Understand factors contributing to your baby’ cluster feeding, how long does cluster feeding last, soothing your baby, and when to seek help.
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Author:
Khushboo Kirale
- >> Post Created: September 11, 2020
- >> Last Updated: May 3, 2024
Infant Cluster Feeding - Table of Contents
Breastfeeding is a beautiful experience which lays the foundation of a beautiful bond between you and your baby and is essential for you to lead a healthy life postpartum.
But Oh! Breastfeeding is not easy. It can be exhausting for a new parent especially when your newborn is in the cluster feeding phase. It will drain you physically as well as emotionally.
I went through the experience of infant cluster feeding with my daughter and when I got my triplets (all boys), I thought I was well prepared for cluster feeding. Even with the knowledge and learning on infant cluster feeding I got super exhausted, obviously with 3 kids being nursed. Some days I felt like a zombie just dragging myself around.
Sometimes women experiencing cluster feeding are so exhausted that their milk supply starts depleting – leading to low milk supply. However its temporary phase and milk supply comes back to normal with simple tricks to increase breastmilk supply.
Thankfully, I feel due to my understanding on the topic I think I was holding up better than I anticipated.
So, I can completely understand what you must be going through. That’s the core reason I decided to write this article to guide you through the newborn’s cluster feeding phase. To help you cope when your infants are cluster feeding, I have compiled these 20 tips for you and your baby to deal with cluster feeding altogether.
For more detailed information on ‘What is Cluster Feeding, Identify Cluster Feeding, Pros and Cons, and some FAQs’ you can refer to: Cluster Feeding How to Identify and Manage Cluster Feeding
Factors that contribute to infant cluster feeding
It’s always good to be aware regarding the factors which play a role leading to your infants’ cluster feeding, although it is difficult to determine the exact cause.
Slower milk flow
This is one of the factors contributing to infant cluster feeding. Generally as you go through your day, you tend to get tired, and towards the evening and night your exhaustion could lead to a slower milk flow during this time.
This is because your let-down reflex can become a bit slower over time due to a slower hormonal response. It can also be affected by tiredness and stress, especially the stress of worrying whether you have enough milk for your baby.
This could lead to your baby latching on to you for short feeds more frequently as they are not getting enough milk and could lead to cluster feeding.
Growth spurt
For the initial few months, babies grow incredibly fast and go through growth spurts. They need to feed more often to grow fast. This factor contributes to infant cluster feeding behavior.
These growth spurts are generally observed around 3, 6, and 8 weeks after birth and are further distributed throughout the years to come.
Developmental leaps
With physical growth spurts that happen, infants go through mental growth spurts also known as ‘leaps.’ Leaps are much needed for social and emotional skill development in children. However, every baby is different and the period varies for every child. During these periods as well infant cluster feeding habit becomes predominant.
Nursing soothes the baby and helps them fall asleep
Breast milk is packed with not only immunity boosters and nutrition but also contains a cocktail of hormones which help your baby develop a circadian rhythm. Infant cluster feeding at night helps babies to comfort themselves enabling a good sound sleep.
As they grow they slowly start adapting to other self-soothing activities like hair twirling, thumb/ finger sucking, blanket stroking, even rubbing eyes, etc. Whatever sooths them. But during the first few months they are incapable of self-soothing; therefore, they depend on breastfeeding to soothe themselves to sleep. Thus infant cluster feeding help babies calm down and fall asleep especially when they do not have any other means to soothe themselves.
Baby is teething, is sick, or is thirsty
As an adult you are able to drink water whenever you are thirsty and show affection like hugging while feeling sad or stressed. However, your baby only has one weapon—‘crying.’ They will cry and come to you for comfort. So if they are teething or they are sick or even if they are thirsty, all they would be doing is cry.
However, breastfeeding has powerful antibodies which help build your babies immunity and help them fight illness. It also decreases your baby’s pain. Which means if the baby is hurting during teething, it’s your breast milk which can help in giving some relief to your baby. Thus infant cluster feeding acts like a pacifier to soothe your babies restlessness
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Tips for coping with newborn cluster feeding and fussy evenings
Infant cluster feeding will be brief phase in a newborn’s life, but even this brief phase can be taxing for the entire family especially the mother. I say this through experience of bringing up triplets and a daughter—yes 4 kids. Here are 20 things me and my family did right in managing newborn cluster feeding and ensuring my physical and emotional health was safeguarded as well.
Accept and acknowledge
The first step which is the key for you to be in control is acceptance. Accept the fact that your baby is and will be nursing a lot, lot more than you imagined.
