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How long can baby sleep after cluster feeding


Cluster Feeding: What to Expect & How to Manage

Have you been watching hours pass as your newborn sits at your breast snacking? Does it always seem to happen at the same time each day? If so, your newborn may be cluster feeding.

As one of the challenges accompanying breastfeeding, cluster feeding confuses and frustrates many new parents. We understand because we’ve been there.

Although it’s a normal part of having a new little one around, cluster feeding can be exhausting and stressful for a new mom.

In this article, we’ll discuss how to recognize if your newborn is cluster feeding or if there are other issues at play. We’ll help you master the art of cluster feeding so you can turn it into a positive experience — for your whole family.

Key Takeaways

  • Cluster feeding is a series of short, frequent feedings when a baby wants to feed every hour for a few hours.
  • Common reasons for cluster feeding include growth spurts, slower milk flow, comfort-seeking, teething, and illness.
  • Cluster feeding can be beneficial, helping babies sleep longer stretches and increasing milk production.
  • To survive cluster feeding, make it part of your family routine, use the time to relax, create a family movie night, and time it around your spouse’s schedule.

Table of Contents

  • What Is Cluster Feeding?
  • Why Does Cluster Feeding Happen?
  • Can Cluster Feeding Be Beneficial?
  • Will It Change My Milk Supply?
  • Moving Night Cluster Feeding to Daytime
  • Is Cluster Feeding a Red Flag?
  • 4 Tricks To Survive Cluster Feeding

What Is Cluster Feeding?

Cluster feeding is characterized as an intense series of short feedings — when your baby wants to feed every hour for a few hours. Newborns who cluster feed are also commonly extra grumpy during this period.

Breastfeeding can be exhausting, demanding, and confusing, but it is also gratifying in the long run. Try to remember that when the process gets tough.

Don't Doubt Yourself

It’s the things like cluster feeding that make a woman wonder if she can stick with breastfeeding or if she isn’t doing it right. The good news is that cluster feeding is normal, so you don’t need to worry.

Another important trait of a cluster-feeding baby is that outside of these feeding periods, babies can eat full amounts and go longer between eating. The cluster feedings are seen only during the same few hours.

Why Does Cluster Feeding Happen?

There are a few reasons babies will “snack” at the breast or a bottle. But cluster feeding typically happens in the evening because your baby is filling their belly and preparing to sleep for a longer period (1).

These are some other reasons your baby may be cluster feeding:

  • Growth spurt: Sometimes, your baby needs extra calories to fuel their growth.
  • Slower milk flow: Your milk production might have slowed down some, leading to extra feeding time and effort from your baby. Watch for any signs they aren’t getting enough milk.
  • Desire for comfort: Babies can’t handle much, so if something upsets them, they need their mom in the most comforting way possible.
  • Teething: Cluster feeding can help soothe the discomfort from teething.
  • Illness: Babies may increase their feedings when they aren’t feeling well, such as when they’re fighting off an infection.

If the reason for the cluster feeding isn’t clear, check with your doctor.

Can Cluster Feeding Be Beneficial?

Many breastfeeding moms have mastered cluster feeding and have wielded it as a weapon against the “up every hour” nights that are so dreaded those first few months. When timed right and done correctly, cluster feeding can get you closer to a full night’s rest weeks before you ever thought it could be possible.

Cluster feeding shouldn’t be an all-day or an all-night activity. It should only take up around 4 hours of your time. This may still seem like a long time to be tied up breastfeeding, but it may lead to a longer stretch of sleep and improved feeding habits.

By changing the way you look at cluster feeding, you can start figuring out the best time to cluster feed and how to enjoy the benefits that follow.

Will It Change My Milk Supply?

Moms of cluster feeding and fussy babies often blame themselves and their breasts, chalking up this intense feeding to a lack of milk production on their end. In most cases, this isn’t true (2).

Cluster feeding can be nature’s way of ramping up milk production before a baby hits a growth spurt. Your baby’s frequent nursing can signal an increase in milk production to keep up with your growing baby’s needs (3).

