Cluster Feeding
Cluster feeding is when your baby’s feeds are very frequent or ‘clustered’ together. They may want to feed multiple times over a few hours and they may also be fussy during this time. This can be a difficult time for mothers but knowing why babies cluster feed and that it is very common in the first few months of a baby’s life can help you make sense of it all.
Cluster feeding can happen at any time of day but can be more common at night or the afternoon. This is because babies seem to want to ‘fill up’ before sleeping for a longer period of time.
Some babies also suck for comfort, they may become unsettled soon after coming off the breast and want another feed, but they are just wanting to suck for comfort.Babies have a natural sucking reflex that starts in the womb, when a baby comes earth side sucking helps them feel secure, calm and soothed. This also helps them regulate their emotions, especially if they are tired, upset or overstimulated. It addition to sucking while feeding some babies will also use there thumb to suck on or a dummy. This can also help provide mum with a rest too.
Cluster feeding can happen at any time of day but can be more common at night or the afternoon. This is because babies seem to want to ‘fill up’ before sleeping for a longer period of time.
Some babies also suck for comfort, they may become unsettled soon after coming off the breast and want another feed, but they are just wanting to suck for comfort.Babies have a natural sucking reflex that starts in the womb, when a baby comes earth side sucking helps them feel secure, calm and soothed. This also helps them regulate their emotions, especially if they are tired, upset or overstimulated. It addition to sucking while feeding some babies will also use there thumb to suck on or a dummy. This can also help provide mum with a rest too.
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It’s important to remember that feeding regularly will also help keep your milk supply.
If your baby is still fussing while feeding you can try some of these simple ideas too
Try going to a quiet spot, turning off the tv and lights creating a relaxing environment.
Take deep breaths and stroke your breast towards the nipple to encourage the let down reflux to help the milk flow.
Keep your baby close to you, this can be in a carrier of a rocker or pram if you need to get things done around the home or attend to other children.
Prepare for this time of day, by cooking dinner earlier in the day or asking for help from your partner or someone close to you. Have activities and snacks ready for older children. Accept that it is only temporary and won’t last forever, although it can feel like you are not achieving anything feeding for long periods of time you are providing your baby with the best nutrients possible and if you need a break it is okay to ask for one.
Some mothers also get concerned and think that Cluster feeding is a sign of low milk supply but it is not usually a sign of this. But if you are worried about your milk supply you can see your local lactation consultant or your doctor to rule this out.
If your baby is still fussing while feeding you can try some of these simple ideas too
Try going to a quiet spot, turning off the tv and lights creating a relaxing environment.
Take deep breaths and stroke your breast towards the nipple to encourage the let down reflux to help the milk flow.
Keep your baby close to you, this can be in a carrier of a rocker or pram if you need to get things done around the home or attend to other children.
Prepare for this time of day, by cooking dinner earlier in the day or asking for help from your partner or someone close to you. Have activities and snacks ready for older children. Accept that it is only temporary and won’t last forever, although it can feel like you are not achieving anything feeding for long periods of time you are providing your baby with the best nutrients possible and if you need a break it is okay to ask for one.
Some mothers also get concerned and think that Cluster feeding is a sign of low milk supply but it is not usually a sign of this. But if you are worried about your milk supply you can see your local lactation consultant or your doctor to rule this out.