The Cluster-Feeding Survival Thread

[TheNewMrs]

So I've noticed lately this is a HUGE factor in Mums wanting to give up. So I thought us Mum's who've Survived cluster feeding with our nipples in tact -maybe battered, cracked and sore-but in tact!! Could write our experiences, tips and answer questions.

So here goes-----

Cluster feeding is.....
when your baby just wants to feed almost constantly! It can last for up to 5+ hours at a time with baby crying when breast is taken away. It's most common for this to occur in evenings but can happen any time of day, especially during growth spurts.

Mum will usually feel....
Exhausted, sore, over "touched", irritated , upset, confused, like she doesn't have enough milk....

Cluster feeding lasts ......
It's different for every baby,
Usually by 3 months it's calmed down and only happens during growth spurts.

Why is my baby cluster feeding?...
To increase your milk supply! Your breasts work on a supply& demand system. The more often your baby can empty the breast, the faster your body received the signal that baby needs more milk. Also in the early days, your baby is still extremely dependant on you. Your breast bring baby comfort , security an reassurance as well as food. This is also a way Of learning that you will tend to its every need and eventually the baby learns trust! (prett cool eh!?)

My doctor/nurse/HV says I don't have enough milk?
There are many health professionals who assume a bf baby should be on the same schedule as a FF baby, however this is NOT true! It is. Ery rare for. Bf baby to go 3-4hrs between feedings before 3mo, even then a lot of babies still feed much more frequent. If your baby is gaining weight and having 6-8 wet nappies a day , is alert when awake and not sleeping more than usual, then you've got enough milk. If you have genuine concerns about your milk, your best seeing a lactation consultant.

So it seems my baby IS cluster feeding , what do I do?....
Get a 2ltr bottle of water, some healthy snacks, the TV remote and or a good book an park your backside in the comfiest chair you have! Invite visitors to cook for you or bring you meals and lend a helpin hand when coming to visit.
Try to enjoy it! Soon enough it'll be next to impossible to get them to snuggle up for a feed.

What products will make this easier on me?....
Lansinoh will sooth sore nipples, a Boppy pillow will support your arms, a nursing bra will make boob access easier.

If any Mamas have any other hints/tips/or advice please comment below and I will add it.


Here's a lovely read about normal newborn behaviour too!
https://theleakyboob.com/2011/08/baby-explains-normal-newborn-behavior/

 

[LegoHouse]

I've just come out the other end of a 2 hour feed. Got some chocolate and some juice, plonked myself and my daughter on the sofa and watched Barbie and the Diamond Castle I kind of enjoy these times lol x

 

[Bevziibubble]

I used to put my favourite programmes on the telly and watch that for hours. I'd also be on Facebook etc on my iPhone. I miss cluster feedings, it's been a constant battle to feed my LO since she turned 4 months old.

 

[jk3nd4ll]

Ahh.. Cluster feeding! 5 straight hours of boob action It started around 3 in the afternoon lasted until about 8 or 9 at night! The babies would scream and scream and scream unless they had a boob! It was exhausting! Sometimes I felt the life was getting sucked out of me. (pun intended) I was an emotional roller coaster. It was rough! I felt like giving up, ALOT! I would keep telling myself that breastfeeding is whats best for my babies. Then it just stopped one day. It still happens every now and then but nothing like it was the first few months! I must admit it wasn't all bad I watched more movies in that 3 months then I have watched in my lifetime! And my fiance waited on my hand and foot, cooking for me bringing me water, and snacks LOTS & LOTS of snacks lol!!

 

[KELLYBD]

I'm soooooooooooo glad I've seen your post I'm experiencing this with my new daughter and it is proving to be a nightmare when I have 11 1/2 month old twins to look after too. I didn't breast feed the twins as they started life in SCBU and I never got my milk in as they were premature and I was always totally stressed. This time I thought I'd try with my newborn but it really is hardwork with the twins demanding my attention but I'm trying to stick with it Thanks for your post!

