Cluster feeding
Cluster feeding is normal and has nothing to do with your milk supply. Find out how to manage it, how to tell if your baby is getting enough milk and how long to breastfeed.
Cluster feeding is frequent, or even constant feeding over a certain period of time, and often happens in the evening. Your baby may act fussy and seems hungry again right after you've fed him or her. This can be frustrating and some mothers may start wondering if they are producing enough milk for their baby. As a new mother, these thoughts can knock your confidence.
This behaviour is normal and it has nothing to do with your milk supply.
There are several reasons for cluster feeding. Baby might be having a growth spurt which means they need more energy and more milk. Baby might need some extra bonding with you and wants to be close and more secure, or your baby might just be getting ready for a longer sleep. Many experts believe that cluster feeding is a natural way of boosting your milk supply. One of the worst things you can do at this time is to offer formula as this tells your body to make less milk.
How to manage cluster feeding?
First you need to relax. The more you relax, the calmer your baby will be. Hold your baby skin to skin to increase hormones which sooth you and your baby. Breastfeed your baby on demand with minimal stimulation between the feeds. Get a comfy chair, hydrate and eat healthy foods. Nap with your baby close by and get help from your partner if you need to take a break. Expressing some milk in advance can be helpful at this time.
Remember, cluster feeding is not about your milk supply.
If you are concerned or just want to talk to someone about it, you can always talk to your nurse or ask to speak to the lactation consultants available in the hospital.
How do I know if my baby is getting enough milk?
The key to making sure you are making enough milk for your baby is feeding him as often as he needs and making sure that he is feeding effectively. Your baby is getting enough milk if:
- Your baby wants to feed eight to 12 times a day
- Your baby takes deep and long sucks and swallows
- Your baby finishes the feed and comes off the breast on his own
- Your baby from day 4 has at least five to six wet diapers and two yellow stools a day
- Your baby is gaining weight after the first two weeks of life
- Breastfeeding is comfortable and it doesn't hurt you when your baby feeds
How long should I breastfeed?
World Health Organization and international experts recommend to breastfeed your baby exclusively for the first six months of age, with continued breastfeeding along with introducing complementary foods up to two years of age or beyond. Exclusive breastfeeding means only breast milk and no other drinks or food.
Giving other food or drinks to a breastfed baby reduces mother's milk and decreases the benefits provided by breast milk for both baby and mother. Babies who are not breastfed have a higher chance of:
- Diarrhoea and vomiting
- Chest and ear infections
- Being constipated and gassy
- Developing eczema and allergy
- Becoming obese, which can lead to developing type 2 diabetes
Mums and babies continue to benefit however long they breastfeed for and you can continue to breastfeed if you go back to work. There will be many factors – practical, physical, social and emotional – involved in your decision to carry on breastfeeding, mixed feeding or stopping altogether. If your baby needs supplementation with formula due to medical reasons or by your personal choice, make sure you consult with your baby's doctor or a lactation consultant to choose the right milk for your baby and how to prepare it properly.
Will breastfeeding hurt?
When your baby is breastfeeding properly, it should be comfortable for both of you. If breastfeeding becomes painful, it is usually caused by the way your baby is attached on the breast. Make sure you get help from our team of lactation consultants or trained midwives or nurses.
How do I breastfeed?
Although breastfeeding is natural, it is a learning process for both mother and the baby. Give your baby and yourself time to learn how to breastfeed. Breastfeeding might seem hard work at the beginning, but it gets easier after the first two weeks. Be patient and practise.
Correct positioning and attachment can prevent many of the common problems mothers encounter when starting to breastfeed. Many mothers need several weeks to perfect these techniques. Try using pillows under your arms, elbows, neck or back, or under the baby for support. Try different positions as you baby need to be comfortable while feeding. Give yourself and the baby time to get used to a position at a time. This will reduce confusion and strengthen your abilities to make each position work effectively.
Cluster feeding is frequent, or even constant feeding over a certain period of time, and often happens in the evening. Your baby may act fussy and seems hungry again right after you've fed him or her. This can be frustrating and some mothers may start wondering if they are producing enough milk for their baby. As a new mother, these thoughts can knock your confidence.
This behaviour is normal and it has nothing to do with your milk supply.
There are several reasons for cluster feeding. Baby might be having a growth spurt which means they need more energy and more milk. Baby might need some extra bonding with you and wants to be close and more secure, or your baby might just be getting ready for a longer sleep. Many experts believe that cluster feeding is a natural way of boosting your milk supply. One of the worst things you can do at this time is to offer formula as this tells your body to make less milk.
How to manage cluster feeding?
First you need to relax. The more you relax, the calmer your baby will be. Hold your baby skin to skin to increase hormones which sooth you and your baby. Breastfeed your baby on demand with minimal stimulation between the feeds. Get a comfy chair, hydrate and eat healthy foods. Nap with your baby close by and get help from your partner if you need to take a break. Expressing some milk in advance can be helpful at this time.
Remember, cluster feeding is not about your milk supply.
If you are concerned or just want to talk to someone about it, you can always talk to your nurse or ask to speak to the lactation consultants available in the hospital.
How do I know if my baby is getting enough milk?
The key to making sure you are making enough milk for your baby is feeding him as often as he needs and making sure that he is feeding effectively. Your baby is getting enough milk if:
- Your baby wants to feed eight to 12 times a day
- Your baby takes deep and long sucks and swallows
- Your baby finishes the feed and comes off the breast on his own
- Your baby from day 4 has at least five to six wet diapers and two yellow stools a day
- Your baby is gaining weight after the first two weeks of life
- Breastfeeding is comfortable and it doesn't hurt you when your baby feeds
How long should I breastfeed?
World Health Organization and international experts recommend to breastfeed your baby exclusively for the first six months of age, with continued breastfeeding along with introducing complementary foods up to two years of age or beyond. Exclusive breastfeeding means only breast milk and no other drinks or food.
Giving other food or drinks to a breastfed baby reduces mother's milk and decreases the benefits provided by breast milk for both baby and mother. Babies who are not breastfed have a higher chance of:
- Diarrhoea and vomiting
- Chest and ear infections
- Being constipated and gassy
- Developing eczema and allergy
- Becoming obese, which can lead to developing type 2 diabetes
Mums and babies continue to benefit however long they breastfeed for and you can continue to breastfeed if you go back to work. There will be many factors – practical, physical, social and emotional – involved in your decision to carry on breastfeeding, mixed feeding or stopping altogether. If your baby needs supplementation with formula due to medical reasons or by your personal choice, make sure you consult with your baby's doctor or a lactation consultant to choose the right milk for your baby and how to prepare it properly.
Will breastfeeding hurt?
When your baby is breastfeeding properly, it should be comfortable for both of you. If breastfeeding becomes painful, it is usually caused by the way your baby is attached on the breast. Make sure you get help from our team of lactation consultants or trained midwives or nurses.
How do I breastfeed?
Although breastfeeding is natural, it is a learning process for both mother and the baby. Give your baby and yourself time to learn how to breastfeed. Breastfeeding might seem hard work at the beginning, but it gets easier after the first two weeks. Be patient and practise.
Correct positioning and attachment can prevent many of the common problems mothers encounter when starting to breastfeed. Many mothers need several weeks to perfect these techniques. Try using pillows under your arms, elbows, neck or back, or under the baby for support. Try different positions as you baby need to be comfortable while feeding. Give yourself and the baby time to get used to a position at a time. This will reduce confusion and strengthen your abilities to make each position work effectively.