The lowdown on cluster feeding

What is cluster feeding?

Cluster feeding is a normal part of a breastfeeding journey, it is a time when babies frequently feed. They often feed in short bursts over a course of a few hours. It can feel like baby is never going to stop feeding. *They do eventually, I promise!* 

Cluster feeding is common in newborn babies and younger babies but can also happen in older babies too. 

Why do babies cluster feed?

Newborn babies have tiny stomachs and breast milk digests much quicker than infant formula, hence the need for frequent top ups. 

Cluster feeding tends to happen more frequently at night (such great news for us sleep deprived parents!) and often coincides with growth spurts or a need for closeness and comfort. Your breasts will respond to this natural cue and increase demand. I found that both my babies also cluster fed when I returned to work part time. They needed some extra comfort and closeness to their mummy! 

Cluster feeding tends to happen more frequently at night and often coincides with growth spurts or a need for closeness and comfort.

The good news is, cluster feeding can help babies sleep for longer. It helps to regulate the babies, increases skin to skin time, which benefits both mum and baby and increases your milk supply. 

My cluster feeding experience 

With my first born baby, Freddie, I found the initial stint of newborn cluster feeding particularly challenging and overwhelming. I was so concerned that my baby would never want to sleep in his own crib and I was somehow getting it wrong. I couldn’t understand why my tiny baby wanted to nurse all of the time! Then there was the added challenge of dealing with sore nipples, due to cluster feeding and a shallow latch. However, I soon realised that this was all normal and our beautiful breastfeeding journey spanned for a magical 862 days. 

With my second born baby, Arthur, I knew exactly what to expect and had a completely different experience of newborn cluster feeding. This time, I made myself comfortable on the reclining sofa, found an exciting series to watch and soaked up every single moment of my tiny newborn. I stopped worrying I was getting it wrong.

With my second born baby, Arthur, I knew exactly what to expect and had a completely different experience of newborn cluster feeding.

I knew the cluster feeding would pass and it was a normal stage of development. I’d sit up all night feeding and snuggling my gorgeous baby, giving him everything he needed to grow and develop. I look back on this time so fondly, I loved the special 1:1 time me and Arthur had whole the rest of the house was sleeping. There is something special about a night feed. I love the silence where I can completely soak in my baby and take in every tiny part of them. So far mine and Arthur’s breastfeeding journey has been going for 431 days (coincidently half the time I fed Freddie, to the date) with no end in sight! 

How to cope with cluster feeding? 

• Speak to other breastfeeding mums or health professionals if you need reassurance or advice. It really helps to speak to others and reassure you that these things are normal. 
• Find a good series to watch on tv – it makes the nights go quicker and helps you to stay awake and alert during the exhausting newborn days. 
• Make sure you have plenty of fluids and snacks at the ready. Breastfeeding is hard work, tasty treats are an essential! 
• Rest between cluster feeding sessions – it can be very tiring so sleep when you can. This will help you to keep your strength up to be able to look after your baby and will also help to increase your milk supply. 
• Invest in a good nipple cream and use it as a barrier prior to your nipples getting sore. 
• Remember, that this time will pass, and while it is exhausting, it is ensuring your baby is able to grow and develop well. Your magic milk is providing them with everything they need – food, comfort and closeness.