Accept you will be spending a lot of time in and around your nursing spots. Use this time productively if possible. You could read, talk, and sing to your baby. This will not only help you bond with the baby but also help you understand your baby’s cluster feeding routine.
If you notice that your baby requires feeding every day at around 6–9 PM, it may possibly be a cluster feeding routine. Having this knowledge will help you plan everything in advance. This will enable you to be in control of the situation rather than getting frustrated.
There may be people who may comment on how much your baby is nursing. With the knowledge you have about your newborns cluster feeding routine you would be able to reassure them and yourself that your baby is perfectly healthy and is going through growth spurts.
Take lots of rest—you need your sleep
During infant cluster feeding phase, you could end up feeding your little one for hours together, especially at night. This can really be exhausting, and lack of sleep can make it worse.
So please sleep when your baby sleeps. Take power naps with your baby. Do not neglect your sleep and health. You will be fatigued and it can affect breast feeding and ultimately the baby’s nourishment and growth.
Eat first
If you are aware of your babies cluster feeding schedule, you should plan on having small meals before that. Eat well. You will need all the fuel you have to meet your babies increasing demands. Keep some nutrition snack boxes around your nursing spots like—almonds, wheat crackers, apple, bananas, fruit juice, etc., so you can munch on it while feeding your baby.
This is sure to save your energy and keep you going.
Stay hydrated
Breastfeeding can make you extremely thirsty. You may find yourself parched especially during cluster feeding a newborn.
As you keep your favorite snacks around while infant cluster feeding, make sure you also have a bottle of water handy. You will need to drink more water than your normal routine. You can have someone make tea or healthy drinks like lemonade, mint lemon water, etc. Just keep on sipping on these while you cluster feed newborn to avoid getting dehydrated and to ensure increase in breastmilk production.
Enlist help
I have repeatedly mentioned this in my other articles—Pregnant with Twins/Triplets—you need to plan before hand to ensure that you, your baby, and older kids (if any) are being taken care of in the time of need.
Have a circle of family and friends help you during the first few months. You can have a roster made to avoid any confusion.
Don’t feel shy in asking for help. It’s much needed, as you would not just be nursing. You also need to recover and gain strength after the delivery.
This support network of yours will help you make the infant cluster feeding phase more manageable.
You could also look at catching up with friends over phone while newborn cluster feeding. This will help you cope up emotionally as well.
Get comfortable.
Make your nursing spaces are as comfortable as possible. Have pillows for your back and a support/feeding pillow for your baby.
Keep your snacks and drinks at arm’s length. Select your clothing which is not limiting and is breathable.
Make sure you are comfortable all throughout. Your comfort works on your physical & emotional quotient.
Take a break from feeding
While infant cluster feeding, there would be times you might feel ‘empty’ (milk-wise).
This is the time you need to take a break. Pass your baby to whoever is helping you, so that you could eat or take a warm shower, this will help you relax and maybe once you are back the baby will be more likely to be settled at your breasts.
The best way to boost your evening milk flow is to pre-empt this time: have a rest in the afternoon when your baby sleeps so you aren’t exhausted by late afternoon/evening.
You can also create a reserve by expressing and storing breast milk and then your alternative caregiver can warm your breastmilk and feed your child so that you can have enough rest for that time.
If your breasts hurt, address it and don’t neglect it
Due to infant cluster feeding your nipples get exposed much more and this could make them irritated, dry, and painful. You do not need to go through this pain. Use Breast milk itself, lanolin, or even nipple butter before feeds to moisturize the area and protect it.
If your nipples get sore or cracked, use organic bamboo nursing pads to safeguard your nipples from that constant rubbing because of your bra.
If breastfeeding itself becomes painful, then first check how the baby is latching, check your position, and see if you and your baby are doing it right. In case the pain continues for long, then please go to a certified lactation counselor or your doctor.
For more detailed information on ‘What is Cluster Feeding, Identify Cluster Feeding, Pros and Cons, and some FAQs’ on the topic refer to post: Cluster Feeding – How to Identify and Manage Cluster Feeding
Join a support group
It’s always good to discuss what you are going through with other people who are going through the same thing or have gone through the same problems at some point of time in their life.
It’s good to understand others’ perspective, coping mechanisms, etc. It helps in addressing the issue more positively, and it actually gives you strength and empowers you to face the problems head on.
