1. Cluster Feeding is Normal
Cluster feeding refers to a newborn's feeding pattern. Basically, many newborns will group their feedings together, putting little time between them. After several feedings, they'll take a longer break between feedings and then go back to cluster feeding. This is normal for the first days while a breastfeeding mother is building up the milk supply and in many cases, the baby will cluster feed for the first few weeks of life. It's important you listen to your baby's needs for food, rather than the clock. If your baby's hungry, he needs to eat. Cluster feeding is common in early mornings and late afternoon times. While cluster feeding is more common in breastfeeding babies, bottle fed babies will also cluster feed. Some babies are also crankier during cluster feeding episodes.
2. Your Baby's Feeding Cues
Your baby gives you signals she's getting hungry before crying. Crying is actually a late signal of hunger and most experts agree you should feed your baby before she's crying. This is incredibly important if you're new to breastfeeding since some babies will fall asleep before they eat if they've cried for a while. Feeding cues include mouthing/rooting, clenching of the fists, flexion of the arms, hand sucking, tongue movements and increased alertness. Try to feed your baby while she's offering these feeding cues.
3. Sleep When Your Baby Sleeps
While cluster feeding can be annoying and make mothers question why their baby seems constantly hungry, try to look at it as a blessing. Babies who cluster feed give new parents a several hour break between cluster feeding sessions. This allows new parents to get a longer break than they would if baby fed every 2 hours around the clock.
4. Why Do Babies Cluster Feed?
There's a lot of debate amongst experts about why babies cluster feed. Some experts call cluster feedings mini feedings. They feel babies need a small break between feedings to rest and get enough energy to resume eating. Other experts feel babies cluster feed for simple comfort since babies suckle for comfort.
5. Help Your Baby Cluster Feed
There are many things you can do to help your baby cluster feed. Listen to his feeding cues. Feed him if he's offering feeding cues, even if you just fed him. Remind yourself, you'll get a break soon. Some parents find it easier while baby is taking his small break between cluster feeding to hold him skin-to-skin and simply rest for a little while. While the first few weeks with a newborn are tough, remind yourself you don't need to do anything else other than feed your baby and get some rest. Cluster feeding usually passes quickly.