 

[Lou+Bubs]

I am expecting my 2nd in a few weeks! I have a dd who is 2 1/2. I didnt do very well withbreastfeeding the first time but really want to try stick it out this time. My worry is when baby is feeding for long length of times like this, is the entertaining of my dd. Any tips or advice would help put my mind at ease!

 

[staralfur]

Throwing in some unhealthy snacks can be helpful too.

 

[lyricsop03]

Ah, I can relate! The last day my baby was constantly on my boob. Exhausting, but I watched a ton of junk on TV, lol. We'll all pull thru, somehow.

 

[kissesandhugs]

THANK you for this thread. I've already gotten through 1 growth spurt and he wanted to cluster feed all day yesterday (maybe another growth spurt?) but it's already getting a bit easier! day by day.

 

[LegoHouse]

What are healthy snacks though? Chocolate is healthy right?!

 

[TheNewMrs]

What are healthy snacks though? Chocolate is healthy right?!

I was told chocolate boosts milk supply! Probably totally crap but it was a perfect excuse! Ha!!!

 

[SnowGal]

Get the pillows set up so your LO is supported with a good latch. It makes it much easier if you can get comfortable!

Educate your partner about cluster feeding- once I explained it all to my husband he was much more supportive and encouraging and helped me to not feel like I need to supplement.

Make sure you take care of yourself as well. Get your snacks, water and something to do. Also dont be afraid to go to the bathroom! I spent many cluster feedings holding it in thinking the baby might be finished soon. I learned it was better to unlatch for the two mins it takes and get back to baby after.

 

[TheNewMrs]

Bump!

 

[Hellylou]

Glad I saw this...

My baby boy is a week old today and I am sooo sore! He is a little easier in the afternoons, but mornings, evenings and all night, he's just at me. No one else can hold him for long as he starts rooting and looking for me. I've done this twice before but it was a long time ago and I'd forgotten how exhausting it is! I am constantly swigging water and eating. I am also taking vitamin supplements with calicium for breastfeeding. Nights are definitely the hardest at the moment. Love the little guy to bits.

 

[Bunnikins]

The main problem i have with cluster feeding is the comments from family.. " get her on the bottle, shes obv not getting enough ", " this is ridiculous, it cant be right ", " shes starving bless her, give her a bottle! ", and general annoyance that they cant hold her, all she wants is her mum (cos im the one with milk), shes gonna be clingy etc etc.

By the way, the main message i take from this thread - "chocolate boosts milk supply!" I will remember that, and count it as the gospel truth whether proven by research or not! Thanks TheNewMrs

 

[blue_kat]

First thing I will say to any new mother going through this phase is...remember it WILL get better!

Just enjoy having the close bonding sessions while it lasts and take in every moment, its so worth it in the long run!

Have loads of programmes/films recorded, books to read at the ready...I wish I had my kindle now as I was forever dropping books on her head whilst trying to turn pages!

and most importantly....train your OH to get u cups of tea and food on demand!!!

 

[blue_kat]

oh and I used a mixture of lanisoh (is that the right name?!) and rubbing bit of milk onto nipples after each feed - helps dry nipples!

 

[Scromfy]

Great thread! I made it through a growth spurt or two, and totally doubted myself at first. I thought I didn't have enough milk, and stressed about visitors and the comments "oh he just needs a soother" or "he's just gassy". Ignore these people, becaus your baby know what he or she needs! and I agree with all the comments about getting set up with a comfy position, snacks, water, tea, and movie/tv,Books, phone, iPad, whatever! My son still cluster feeds, but I trust myself now and know that it's normal! It can be frustrating, but I know he's gaining weight like crazy, so something must be right!

 

[TheNewMrs]

Bumping for all the New Mamas

 

[Jinnah]

Okay, I have a question. Is it normal to feel empty during these cluster feeds? Like after you feed and the baby empties the breast, but then starts cluster feeding, it feels empty for a bit, right? Then there is a letdown and then it's empty again? I don't know if it's truly empty, but it's not FULL, ya know? Like when there has been a three hour stretch between feedings and it's FULL.