New parents, have you heard of cluster feeding? If not, well, brace yourselves.
Newborn babies need to get nutrition from their mother’s breastmilk. They also tend to sleep and wake in a matter of time within a 24-hour period.
Given their need to be nourished consistently and their sleep schedule, they may have a tendency to have short but frequent feeds. While this could drive some mums insane, this kind of behaviour is common in newborns.
What is Cluster Feeding?
Cluster feeding of babies is the period when your baby wants a short feeding time even after a shorter span of hours. Babies tend to cluster feed during their early weeks of breastfeeding.
As mentioned, this behaviour is normal in newborns. They tend to do it every late afternoon or early evening. Some babies cluster feed at any time of the day.
Babies also want to fill up on milk after a few hours. Then, they will often sleep longer than usual.
There are no specific reasons why your baby tends to cluster feed. However, some studies say mothers make much more milk and newborns get more than enough of the nourishment that they need when they cluster feed.
How Can You Tell if Your Baby Is Cluster Feeding?
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When your baby tends to have short feeds from time to time or feeds after a short break, he is cluster feeding.
You might notice the following situations in your baby:
- has shorter sleep or rests, or having naps in between the feeding period
- feeding only in a short time period then gets on and off your breast
- tends to cry, or be fussy during cluster feeding
Cluster feeding of babies usually happens during weeks 3 to 6 after birth. Your baby is also having a growth spurt during this phase.
Having growth spurts may require more milk than usual to fill in your baby’s stomach. Make sure also that mommies have enough milk to provide for their babies.
Benefits and Risks of Cluster Feeding
According to Healthline, the following are the advantages and disadvantages of cluster feeding, for both mum and baby:
Pros
- The baby may sleep longer and sounder following cluster feeding.
- Breastfeeding frequently increases your milk supply.
- It helps your child to regulate emotionally and physically.
- It promotes skin-to-skin contact for mum and baby.
Cons
- Frequent breastfeeding can worsen breastfeeding problems like sore nipples and breasts.
- It’s unpredictable.
- It can be exhausting, both physically and emotionally for the mum.
- It will keep the mum preoccupied, leaving only little time for other chores and things.
Is Cluster Feeding Normal?
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Observing the following situations should let you know if your baby’s cluster feeding is to be treated normally:
- While your baby cluster feeds, they gain weight reasonably
- Cluster feeding happens for a limited time, every 3 to 4 hours a day
- It results in a lot of dirty and wet diapers
- Cluster feeding happens after delivery when you have an insufficient milk supply
- During cluster feeding, your baby has short rests and sleeps
- Your baby feeds for a short time, then pulls on and off your breast
Cluster feeding does not have a strict schedule. The same with when or how will you wake up your baby to breastfeed.
Meanwhile, here are 4 possible scenarios for when and how your baby will cluster feed.
- Your baby may cluster feed at night, but not during the day
- Your baby would cluster feed both during the day and at night
- During cluster feeding, your baby might only take snacks, not a full long feeding
- Your baby may cluster feed during the late afternoon, or later in the evening (possibly 5 pm to 11 pm)
However, there are claims that cluster feeding happens or may occur during the night than morning.
Baby Cluster Feeding at Night, All Night
Your baby might cluster feed at any time of the day, but it is common that your baby to cluster feed during the night, and even through the night.
You may find it difficult and yet, cluster feeding could be more convenient and perfect for both you and your baby.
It may be a course of growth spurts or having to produce an adequate amount of milk supply. However, sometimes cluster feeding is more about comfort than hunger.
Nighttime is very tiring for your baby. If your baby gets tired, they tend to breastfeed as this gives them comfort.
Thoughts about it may not be true for every baby, but the mum needs to cluster feed her baby more in the evening because she might not breastfeed fuller from one session as she does at other schedules in the day when there is more supply.
Cluster Feeding = Low Milk Supply?
A baby wanting to cluster feed is not always an indication of a low milk supply. As a mother, you may need to follow their lead as your body responds by producing more milk.
This is why you need to check on the number of wet diapers that the baby produces. Because if baby keeps feeding and coming up with a lot of wet diapers, then you’re on the right track. Checking wet diapers when cluster feeding is important because it serves as a reliable indicator of a baby’s hydration and overall health.