As babies prepare to go longer stretches without food, you may notice your infant napping longer or sleeping for more than a couple of hours after cluster feeding. Sometimes the longer stretch of sleep happens first, but then your baby makes up for it by cluster feeding when they wake up.

The only time cluster feeding can signify your baby isn’t getting enough to eat is if they seem to be doing it all the time and are not producing enough wet diapers. If your baby is at the breast both day and night and never seems satisfied, it’s time to get some help.

Moving Night Cluster Feeding to Daytime

Babies are born with no sense of time, especially when it comes to night and day. Those differences mean nothing to your newborn, so if their cluster feeding time happens early in the day, they probably have their days and nights confused.

You can train your baby to reset their inner clock with these four easy steps.

1. Say No to Long Daytime Naps

If your baby goes down for a longer stretch of time at any point, it can be tempting to enjoy the peace for as long as it lasts. You may look at these long daytime naps as a way to get a nap of your own, a chance to catch up on housework, or finally make that call to your mom you’ve been putting off.

Unfortunately, when babies spend their daytime hours sleeping, they need all that extra food while it’s dark outside. And that makes for an exhausted mommy!

2. Gradually Reset Their Schedule

Once you’ve figured out that your baby isn’t cluster feeding at the right time and is struggling to get back on track, you can begin changing their feeding schedule little by little.

It’s impossible to expect a lot from a newborn when it comes to on-demand behaviors since their sense of time is so limited, but you can still do a few things to help them get a better sense of day and night. Move your feedings a little closer to when you want the cluster feeding to happen, and make adjustments as needed.

3. Keep Nighttime Activity to a Minimum

When your baby wakes up hungry in the middle of the night, feed them with as little disruption as possible. The key is to give them the milk they need while avoiding stimulation.

If you need to change their diaper, do so with minimal light and as little noise as possible. Keep your motions slow and soothing, and don’t rush the process. The more relaxed your baby is, the easier it will be for them to fall back to sleep.

Is Cluster Feeding a Red Flag?

On its own, cluster feeding is entirely natural and doesn’t indicate something else is going on with your baby.

Spending time worrying about your baby’s feeding habits is time wasted if they’re doing well in every other area. Check for wet and dirty diapers and weight gain. If you don’t see concerns there, then just relax!

If your baby never seems satisfied and seems permanently attached to the breast, it could be a warning sign. If you aren’t hearing or seeing your baby swallow, if your baby seems to be nibbling rather than sucking and swallowing, or if your baby is fussy much of the time, they may be using your breast as a pacifier and not really eating.

If you believe this is the case with your baby’s cluster feeding, work closely with your baby’s doctor and a lactation consultant to get their feeding back on track.

Editor's Note:

Michelle Roth, BA, IBCLC

4 Tricks To Survive Cluster Feeding

Just because it has eventual benefits doesn’t make cluster feeding fun. I used to dread having to sit on the couch alone in silence and staring into space while my baby fed and fed and fed. I quickly learned I was doing it all wrong, and I’m here to share what I learned with you!

1. Make It Part of Your Family Routine

If your family has multiple children, sitting down for hours on end isn’t realistic. Try to make your cluster feeding sessions blend in with your family culture by including other family members.

Bring the party to your nursing chair, or feed your baby right at the dinner table. I even somehow managed to play board games while breastfeeding!

Once you make your newborn an attachment to your body and get used to the dynamic, you’re pretty much unstoppable!

2. Use This Time To Unwind and Relax

Remember that book you’ve meant to read for a year now? Or how about the show on Netflix you keep wanting to watch? Cluster feeding is a great time to get some time to yourself, well, as much as you can with a baby pressed against you.

Take this time to relax and reflect on yourself to reduce stress. I found that meditating during cluster feedings was a great way to unwind and let go of my nursing-related frustration.

3. Create a Family Movie Night

If you aren’t a fan of trying to multitask, get your spouse to turn on a movie you can enjoy together while nursing. You shouldn’t have to be isolated and alone if you don’t want to be, though it can be nice sometimes.