During today’s COVID-19 times, you can join some online newborn cluster feeding support groups. Check with your doctor or hospital medical staff to see if they know any infant cluster feeding support groups. Talking to other moms going through the same problem and expressing your feelings and frustrations can help you overcome that lonesome feeling.
Discussing helpful tips and techniques is a valuable support during times of fussy feedings.
Don’t take it personally
An endlessly fussy baby due to a cluster feeding phase can make you feel inadequate about yourself and you may start doubting yourself. To feel helpless and feel that you are unable to suffice the needs of your baby is completely NORMAL.
Do not fret over this feeling. It’s not in your hands. It’s a phase which your baby is going through, and is completely natural. It does not mean you are doing anything wrong or are inadequate.
You need to stand strong. It’s a natural phase that will pass. Just be aware of this phase of infant cluster feeding and equip yourself with the right information to deal with it.
Entertain yourself while nursing
You could really get bored while nursing your newborn for long hours. I would suggest you set up a nursing area in front of a TV so that you can catch up on your favorite programs. Keeping yourself entertained is the key to keep on having a positive outlook towards infant cluster feeding.
You can entertain yourself by reading your favorite books, listening to audio books, listening to music or podcasts, etc. All this will help you keep yourself cheerful, and you will be able to sail through your infant’s cluster feeding phase. You will have to keep your batteries charged though.
One Special tip—keep all your gadgets’ chargers within reach.
Seek professional support
Reach out for breastfeeding support earlier on. Understand from a professionals and get answers to your queries on rooting reflex, what is a good latch, should breast feeding be supplemented with formula, is my position right, etc. Get all your doubts cleared beforehand, as it will help you through your breastfeeding journey and tackle the dreaded infant cluster feeding phase.
Many lactation consultants run amazing cluster feeding/ breastfeeding support groups—even virtual ones. Be open with them about your queries and problems and they will surely assist you through the infant cluster feeding phase.
You can also reach out through hotline at the US Office on Women’s Health at 1-800-994-9662. Other than this you would definitely find some expert in your area itself if you search.
Remember yourself
When you become a mother, a mother’s instinct just takes over. But even though it’s natural for you to put your baby’s needs before you, please do not forget about yourself.
You need to be strong physically and emotionally to healthily support yourself and your baby. So whenever the time permits, spare some of this precious time for yourself.
Whether it means going for a jog, meditating, taking a walk, or anything else, just do whatever you like at least once during the day. Ask your friends and family to cover for you for that time. Plan accordingly.
This ME time will help you relax and recharge.
Carry your baby
This technique will help soothe the baby as well. The proximity between you and your baby when you carry your baby in a sling or carrier helps giving the baby the much-needed protection, and assurance, and makes the baby feel really safe.
With a little practice you will be able to nurse them in this position. This way you get to move and sway a bit and sing and dance with your baby. This can be like a coping mechanism during those long evenings of cluster feeding your newborn.
Vary nursing positions
Do not sit in one place for long while infant cluster feeding. Change your positions to keep your body strong and avoid soreness or numbness in limbs.
Try sideways or laid back; get up and move around with the help of a sling or carrier as mentioned above.
Avoid making plans
When you know your newborn’s cluster feeding schedule well, ensure that you do not make plans during that time. It’s easier in these COVID-19 times to not make plans, but otherwise, you will have to plan according to your baby’s schedule.
This particular tip comes from the point of view to avoid the frustration of cancellation due to infant cluster feeding.
Look at alternatives; catch up with your friends virtually or in a different setting which is comfortable for you and your baby.
Go out only if you know the baby is going to take a long nap. Don’t go too far from your home. Stay close, so that you can come back if your baby needs you without wasting any time. Keep yourself happy even with the small things to keep your spirits high.
Be patient
Even the calmest of babies can turn pretty unsettled during cluster feeding, and only feeding seems to soothe them.
The infant cluster feeding phase can feel like a never ending journey, but the good news is that in just a few months it will be nothing more than an afterthought. Don’t feel guilty about the chores that you ignored. Forget that the rest of the world exists, and focus on the simplicity, beauty, and serenity of this time with your precious baby.
Before you know it, your baby will be all grow up, and you will miss the hours the two of you spent snuggled close.
Get a breastfeeding partner
You have heard of a birth partner, now you need a breastfeeding partner too.
You need a willing volunteer who can get you food and drinks, and also provide stimulating conversation while your infant cluster feeding is on. This will keep you entertained.
If your partner has parental leave, then they are the right candidates for the job. Discuss with your partner all the possibilities so that they can make arrangements accordingly.
