Does it seem like your baby is eating more than usual?
Every time you set your baby down after burping them, 10-15 minutes later they’re crying for more milk?
Your baby might be going through ‘cluster feeding’.
Cluster feeding is a combination of eating more frequently and closer together (much like snacking or “grazing”). *It normally only lasts for the first 3-4 months of your baby’s life and each stretch of cluster feeding should subside within 2-3 days—but as we know, every baby is different.*
Feeding periods are short but your baby is ready to eat again by the time you get them down for a nap or down for the night. They will unlatch, cry, feed again, hiccup/burp for a bit, cry more, and then start feeding AGAIN.
This cycle usually goes on for a few hours. (Broken up into increments of course—not hours straight).
Your baby will also be clingy. It seems like you can’t step away from them without them crying. This is because you are their milk source and they need you to stay close for that next feeding!
No need to worry though, it’s totally normal and actually pretty beneficial. Like I wrote in this post, the more you feed/pump, the more your milk production will increase.
Why?
Cluster feeding could happen for a number of reasons but there isn’t a true reason to explain it → these are reasons we theorize:
Growth Spurts - plain and simple, when we grow, our calorie demands increase and this is exactly what’s happening to your baby! Growing.
Milk Supply - when your baby cluster feeds, it signals your body to produce more milk. (Hormones are coolio).
Simple Comfort - just like babies love pacifiers for comfort, they enjoy feeding/latching to a boob for comfort.
Common Signs Your Baby Is Cluster Feeding:
Shaking their head at the nipple like they can’t find it) especially when it’s right in their face.
Frequent latching and unlatching.
Eating in short spurts close together.
Having a full feeding and then being ready for another “full feeding” within the next 30 minutes-an hour.
After feeding 2-3 close feedings (within 30-60 min of each other) and then sleeping for long stretches of time.
Getting irritable or getting fussy when awake but not on the boob.
A constant state of feeding → usually in the early mornings or late evenings.
Growth Spurts
Most Common Times Cluster feeding occurs when growth spurts happen. These typically take place during →
7-10 Days Old
2-3 Weeks Old
4-6 Weeks Old
3 Months Old
4 Months Old
6 Months Old
7-9 Months Old
Normal Feeding VS Cluster Feeding:
Normal
Nurse each boob for 10-20 minutes
8-12 feeds in a 24-hour window
Baby is likely tired after feeding and ready for a nap or bedtime
Baby isn’t fussy and is satisfied after feeding
Cluster
Baby is feeding continuously for several hours off and on
Baby is unusually fussy/inconsolable
Baby is unsatisfied and fussy after feeding
Baby will either feed every 30 minutes, every hour, or 3-5 times within one hour (latching/unlatching)
Need To Know
If your baby is not gaining weight then it is not a case of cluster feeding. This means your baby is not getting enough milk and your milk supply could be low or your baby isn’t efficiently feeding during breastfeeding sessions.
Signs of low milk supply are similar to cluster feeding; therefore, it is important to weigh your baby.
Another indication that Baby isn’t getting enough milk → not enough wet/dirty diapers throughout the day. (6-8 wet diapers, 3-5 dirty diapers).
Recap
If your baby is cluster feeding, take a breath and get ready for what seems like an endless buffet for your baby. It won’t last forever.
Cancel all your plans for the day (if you can), grab some snacks and some water, you’ll catch a break eventually. That last part is important → staying hydrated is a major key during this time.
And don’t forget to stock up on nipple cream. You’re gonna need it.
If you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to contact a lactation specialist.
That’s it, Frens.
#WAGMI
Your friend,
- BowTiedHeifer
Disclaimer
I am not a licensed personal trainer or pre/postnatal specialist—these are simply my personal experiences and things I have witnessed to work for many others. This is not legal, medical or financial advice. Please speak to a professional before starting any new programs, applying any new diet plans, or supplement protocols.