Don’t hesitate to be a little selfish during this time. A newborn can take a lot out of you, especially if you’re breastfeeding and dealing with unusual situations or poorly-timed cluster feedings. If you want to cuddle up and watch a timeless favorite, you should do so guilt-free!

4. Time It Around Your Spouse’s Schedule

For me, cluster feeding was hard because I’d been at home with my baby all day, and then it was time to breastfeed for hours right after my husband got home. He didn’t get to spend time with either of us! It was really difficult until I adjusted the feeding times.

I started by gradually pushing the feeding a little later to give myself about an hour and a half to spend with my husband before I needed to focus on feeding our little one. It worked out great, especially when I introduced activities the two of us could enjoy together while I nursed.

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How Long Does Cluster Feeding Last? Answering Your Q's

Confession: I had no idea what cluster feeding was when we had our first daughter.

If you're a new or expecting parent and you don’t know what cluster feeding is yet, you’re in good company!

When Darcy, my first daughter, was about three weeks old she became uncharacteristically fussy. This is when I learned one of my most important motherhood lessons. Stay tuned.

Darcy cried for a couple evenings in a row. A conversation almost three years ago with my husband looked like this:

“What’s wrong with Darcy?” -Drew, who just got home from work to a sad baby and exhausted mom

“I have no idea.” 

“Is she hungry?”

“I just fed her, but she seems hungry again.” 

“Here, let me help.” Drew walks Darcy around the house, talks to her, changes her diaper….Darcy continues crying and I was probably crying at this point too.

So, I called our pediatrician and told him that I thought Darcy was sick. I explained her behavior and he said, with confidence, that she was cluster feeding. What’s that?? (I had so much to learn!)

What Is Cluster Feeding?

Cluster feeding means that your baby needs extra nutrients and wants to nurse more frequently. So instead of nursing every 2-3 hours, your little one might want to nurse every hour for several hours straight. This is usually a sign that your baby is going through a growth spurt.

Cluster feeding is most common for breastfed babies. If your baby is bottle fed and cluster feeding, they will just need extra ounces of milk; get those backup bottles ready! 

Heather Turgeon, a psychotherapist and author of The Happy Sleeper, said in an article on Healthline that “cluster feeding is likely a way for babies, who have maturing nervous systems, to regulate. It could also be a way to store up on food for the night.”

My pediatrician explained this and then said four magic words that changed my life: FEED HER ON DEMAND.

How Long Does Cluster Feeding Last?

Cluster feeding usually occurs around three and six weeks, and could continue on and off for the first few months when a growth spurt hits. (Norris, 2018) 

How did I not know this?

My tiny girl was just REALLY hungry and REALLY mad that I wasn’t immediately giving her what she wanted: My milk! And lots of it! 

I’m not mad at myself for being ignorant to the ins and outs of cluster feeding; I’m mad at myself for not trusting my instincts. I knew Darcy was hungry, but I thought that I was only supposed to nurse every two hours, so instead of trusting my gut, I waited until my pediatrician gave me permission to do what felt so natural. Nurse on demand. The lesson I learned was to trust my instincts and follow my baby’s cues. (Hopefully Darcy isn’t permanently scarred from my mistake!) 

I also learned how exhausting cluster feeding is, but knowing the signs and being prepared is the game changer. 

Signs Your Baby Is Cluster Feeding:

  • They are hungry for stretches of time, usually in the evening
  • They won’t stop crying until fed 
  • They don’t need a new diaper, they don’t have to burp, and are otherwise fine 
  • They are content when eating 

What If I Don’t Have Enough Milk?

I worried about this too. The first day I began feeding her on demand, my breasts ran out of milk and I panicked. Has anyone ever tried to quickly thaw frozen breast milk with a screaming baby in their arms? It takes FOREVER! Drew and I learned our lesson and had a bottle ready to go for next time. But the amazing thing was that her need for milk boosted my milk supply. Supply and Demand: the more milk she needed, the more milk I made. (The many wonders of motherhood will never cease to amaze me.) My advice is to have a backup bottle ready, but to keep nursing. Your body will help you control the amount of milk you need just by listening to your baby’s needs. 

