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WHY IS MY BABY CLUSTER FEEDING?
It is a terrible feeling, worrying that your baby is not getting enough to eat. Many new moms worry about this when their newborn eats very frequently.
Very frequent feeding is called “cluster feeding.” There are different reasons for those times when it can be hard to distinguish between when one feeding ends and the next begins.
CLUSTER FEEDING ALL NIGHT
This is a common conversation with a mom after the second night with her baby: “Why is my baby cluster feeding all night long? He must not be getting enough from me.”
I usually reassure her by saying, “Most babies cluster feed their second night. It is normal and healthy behavior. Your baby is trying to do his part to bring your milk in and create an abundant milk supply.”
One lactation consultant described it as, “He is just putting in his order.”
Cluster feeding can occur at any time in the early days after a baby is born, but it almost certainly will happen the second night.
Cluster feeding the second night is so common that we have a name for it. We call it second-night syndrome.
If I have the opportunity to talk to a new mom before the second night then I will prepare her for it. I encourage an afternoon nap.
CLUSTER FEEDING TIMES
After the milk comes in cluster feeding is still common and normal.
It will look a little different than that second night.
Cluster feeding usually occurs for a two to four hours. It often happens in the late afternoon or early evening.
Since babies can’t tell time, it can happen at any time of the day. It may happen a couple of times a day.
GROWTH SPURTS
There will usually be cluster feeding when a baby goes through a growth spurt. Those feeding sessions can last all day long.
Your take away message is that most cluster feeding is normal.
WHEN TO WORRY ABOUT FREQUENT FEEDING
- It is constant
- It is all day
- It lasts for days
Keep a feeding log to help figure out how often your baby is feeding. It can be hard to keep track when you are a sleep deprived mama!
A tally counter is a quick easy way of counting daily feedings. Having several allows you to put them everywhere you breastfeed, your bed, the living room, in your purse.
WHEN TO WORRY ABOUT CLUSTER FEEDING
It is possible that a baby is not able to get enough milk out or mom has a low milk supply.
If you are worried about how often your baby is breastfeeding you should call a lactation consultant. She’ll be able to help you determine if there is any cause for concern.
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How to Safely Survive Second Night Syndrome
5 Easy to Remember Tips for Surviving the First Week of Breastfeeding
WHY IS MY BABY CLUSTER FEEDING?
Andrea Tran RN, MA, IBCLC
Andrea has been working with new families as an RN for over 35 years and a Lactation Consultant for over 25 years.
She has her MA in Health and Wellness with a focus in Lactation.