During cluster feeding, infants often have frequent and intense nursing sessions, which can result in increased urine output. By monitoring the number of wet diapers, parents can ensure that their baby is receiving enough fluids and staying properly hydrated.
If you are worried about your insufficient milk supply, you may ask for a paediatrician’s help.
If your baby has finished feeding half an hour ago then ask for breastfeeding again as they cry, you might think that hunger is not the issue. But if you observed that nursing your baby stops them from crying, you may indulge them and feed them again.
This is very exhausting for nursing mums, but this is beneficial for your baby, especially during the first couple of months.
Doing cluster feeding will help your baby get as much feeding as they need. It will also help your body to produce more milk required to suffice your baby’s nutritional needs.
However, if you do feel so spent and exhausted from breastfeeding round the clock, you may opt to take a break and try other ways to soothe your baby. Eventually, you will learn to differentiate if your baby is breastfeeding out of hunger, or just wants to be comforted.
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When Does Cluster Feeding Stop?
It can be so tiring when your baby is in a cluster feeding phase, but remember that they do not last long. These sessions rarely go on for more than 2 days. But if it lasts longer than expected, you may want to check your baby’s weight, as it can indicate that he’s not getting enough milk and enough calories.
Moreover, once you have established your milk supply, your child will eventually grow out of this habit, around 4 to 6 months. However, your older baby might still cluster feeding on occasion, especially when they need extra comfort like when they are sick, teething (ouch!) or having a growth spurt.
Meanwhile, hang in there, mum! We’ve got some tips to help you manage this demanding phase.
How to Cope with Cluster Feeding
- Relax
- Follow your baby’s needs and leads
- Expect that your baby will be sleepy and settled after feeding
- Try resting during the day to prepare for the night’s cluster feeding
- Try changing positions after each feeding to avoid feeling sore
- Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration
- Do not skip meals and eat properly
- Accompany yourself with friends and family to support you
When to Seek Help About Cluster Feeding
While cluster feeding is typically a normal part of an infant’s feeding routine, it’s crucial to be aware of potential red flags that may warrant medical attention.
Here are five instances when you should consider seeing a doctor for cluster feeding:
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Insufficient wet diapers: If your baby consistently has a low number of wet diapers during cluster feeding, it could be a sign of inadequate fluid intake or potential dehydration. Consult with a healthcare professional to ensure your baby is getting enough nourishment.
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Weight loss or inadequate weight gain: While it’s common for newborns to lose a small amount of weight initially, excessive weight loss or poor weight gain during cluster feeding may indicate a feeding problem or underlying health issue. Promptly consult a doctor to assess your baby’s growth and address any concerns.
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Persistent fussiness or discomfort: While cluster feeding can cause some fussiness, if your baby remains inconsolable or displays excessive discomfort during or after feeding sessions, it could be a sign of an underlying issue such as reflux, allergies, or an infection. Seeking medical advice can help identify and address the root cause.
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Lack of sleep or extreme fatigue: Cluster feeding can disrupt a baby’s sleep patterns, but if your baby is experiencing severe sleep deprivation, excessive fussiness due to exhaustion, or shows signs of extreme fatigue, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional. They can help determine if there are any underlying conditions affecting your baby’s ability to rest and offer guidance on establishing healthy sleep routines.
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Concerns about milk supply or latch issues: If you have concerns about your milk supply, suspect difficulties with your baby’s latch, or experience persistent pain while breastfeeding during cluster feeding, reach out to a lactation consultant or a healthcare provider. They can assess the situation, provide guidance, and offer solutions to improve breastfeeding efficiency and overall feeding experience.
While keeping up with your newborn’s feeding demand can be exhausting, remember that it’s not forever. So do not stress yourself out with your baby’s feeding habits. If something happens that does not fit, consult your child’s paediatrician to find support.
This article was written by Nathanielle Torre and republished with permission from theAsianparent Philippines.
Here at theAsianparent Singapore, it’s important for us to give information that is correct, significant, and timely. But this doesn’t serve as an alternative for medical advice or medical treatment. theAsianparent Singapore is not responsible for those that would choose to drink medicines based on information from our website. If you have any doubts, we recommend consulting your doctor for clearer information.