“So while we can have theories about why they cluster feed, what matters is that we let them do it — that’s the way to establish and maintain mom’s milk supply” (Turgeon, 2018). 

Cluster Feeding and Sleep

Darcy started cluster feeding at night from about 6-10pm. After this marathon of nursing, she slept great! Laney, my new baby, cluster fed from about 11pm to 3am. (Yikes!) With both of my daughters, we took the best naps after their “cluster feeding” session. As you can imagine, cluster feeding is exhausting for baby and mom. 

Throw the Sleep Schedule Out the Window 

Before I learned what cluster feeding was, I was way too focused on Darcy's “schedule. ” She was three weeks old and definitely not ready for any kind of schedule! Follow your newborn’s lead, feed on demand, and do not worry about a schedule. Just be there when they need you, hold them, practice lots of skin-to-skin contact, and follow your instincts. When in doubt, call your pediatrician! Don’t wait three days like I did. 

Here are some tips to manage cluster feeding:

  • Set up a “nursing station” with all your essentials: snacks, a burp rag, your phone, the TV remote, and lots of water! 
  • Get your partner involved. Make sure he or she knows what cluster feeding is and tell them how to best support you. My husband is great at making sure my water is full, my phone charged, and my ice packs are ready to go.
  • Use ice packs/heating pads. The first couple of months of breastfeeding can be particularly challenging. I used these breast therapy packs to ease any discomfort.
  • Sleep when you can! This advice is thrown at new moms constantly for good reason. If you know you have a long night ahead of you, hydrate and rest whenever you can. (I know this is easier said than done.) 

Our team of moms at günamüna has seen it all. We will continue to share our victories and mistakes to help you through cluster feeding and the night shift. 

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

Literature

1 Naveed M et al. An autopsy study of relationship between perinatal stomach capacity and birth weight. Indian J Gastroenterol .1992;11(4):156-158. - Navid M. et al. , Association between prenatal gastric volume and birth weight. Autopsy. Indian J Gastroenterol. 1992;11(4):156-158.

2 Neville MC et al. Studies in human lactation: milk volumes in lactating women during the onset of lactation and full lactation .Am J Clinl Nutr . 1988;48(6):1375-1386. at the beginning and at the peak of lactation." Am F Clean Nutr. 1988;48(6):1375-1386.

3 Kent JC et al. Principles for maintaining or increasing breast milk production. J Obstet , Gynecol , & Neonatal Nurs . 2012;41(1):114-121. - Kent J.S. et al., "Principles for Maintaining and Increasing Milk Production". J Obstet Ginecol Neoneutal Nurs. 2012;41(1):114-121.

4 Australian Breastfeeding Feeding cues ; 2017 Sep [ cited 2018 Feb ]. - Australian Breastfeeding Association [Internet], Feed Ready Signals; September 2017 [cited February 2018]

5 Kent JC et al. Response of breasts to different stimulation patterns of an electric breast pump. J Human Lact . 2003;19(2):179-186. - Kent J.S. et al., Breast Response to Different Types of Electric Breast Pump Stimulation. J Human Lact (Journal of the International Association of Lactation Consultants). 2003;19(2):179-186.

6) Kent JC et al . Volume and frequency of breastfeedings and fat content of breast milk throughout the day. Pediatrics. 2006;117(3): e 387-395. - Kent J.S. et al., "Amount and frequency of breastfeeding and fat content of breast milk during the day." Pediatrix (Pediatrics). 2006;117(3):e387-95.

7 Lawrence RA, Lawrence RM. Breastfeeding: A guide for the medical profession. 7th ed. Maryland Heights MO, USA: Elsevier Mosby; 2010. 1128 p . - Lawrence R.A., Lawrence R.M., "Breastfeeding: A guide for healthcare professionals." Seventh edition. Publisher Maryland Heights , Missouri, USA: Elsevier Mosby; 2010. P. 1128.