Look for hunger cues
If you tend to have a fussy, hungry, and irritable baby in the evenings, act accordingly.
When the child starts crying their lungs out you know this is signal that they are hungry. Instead of waiting for the baby to cry, be aware of the hunger cues and offer milk immediately.
Hunger cues in the initial few months that you can look for in your baby:
- Smacking or licking lips
- Opening and closing mouth
- Sucking on lips, tongue, hands, fingers, toes, toys, or clothing
Active baby hunger cues:
- Rooting around on the chest of whoever is carrying him
- Trying to position for nursing, either by lying back or pulling on your clothes
- Fidgeting or squirming around a lot
- Hitting you on the arm or chest repeatedly
- Fussing or breathing fast
Engage with the elder child (if any)
Enjoy cluster feeding your baby and also spend time with your older kid.
You can turn your infant cluster feeding into a play date with your older kid. You can enjoy some time with the older sibling by involving them during infant cluster feeding. You guys can sing songs for the baby or even make your special baby feeding song.
You can keep a stack of favorite story books or a basket of toys that your other kids can enjoy while you are cluster feeding newborn.
Soothing Techniques for a Newborn: managing the Fussy Evenings
Elementary needs | · Nurse them · Burp the baby · Change the diaper · Undress the baby to make it more comfortable so that no clothing sticks to his skin |
Comforting touch | · Hold baby · Carry baby in a sling, wrap, or other soft carrier · Give baby a back rub · Carrying the baby in a “colic hold” can also help with the fussiness. Colic hold: keep the baby across your forearm in the tummy-down position while your hands support the baby’s chest. · Lay baby in the tummy-down position across your lap and gently massage the back while you lift and lower your heels slowly. · Lay baby tummy-down on the bed or floor and gently pat his back. |
Reduce stimulation | · Swaddle baby · Dim lights and reduce noise |
Comforting sounds | · Play some music (try different styles and types of voices to see which ones the baby prefers) · Sing to baby · Turn on some “white noise” (fan, vacuum cleaner, dishwasher, etc.) |
Rhythmic motion/change of pace | · Nurse baby in motion (while walking around or rocking) · Give baby a bath · Rock baby · Hold baby and gently bounce, sway back and forth, or dance · Put baby in a sling or baby carrier and walk around inside or outside · Put baby in a baby swing (if they are old enough) · Take baby outside to look at the trees · Take baby for a walk in the stroller · Go for a car ride · Place the baby in a carrier or car seat and let them stay on top of the dryer while it’s turned on. Stay close by as the vibrations can cause the seat to topple. |
When to seek help for infant cluster feeding?
I have always been a strong believer in having constant and regular follow ups with my babies’ pediatrician just to keep a check on their growth and development. The follow ups are generally higher in the initial period when tracking weight gain is crucial.
Your doctor will let you know if he feels that your baby appears to not receive the adequate amount of milk to sustain their growth.
More frequent feedings, fussiness, and feeling like the breast are not full does not necessarily mean your baby is not getting enough milk.
Always call your pediatrician if your baby seems very sick, lethargic, or has trouble breathing.
Speak to your pediatrician at the earliest if you notice any of the following signs:
- Baby is not gaining weight
- Baby is not producing wet and dirty nappies
- Baby is not settling even after they have finished feeding
Disclaimer: This content of infant cluster feeding is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is always advisable to check with your health care provider before you try anything new.
Key Takeaway
Newborn cluster feeding and caring for a fussy baby can be very stressful. Give both yourself and the baby some extra tender loving care. Surround yourself with supportive people, de-stress in other areas if possible (for e.g., minimize housework), and tell yourself you are doing a great job, maybe even give yourself a pat on the back.
It can be difficult to not blame yourself for your baby’s fussiness. This can make you feel inadequate and even guilty. Even if your efforts don’t give a positive outcome, don’t feel disheartened. It’s completely fine if some of your experiments fail, try something new again till you find what clicks for you baby.
When you stay with your baby to try and provide comfort, you are beginning to teach your baby that they can count on you and that they are truly loved.
We hope you found these cluster feeding newborn tips helpful. If you are still struggling or are worried about your baby, speak to your doctor or lactation consultant.
Breastfeeding isn’t always easy, but you’re doing a wonderful thing for your baby. If you know any other tips and tricks about coping with infant cluster feeding? Please comment below. We would definitely like to publish the point under your credentials.
Happy feeding!
Khushboo Kirale
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Good insights and well written in easy to understand language.