What is Cluster Feeding? (And Why It's Totally Normal!)
You have been breastfeeding or bottle-feeding your baby for around a month now, finally established a routine, but lately, your baby is hungry…constantly. You feed at 6PM only for your baby to exhibit signs of hunger, like closed fists, 15 minutes later. You find yourself feeding again and again until night time. You realize over the past couple of days that your baby wants to eat in the afternoons and evenings, coming back often with very few breaks in between. You may even notice that your baby is sleeping for several hours after this pattern of feeding.
What could be happening? Newborns typically need nourishment every 2-3 hours for as many as 12 breast or bottle-feedings in a 24 hour period. When this pattern changes to several times an hour, your baby could be cluster feeding, a desire to nurse or bottle-feed very frequently for brief periods. Sometimes, you may notice a longer break between other feedings. This surge in hunger is temporary and though it can feel quite stressful, you can rest assured that it will not last long. Trust that you have done nothing wrong and that this is normal.
When should I expect that my baby will cluster feed?
Many babies cluster feed in the late afternoon, evening, and night, but other babies may cluster feed throughout the day. Every baby is different.
Why does cluster feeding happen?
Your milk supply can fluctuate to meet your baby’s need for nourishment. If you are breastfeeding, your very hungry and growing baby is simply trying to increase breastmilk consumption by nursing or bottle-feeding constantly. Nursing with regularity causes you to produce more milk, exactly what your baby is seeking at this time as they grow. It is important to note that when you breastfeed less often, your milk supply lessens. During cluster feeds, your baby is simply trying to encourage your milk supply to increase to meet their needs.
Particularly during the first few months of your baby’s life, they need to ingest more calories and cluster feeding is the perfect way to meet this demand. If you are bottle-feeding, your baby still has a demand for nourishment so you can expect a similar pattern of cluster feeds. As a result of cluster feeds, babies are full and can sleep longer throughout the night.
Other factors can also cause your baby to cluster feed:
Your baby may use feedings as a soothing way to fall asleep.
Your baby is sick and needs the incredible antibodies provided by your breastmilk to recover.
What is the best way I can manage cluster feedings?
Breastfeeding and bottle-feeding are not easy. Both require a lot of time, effort, and energy. While you are trying to meet your baby’s needs, you may find yourself emotionally and physically exhausted. You may also feel quite helpless if you are exclusively breastfeeding and must handle feedings alone. Please find some comfort in knowing that cluster feedings are temporary.
While managing your sleep schedule will be difficult during this time, try to relax. Take care of yourself by resting when your baby sleeps, drink plenty of fluids regularly, and eat meals that nourish your mind and body.
When cluster feeding, use this as a time to binge watch a television show in the coziest place in your home to help the time pass. You can also ask loved ones, like your partner, to provide support by giving you items that are comforting, like your favorite meal, so you can focus on your baby. Or you can ask that they tend to household chores that you cannot get to it because your baby needs to feed often.
If you must head out to run errands, you can still feed your baby while wearing them in a wrap or carrier.
Feeding often may cause your nipples to become dry, painful, and cracked. Apply your breastmilk or stock up on your favorite organic nipple balm to ensure your nipples get TLC between feedings. Call your pediatrician or certified lactation consultant if you find that the nipple pain and discomfort persists so they can confirm that your baby is latching properly. If you need additional support, ask your certified lactation consultant if they have group support sessions for new moms to discuss any difficulties they encounter.
Another tip if you are breastfeeding? Wear breastfeeding-friendly clothing, like a soft robe or your favorite nursing tank, around the home. Not only will it keep you comfortable, it will give your baby easy access to your breasts.
Finally, be kind to yourself. This can be an exhausting time and it is difficult to prioritize your needs when your baby is cluster feeding. Remember to take care of yourself whenever possible and ask your loved ones for support.
I exclusively breastfeed and want to supplement with formula feed to meet my baby’s needs.
It is completely understandable that you may feel overwhelmed by cluster feedings and need additional help. If you exclusively breastfeed and want to supplement with formula, you risk impacting your milk supply. Your milk supply increases when your baby feeds often and if you use formula, this can cause your milk supply to reduce. The long-term implication of this is that you may not be able to breastfeed as long as you envisioned. If you find yourself unable to breastfeed as often as your baby needs, consider pumping between feedings to ensure your baby will always milk available. This will help boost your milk supply and allow you to share the feeding load with a partner or another loved one.
Note that despite your best efforts, it is possible that your baby is not getting enough milk from your breasts. If this is a concern, trust your gut and get professional help. Talk to a pediatrician and certified lactation consultant if you have concerns about meeting your breastfeeding goals. A certified lactation consultant can help you determine if your baby is getting enough nourishment to meet development milestones and whether formula feedings are needed.
What should I do if cluster feedings goes on for several days?
Contact your pediatrician. It is possible that your baby is hungry because they are not consuming enough calories. Your pediatrician can confirm if your baby has lost weight or needs medical care.
How do I know if there is something going on with my baby besides cluster feeding?
Babies who follow a cluster feeding pattern tend to be quite happy during and after feedings, gain weight as expected, nap when expected, and do not appear to be in pain. However, if your baby is fussy when you try to feed and is not satisfied after feeding, there may be something else going on. if you are concerned that something more could be happening, like colic or food allergies/intolerances, talk to your pediatrician and a certified lactation consultant.
Note other symptoms, like the ones below, and share them if they apply. For example, consider if your baby is:
Sleeping often or not sleeping well at all.
Not gaining weight.
Refusing to feed when presented with the breast and/or bottle.
Experiencing gassiness during and after feeds.
Experiencing reflux.
Experiencing vomiting during and after feeds.
Experiencing choking during and after feeds.
In the event that your baby’s feeding pattern is a sign of something else, your pediatrician will perform an assessment to determine if your baby needs additional support and medical care.
What can I do to soothe my baby during cluster feeds?
Soothe your baby by holding them, singing to them, rocking them gently, kissing them, and just generally being affectionate and loving. You can also dim the lights and put on soothing music, like lullabies, during feedings to encourage peaceful bonding.
Bottom Line
If your baby is cluster feeding, this will pass! Ask loved ones, like your partner, to provide support whenever needed so you are not managing this time solo. But be sure to keep your pediatrician and certified lactation consultant in the loop during this time. In the event that your baby is experiencing something other than cluster feeding, it’ll be important to get help sooner rather than later.
This information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only. We do not accept any responsibility for any liability, loss or risk, personal or otherwise, incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, from any information or advice contained here.