8 World Health Organization. [Internet]. Child growth standards; 2018 [cited 2018 Feb] - World Health Organization. [Internet]. Child Growth Standards 2018 [cited February 2018].

9 Australian Breastfeeding Association . [ Internet ]. Cluster feeding and fussing babies ; Dec 2017 [ cited 2018 Feb ] - Australian Breastfeeding Association [Internet], Cluster Feeding and Screaming Babies; December 2017 [cited February 2018].

10 Moberg KU, Prime DK. Oxytocin effects in mothers and infants during breastfeeding. Infant . 2013;9(6):201-206.- Moberg K, Prime DK, "Oxytocin effects on mother and child during breastfeeding". Infant. 2013;9(6):201-206.

11 U.S. Department of Health & Human Services [Internet]. Surgeon General Breastfeeding factsheet; 2011 Jan 20 [cited 2017 Feb] - Department of Health and Human Services [Internet], "Breastfeeding Facts from the Chief Medical Officer", Jan 20, 2011 [cited Feb 2017]

12 Kendall-Tackett K et al. The effect of feeding method on sleep duration, maternal well-being, and postpartum depression. clinical lactation. 2011;1;2(2):22-26. - Kendall-Tuckett, K. et al., "Influence of feeding pattern on sleep duration, maternal well-being and the development of postpartum depression." Clinical Lactation. 2011;2(2):22-26.

13 Brown A, Harries V. Infant sleep and night feeding patterns during later infancy: Association with breastfeeding frequency, daytime complementary food intake, and infant weight. Breast Med . 2015;10(5):246-252. - Brown A., Harris W., "Night feedings and infant sleep in the first year of life and their association with feeding frequency, daytime supplementation, and infant weight." Brest Med (Breastfeeding Medicine). 2015;10(5):246-252.

14 Hassiotou F et al. Maternal and infant infections stimulate a rapid leukocyte response in breastmilk. Clin Transl immunology. 2013;2(4). - Hassiot F. et al., "Infectious diseases of the mother and child stimulate a rapid leukocyte reaction in breast milk." Clean Transl Immunology. 2013;2(4):e3.

15 Li DP et al. Breastfeeding and ovarian cancer risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 40 epidemiological studies. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev . 2014;15(12):4829-4837. - Lee D.P. et al., "Breastfeeding and the risk of ovarian cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 40 epidemiological studies." Asia Pas J Cancer Prev. 2014;15(12):4829-4837.

The child began to breastfeed more often. What is cluster feeding?

This is the period in a baby's life when he begins to breastfeed more often. For example, if yesterday your child ate an average of once every two hours, and today he requires a breast every half an hour or an hour, we are talking about cluster or group feeding. This is a temporary change in the feeding regime, however, parents are unlikely to be happy with such changes and may think that they are doing something wrong. We hasten to reassure you: cluster feeding is normal.

This usually happens within the first 28 days of a baby's life. As David Hill, Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, says, the first "attack" of cluster feeding usually occurs on the 10-12th day of life, and then repeats in the region of three months. But in general, cluster feedings are typical for the entire first half of a baby's life.

Most often, cluster feedings occur in the late afternoon, when the child is tired of external stimuli and wants to calm down and fall asleep. Cluster feedings often accompany growth and developmental spurts. Sometimes they can last all day.

The first weeks and months of a baby's life are a difficult time for him, because he is constantly growing and developing, accepting new conditions of life outside the womb, adapting to the outside world. To do this, he needs not only to get food regularly, but also to calm down, because this big world is such a complicated thing.

Sucking and being at the mother's breast is a natural need for the baby, so he uses cluster feedings not only to eat, but also to get close contact with the mother. So don't get mad at him, he really needs it. And do not listen to those who say that "that way he will make a dummy out of you. " Won't. Listen to yourself and the child, you are doing everything right.

The good news is that there is evidence that this behavior of the child precedes a longer sleep (we are talking about four to five hours). Why, it's a whole chasm of uninterrupted sleep when you have a newborn!

