MILK, NOW! Cluster feeding tips <3 Cluster feeding Tips for breastfeeding mums
Although it seems and is a hard time. We hope these cluster feeding tips for breastfeeding mums help you in your journey.
This is something every pregnant woman should know.
Because when my baby girl made a transition. From a sweet little girl into a milk junkie: She was screaming: “LAAA” all the time. While hitting my breasts.
I was afraid this was her (new) real personality.
I wish I’d known about cluster feeding then.
Because that was the problem.
This too shall pass mama!
Read on the find out:
- Cluster feeding meaning
- Why do babies cluster feed?
- When do babies cluster feed?
- Cluster feeding tips for breastfeeding mums
- Summary
Cluster feeding meaning
Cluster feeding meaning: the moment(s) when your baby needs more milk.
Cluster feeding happens several times in the first year.
For me cluster feeding felt like my baby made transition into a milk junkie.
Babies who cluster feed want to nurse constantly. They will get more fussy. For example: hitting your boobs, lots of crying. Basically, everything they need to do to get your breasts to produce more milk.
The most important thing to know for breastfeeding mums:
- This is totally normal mama: You do NOTHING wrong!
As it is not that your milk production is too low. But your baby demands more as she is going to growth and development spurts. Which is totally normal.
This “milk junkie” attitude is the way your baby communicates her needs to your body.
Although, it is always a great moment to improve your breastfeeding diet.
Why do babies cluster feed?
What is cluster feeding?
Cluster feeding is when your baby demands more milk than usual.
You will notice that your baby wants to nurse all the time. And that she gets way fussier. Also, more sleepy. But you for sure don’t want her to wake sleeping beauty. As she will start crying straight on! (At least, that was our experience).
At the end of week two we experienced our first cluster feeding.
I felt terrible! As I thought our baby changed forever. And this was her new personality…
Luckily my mum friend told me about cluster feeding. I wish I knew this before! Therefore, I am so passionate to share it with you. This shall pass mama!
And it did pass, after a bit less of a week. My sweet baby girl came back. Now I loved her “normal self” even more!
Do I need to boost my milk supply?
First of all, to all breastfeeding mama’s. There is nothing wrong with your breast milk supply. You are doing great!
It is in baby’ nature to ask for more milk in cluster feeding times. Unfortunately baby’s can’t talk yet. So they will communicate by crying and being fussy. Or, in my case: hitting your boobies.
This is totally normal and part of nature. What baby does is boosting your milk supply. As your breast responds to the baby’s crying.
Baby needs to cry to start the breastmilk production. So she is basically doing her job by crying.
There is (in most cases) no need to supplement to formula. As your body responds and baby will calm down again. It can take about a week.
Why baby boost your milk production
Baby is boosting your milk production as she is growing. Cluster feed moments happen when the baby goes through either a growth or development spurt.
Growth spurts happen, yes indeed, when babies grow a lot. And therefore demand more milk. Read on to find out your baby cluster feeding schedule.
However, babies also demand more milk when they go through a developmental leap.
Because your breastmilk doesn’t only feed baby’s body. But also include important cells for brain development.
So basically baby demands more milk.
All because of her growth and development spurts.
When do babies cluster feed?
Although babies cluster feed at any moment. And, all babies are different. There are some general moments when it occurs.
Baby cluster feeding in the evening
Baby cluster feeding in the evening is super common.
As baby is stocking up for night time.
Breastfeeding also gives comfort to infants. So another reason baby loves to nurse more in the evenings. As in this way, they settle down after a long day.
Cluster feeding schedule
All the time I thought. She is getting crazy again! I looked online and yes: it was another growth spurt. Or in other words: cluster feeding moment.
The following moments baby’s often go through growth spurts:
- Day 2
- Between 2 to 3 weeks
- Between 4 to 6 weeks
- 3 months
- 6 months
- 9 months
- 12 months
However baby doesn’t go by clock. It can be different to all babies.
Cluster feeding tips for breastfeeding mums
Feed on demand
Your baby knows when it is time to eat. Even if it is 24/7. This is what baby needs for its grow spurt.
Stay hydrated
To start: be sure you are well hydrated.
As your baby demands a lot of milk. You need to be sure to drink plenty too. Best is water, herbal teas and veggie juices.
You should basically drink as often as the baby does.
Eat healthy
Your body needs extra energy too. And nutrients to feed your baby. So be even more aware of your breastfeeding diet. Making sure the food you are eating is nutrient-dense.
And be mindful about foods to avoid while breastfeeding.
Be well rested
This constant feeding demands a lot of energy. Make sure you are well rested. As much as possible of course.
The first times I nestled myself on the sofa with some Netflix. Working mums. 😉 What helped a bit.
But later on, I discovered a way to cope with it in a more holistic way.
Stay connected with your baby
In these fussy times, it is even more beneficial to stay connected with your baby. During a cluster feed week, I started to meditate while breastfeeding.
Which brought me so much magic and energy!
Summary
Cluster feeding is a period your newborn wants to feed (almost) constantly.
Do you think your baby gets crazy? When baby wants to drink constantly. And demands junkie style. That’s when the cluster feeding is happening.
No worries mama. This too shall pass.
Why do babies cluster feed? The non-stop feeding is totally normal. Because this happens during growth and development spurts. This is when your baby needs more milk.
For breastfeeding mums: there is nothing wrong with your milk supply!
When do babies cluster feed? There are several weeks this intense feeding is generally happening. See the cluster feeding schedule listed above.
Cluster feeding tips: Feed on demand, stay hydrated, eat healthy, be well-rested, stay connected with your baby.
You can do it mama! Good luck ♡
What are your cluster feeding tips?
Enlighten us with your cluster feeding tips. Which you can share in the comment section below.
Let’s help each other mama!
