All the nursing mamas, assemble! We know the breastfeeding journey gets overwhelming from time to time. You are not alone if you feel so. However, there are times when you may find yourself wondering why your baby wants to feed constantly, sometimes every hour or even more frequently. Just when you think the feeding session is over, your baby seems hungry again. This feeding pattern can feel overwhelming, exhausting, and confusing, especially for first-time parents. If this sounds familiar, welcome to newborn cluster feeding.
What is cluster feeding
It is a term which is used to describe the pattern when the baby nurses frequently over a short period of time, often with little break between feeds. They don’t seem satisfied unless they are latched. It mainly occurs during evening, however since every baby is different, it can also occur at any time of the day. It is common in newborns in the first few weeks or months, which is already challenging for new parents. Although it is a normal part of the baby’s development, considering the exhaustion it brings to feeding moms, we have mentioned below a few tips to manage newborn cluster feeding in a better way. Keep reading!
How do I know if my newborn is cluster feeding?
It is difficult to identify when normal feeding becomes cluster feeding. That’s why look for the signs below as it might help you recognize the cluster feeding pattern of your little ones:
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Hunger in short intervals of time.
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Baby is smacking their lips, putting fist in mouth, crying or rooting towards your breast.
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Satisfied only while latching.
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Feeds may be shorter but more frequent.
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Happens in the first few weeks or months.
How to deal with cluster feeding
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Feed on demand
Keep nursing your baby through cluster feeding period. Don’t rely on the clock rather focus on their demand for feeding. Pay attention to their hunger cues. Ensure you sit in a comfortable position while breastfeeding.
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Use manual breast pump
Use our manual breast pump to express breast milk with utmost ease. It helps you to take much needed rest while the partner, friends or caretakers take responsibility to help care for the baby. The Vega Baby & Mom Natural Expression 7 Level Suction Manual Breast Pump – Advanced is a good choice for pumping breast milk. It has 2 modes of expression for stimulation and deep expression of milk with utmost comfort. It boasts the following amazing features:
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Pump pressure adjustment technology that enables breastfeeding moms to adjust 7 different suction levels.
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Super soft silicon pad to create the right amount of vacuum for better stimulation and milk flow.
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Mimics the natural suction of a baby to promote better milk output.
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Easy assembly, cleaning, and sterilization to maintain hygiene.
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Compact & lightweight to use on the go.
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Ergonomic handle for comfortable pumping.
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Painless & comfortable pumping for a smooth process overall.
This is one of the best ways when fathers can help during breastfeeding. Ensure to clean and sterilize baby feeding accessories using any of our bottle nipple cleaning brush to easily clean and remove 99.9% of milk residue.
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Ensure your baby is latched properly
Latching issues might make the baby uncomfortable and not properly fed. That’s why ensure your baby is latching properly. For moms dealing with nipple problems like sore or cracked, you may use our ultra-soft silicone nipple shield. They are designed with anti-slip gripping lines for better latching thus reducing the pain or discomfort caused by sore nipples. Switch breasts to reduce nipple soreness. It is important to take care of nipples during cluster feeds.
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Skin-to-skin contact
Sometimes your baby just needs comfort even during cluster feeding. That’s when skin-to-skin contact is really helpful. It helps regulate their breathing, reduce stress, and even calm their fussiness.
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Stay hydrated
It is important to take care of yourself just like you take care of your baby. So, take adequate rest, stay hydrated, and eat healthy to maintain your overall physical and emotional needs. When you’re hydrated, your body can produce milk more efficiently and comfortably. While dehydration doesn’t instantly reduce supply, it can make milk production feel more tiring and stressful over time. So, stay hydrated and nourish yourself, too!
Pro tip to prevent sudden milk leakage:
Unexpected breastmilk leakage is also common while breastfeeding which can be stressful for new moms. That’s when our disposable breast pads step in as they use them to stay dry and fresh all day while maintaining breast hygiene. They are to be worn under clothing to prevent milk stains from reaching your clothes. They are:
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Ultra-thin that’s why they remain discreet when used under clothing.
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Made with pearl 3D design to ensure instant dryness.
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Feels gentle on the tender breasts due to their feather-like touch.
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Offers maximum coverage.
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Soak-up unexpected leakage because of their leakproof lining.
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Lightweight design making them easy to use and carry.
They come with a pack of 12 pcs and 48 + 2 pcs.
Key Takeaways
Be patient, look after yourself, and rest assured the breastfeeding journey will get easier with time as you get the hang of it. Cluster feeding won’t last forever so always keep this in mind. Just go with the flow and adapt ways to make your breastfeeding journey comfortable and less challenging by keeping up with Vega Baby & Mom blogs. Happy parenting!
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for general purpose only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any decision regarding your baby's health and care.
FAQs:
What is cluster feeding?
It is a pattern when a newborn baby nurses more frequently than usual during first few weeks and months.
How long does cluster feeding last?
Cluster feeding is a temporary phase and can last a few days to a week, depending upon baby to baby. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any concerns.
Is cluster feeding a sign of low milk supply?
No, it is a natural sign for your baby to boost production.
Why do babies cluster feed?
Cluster feeding is associated with growth spurts thus needs more milk to fuel this rapid development.
