Cluster Feeding: What is Cluster Feeding and How to Manage It

Cluster feeding is a period when an infant unexpectedly needs a lot of short feeds over a few hours, that is, in groups for some time. This pattern generally lasts for a few hours at a time and varies from your baby’s usual eating pattern.

Cluster feeding is typical baby behavior, seen mainly in newborns being breastfed during their first few weeks. However, this behavior does not imply that there is something wrong with your baby or milk supply.

There is no exact reason or explanation as to why babies cluster feed. A few experts believe that it may boost a mother’s milk supply.

Some believe that your baby is after more milk, and feeding frequently will get you to make it.

Difference between Colic and Cluster Feeding

You may think that your baby may just be experiencing colic as she seems fussier. However, colic, just like cluster feeding, can appear suddenly and often in the evenings. Nursing or formula cannot help soothe an infant who is experiencing colic. However, a cluster feeding baby can be soothed during nursing sessions.

Colic is described as a minimum of three hours of crying for at least three days a week, almost three weeks in a stretch. Colic affects around 10 to 40 percent of all babies universally. Symptoms include intense crying like an expression of pain, extreme fussiness, body tension, stiffened legs, arms, clenched fists, etc.

Signs That Your Baby is Cluster Feeding

It can be tough to identify as newborns seldom have an expected eating or sleeping schedule. However, your baby maybe
cluster feeding if:

• She is a few days or weeks old.
• She wants to feed continuously or feed very often for short intervals each time.
• Nothing else seems wrong, and she looks content only while being provided.
• She has short periods of sleep or rests between her feeds.
•  She still has regular wet and dirty diapers.

Also Read: Impact-on-babies-of-high-sugar-diet-in-breast-feeding-moms

How Cluster Feeding Makes Mothers Feel?

Cluster feeding can make mothers both emotionally and physically drained. Many women feel tired, exhausted, and frustrated. It is not easy to have a baby latched onto you for long periods. Some mothers may think that they are failing and may also lose confidence about being able to breastfeed.

Mothers may worry that they do not have enough milk as the baby is continuously feeding and takes a long time to settle. As a result, the breasts may
also, feel empty.

However, mothers must understand that the breasts of a feeding mother are never bare. Though cluster feeding can increase nipple tenderness and is exhausting for mothers, it is essential to understand the benefits of cluster feeding too:

• It helps to increase a mother’s milk supply.
• Babies can sleep for longer durations after cluster feeding.
• It may enable emotional and neurological regulation in babies.
• It can increase your skin-to-skin time with the baby, which has advantages for both the baby and mother.

Is My Child Cluster Feeding Since My Milk Supply is Low?

Mothers should not be concerned about low milk supply if their baby eats frequently and gains the required amount of weight. Also, observing your baby’s wet diapers can help you judge if she is getting enough milk.

Note: Do meet your pediatrician or lactation consultant if you are concerned about your baby’s weight gain and your milk supply. Babies who find it difficult to gain weight or seem irritated while eating may not be getting enough milk.

Why and When Do Infants Cluster Feed??

The newborn stage is critical for development and growth, and breast milk gives your baby the nutrients she needs. Milk production functions like “supply and demand”— your body will produce the amount of milk your baby needs. Feeding at frequent intervals guarantees that your child’s growing appetite will be satiated.

There is no well-established theory as to why babies cluster feed. Cluster feeding probably meets a mixture of requirements that your baby has at this developmental stage. Also, cluster feeding is perhaps a way for babies developing nervous systems to regulate their nervous systems. It could also be a method to store up on food for the night.
What is important is that we let the babies feed as and when they want. Cluster feeding can be draining and exhausting for mothers and you may hear people explaining the importance of a schedule for a baby, but cluster feeding is a normal part of the development of most babies.

Parents often observe that it is associated with their baby’s fussy periods—typically in the late afternoon or during the evenings. Experts do not entirely understand the reason for this, but it has been theorized that your infant may be overstimulated or overtired due to their immature nervous system.

Moms are the only ones who can provide comfort to their little ones, and nursing offers infants the comfort they need. Also, experts state that as milk supply slightly decreases at night, cluster feeding during evenings enables your baby to fill up before bedtime.

At What Age to Babies Cluster Feed and How Long Does it Last?

Cluster feeding ages vary for different babies, but it typically occurs at around three weeks and six weeks. This is the time when infants have growth spurts. This feeding pattern may last for a few days at a time. Do check with your pediatrician if cluster feedings continue for an extended period as your child may not be gaining sufficient calories.

Now, coming to the main question as to when you expect cluster feeding to go to an end altogether?
A child generally grows out of this feeding pattern by around 3 or 4 months of age. Some older children may cluster feed occasionally, particularly when they require extra comfort (such as during agrowth spurt or illness).

Also Read: 9-easily-available-foods-that-can-help-increase-your-feed

How to Handle Cluster Feeding?
Though this is normal, brief behavior, it can still be tiring for the whole family. If you are currently in the cluster feeding phase, you are probably frustrated and tired. We promise that this too shall pass, and the following are some tips to handle this phase:

•  Cluster feeding happens with almost all babies. Accept this phase and plan your schedule around it.
•  Keep some snacks and a large bottle of water near your nursing area to stay nourished and hydrated during cluster feeds.
•  Set up your nursing area in front of the TV so you can watch something during cluster feedings. You can also use the time to listen to podcasts or audiobooks. Keep chargers within reach. If you have older kids, sit on the couch or floor so that you can tend to the older child while feeding.
• Change breastfeeding positions frequently so you do not get sore.
• Get the best breastfeeding pillow. This is a matter of personal choice, but breastfeeding pillows can offer you a lot of comfort during feeding times.
• Learn to breastfeed in a baby carrier. There are times that you need to move, but your feeding infant declares war. Instead of fighting your baby off, try putting her in a carrier and feed. Ring slings, stretchy wraps, and the Tulas work wonders in such a scenario.
• Keep a basket of different toys for older siblings to play with when the baby is nursing.
• Plan ahead. If the baby usually starts cluster feeding around 7 p.m., plan to use the restroom, eat, and get comfortable before then.
• Try and hand over the baby to your partner or a close friend whenever you can to get a short break. This also enables others to bond with the child.
• Discuss with your partner the expectations you have and plan how you will manage the evening chores if the baby begins  to cluster feed. Get as much family and partner support as you can.

To Sum It All Up
Cluster feeding is familiar with most babies and can happen at any time, and it is not a sign of something going wrong. All you need to do Is accept this phase and adjust your expectations during these periods. Custer feeding is not permanent and will pass eventually.

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