Yes, indeed, cluster feedings can exhaust a mother. But, as the same Hill says, they are important for her, especially if they occur at the initial stage of motherhood. The fact is that by frequent application, the baby stimulates the production of milk, thus helping the mother to quickly establish full lactation.

Of course, the baby needs maternal care and warmth, skin-to-skin contact, but you should not forget about yourself during this exhausting period of group feeding! More precisely, it is strictly forbidden, otherwise you risk bringing yourself to emotional exhaustion. Here's what can be done.

Do not blame yourself and the child. He is all right, all babies have such days, and you are doing everything right - offering him what he needs most of all now.

Do not forget to drink and eat , because your body is now intensively establishing lactation, which means it consumes a large amount of energy. Eat well and don't limit yourself to kuro-buckwheat.

Sleep between feeds . Facebook and Instagram can wait. Especially if cluster feedings caught you at night, and the baby wakes up every hour. Yes, it will seem to you that it is easier not to sleep at all than to spend time on short sleep sessions, but this is not so.

Connect partner . Yes, you may think that this is rather pointless, because he does not have breasts with milk. But he can carry the baby in his arms while you drink tea or spend time in the shower - during this period it is important to give yourself a little respite.

Don't listen to the "experts" . You will definitely be advised to put the child down and "let him scream" or do something else so that "God forbid, spoil him." But you shouldn't do that. We now know more about children and their needs than ever before. So: cluster feedings will not spoil your baby. He really needs them. In any case, more than senseless motion sickness, attempts to distract and hiss are more necessary.

It is believed that one episode of grouped feedings should not exceed two days, and the application itself should not exceed an hour. If the baby “hangs” on the chest for an hour and this has been happening for two days, you need to contact a lactation consultant or a pediatrician you trust.

We asked Daria Utkina, a doula and mother-and-child care consultant, to talk about cluster feeding.

Not all babies go through this period, but most do. It seems to me that knowing in itself that this is a physiological norm, and not an epic fail in becoming a milk fairy, already gives a lot of peace of mind. Often women worry that the reason for cluster feedings is the notorious “not enough milk”, although the child has just enough of everything.

Speaking of support, it's very cool when there are people nearby who also know that cluster feeding is a variant of the norm and you don't have to fight with it. Because even a confident and informed mother will be disturbed by the constant background anxiety of relatives. And if this is the first baby and everything is still completely new, then any comments on the topic “something is not working out for you”, “something is wrong with the child” will fall into the most vulnerable point.

Evening time can also be planned in advance, taking into account the baby hanging on the chest. Arrange with a partner to come to the beginning of vigils, call a postpartum doula or a friend / mother / anyone to be around.

On the contrary, it helps some women to break the stereotype about crazy evenings at home, pack the baby in a sling where he can feed non-stop, and go out into the world.

Well, adjust expectations all the time. Cluster feedings become a problem when the idea sits in your head that a baby usually eats at least once an hour, or even every three hours. And when everything happens differently, it makes you reconsider your ideas not only about babies, but also about your life with them.

Many of my clients find it helpful to remind themselves of "one thing a day." Especially for those who are accustomed to work tirelessly and assumed that while the baby was sleeping and eating, it would be possible to continue almost in the same rhythm.

Plus, sometimes it happens that cluster feedings are just situations where a child for some reason (inefficient attachment, a short bridle, for example) has to be on the breast all the time to get the right amount of milk. In this case, it would be good to call a consultant on breastfeeding and find out what is the reason.

During cluster feedings, the mother has a huge responsibility, and she can feel overwhelmed, exhausted and disappointed. Obviously, dads can't offer to help feed their baby, but there are some important ways they can help moms.

  • Get up with your mother. This is really important, she will not feel so lonely if the partner tries to cheer her up during feeding (and at the same time not fall asleep next to her).
  • Bathe, walk, entertain the child (and also his brothers and sisters). Cluster feeding will be much easier for mom if she can focus only on this.