lack of appetite (ability to four to six hours without feeding), you should immediately consult a doctor. ⁷

What is "cluster feeding"?

When a baby asks to breastfeed very often for several hours, this is called cluster feeding. ⁶ The peak often occurs in the evening between 18:00 and 22:00, just when many babies are especially restless and need close contact with their mother. Most often, mothers complain about this in the period from two to nine weeks after childbirth. This is perfectly normal and common behavior as long as the baby is otherwise healthy, eating well, gaining weight normally, and appears content throughout the day. ⁹

Cluster feeding can be caused by a sharp jump in the development of the body - during this period the baby especially needs love, comfort and a sense of security. The growing brain of a child is so excited that it can be difficult for him to turn off, or it just scares the baby. ⁹ If a child is overworked, it is often difficult for him or her to calm down on his own, and adult help is needed. And breastfeeding is the best way to calm the baby, because breast milk is not only food, but also pain reliever and a source of happiness hormones. ¹⁰

“Nobody told me about cluster feeding, so for the first 10 days I just went crazy with worry - I was sure that my milk was not enough for the baby,” recalls Camille, a mother from Australia, “It was a very difficult period . I was advised to pump and supplement until I finally contacted the Australian Breastfeeding Association. There they explained to me what was happening: it turned out that it was not about milk at all.

Remember, this is temporary. Try to prepare dinner for yourself in the afternoon, when the baby is fast asleep, so that in the evening, when he begins to often breastfeed, you have the opportunity to quickly warm up the food and have a snack. If you are not alone, arrange to carry and rock the baby in turns so that you have the opportunity to rest. If you have no one to turn to for help and you feel that your strength is leaving you, put the baby in the crib and rest for a few minutes, and then pick it up again.

Ask your partner, family and friends to help you with household chores, cooking and caring for older children if you have any. If possible, hire an au pair. Get as much rest as possible, eat well and drink plenty of water.

“My daughter slept a lot during the day, but from 23:00 to 5:00 the cluster feeding period began, which was very tiring,” recalls Jenal, a mother from the USA, “My husband tried his best to make life easier for me - washed, cleaned, cooked, changed diapers, let me sleep at every opportunity and never tired of assuring me that we were doing well.

If you are concerned about the frequency of breastfeeding, it is worth contacting a specialist. “Check with a lactation consultant or doctor to see if this is indicative of any problems,” recommends Cathy. “Resist the temptation to supplement your baby with formula (unless recommended by your doctor) until you find the cause. It may not be a matter of limited milk production at all - it may be that the child is inefficiently sucking it.

When will breastfeeding become easier?

This early stage is very special and does not last long. Although sometimes it seems that there will be no end to it, rest assured: it will get easier soon! By the end of the first month, breast milk production will stabilize, and the baby will become stronger and learn to suckle better. ^2.3 Any problems with latch on by this time will most likely be resolved and the body will be able to produce milk more efficiently so inflammation and leakage of milk will begin to subside.

“The first four to six weeks are the hardest, but then things start to get better,” Cathy assures. It just needs to be experienced!”

The longer breastfeeding continues, the more benefits it brings, from saving on formula and improving sleep quality ^11–13 to boosting your baby's immune system ¹⁴ and reducing your risk of certain cancers. ¹⁵

“When you feel like you're pushing yourself, try to go from feed to feed and day to day,” says Hannah, a UK mom. “I was sure I wouldn’t make it to eight weeks. And now I have been breastfeeding for almost 17 weeks, and I dare say it is very easy.”

Read the resource Breastfeeding Beyond the First Month: What to Expect