Cluster Feedings

What is cluster feeding “bunch feeding”?

Cluster feedings are apparent when a baby has periods where he constantly breastfeeds for about three hours or so. Sometimes baby might fall asleep on the breast, refusing to let go and wanting to nurse more when waking. These babies are usually cranky and fussy and extremely demanding.

Cluster nursing usually happens in the evenings, but can happen any time during the day or at the middle of the night. Cluster breastfeeding is actually very common in newborn babies. Cluster feeding at night can become very tedious, mom and baby will usually end up sleeping in the same bed.

During the day baby might breastfeed a few times and sleep in-between, in the evenings they catch up with a period of constant feeding.

NB – Cluster feedings do not mean that you have a low milk supply! Supplementing baby with formula will cause your body to produce less milk, continuing with the cluster feeding will make sure your body is making just the right amount of milk for baby.

Possible causes for cluster feedings

Growth spurts

- Acid reflux

- Breastmilk supply is generally lower in the evenings and evening feeds are not as rich as morning “breast milk”

- Baby might have extra sucking needs in the evening

- Colic can also cause baby to want to breastfeed more

- Milk flow is sometimes slower in the evenings

- Cluster feeding babies are usually seeking closeness (maybe because mom is working during the day) Read more on comfort sucking here

How long does cluster feeding last?

It depends on the baby, but usually it only lasts the first month and then returns during growth spurts : month 3, 6 etc.

Tips for moms who have a baby cluster feeding

- Take baby to the pediatrician to make sure that the problem is not caused through acid reflux.

- Prepare for a cluster feed if you know baby usually cluster feeds at a certain time of the day…get food ready before the time.

- Get baby to breastfeed while in a sling , this will be helpful in doing whatever you want to do while baby is breastfeeding. This also helps if baby is fussy.

- Do something while baby is breastfeeding like reading your favorite magazine, watching a movie or chatting on the phone.

- Other tips on how to relax while breastfeeding.

- Swaddling baby can calm him for breastfeeding too.

- Breastfeed on demand , don’t use a baby feeding schedule as this could make baby even more fussy and miserable.

Newborn cluster feeding is a temporary thing and learning to work around it and accept it will help you enjoy your breastfeeding experience more.

Infant cluster feeding can actually work to the advantage for moms who are returning to work, as babies who cluster feed usually sleep longer at night. Moms can also use this time as a time to relax and bond with baby.

Can you overfeed a breastfed baby?

Other pages on “breastfeeding problems” in connection with cluster feeding newborns

- Reverse cycling ~ Baby breastfeeds more at night than during the day

- How does breastfeeding work?

- Pacifier use in the breastfeeding baby

- Growth spurts in the breastfed baby

- Acid reflux in the breastfed baby

- Breastfeeding and colic

- Calming baby

- Comfort nursing

- Night weaning

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