Cluster feeding

Cluster feeding is a time when your baby wants lots of short feeds over a few hours. It’s normal and often happens in the early days of breastfeeding.

Cluster feeding is a normal behaviour for your baby. It’s more common in the late afternoon or early evening.

Cluster feeding is more common in the late afternoon or early evening. But it can happen anytime of the day.

It seems that some babies prefer to fill up on milk for a few hours, then often have a longer sleep.

There is no particular reason why some babies cluster feed. Some experts believe it might boost the mother’s milk supply. They believe your baby is after more milk, and feeding more often will get you to make it.

Is my baby cluster feeding?

If your baby is having a lot of short feeds close together over a few hours, you are cluster feeding.

If you are cluster feeding, you might also find that your baby:

• has short rests or sleeps between these feeds
• feeds for a few minutes then pulls off and on the breast
• cries and is fussy during this time

How might cluster feeding make you feel?

Cluster feeding can make you physically and emotionally drained. Many women feel exhausted and frustrated. Some mothers say they feel like a failure, or that they lose confidence about being able to breastfeed.

You might worry that you don’t have enough milk because your baby takes a long time to settle. You might also think your breasts feel empty.

But there is always milk in your breasts. They are never completely empty.

How to deal with cluster feeding?

The first thing to remember is that this is normal. It doesn’t mean you don’t have enough milk.

To make cluster feeding easier you can:

• relax and follow your baby’s lead
• feed to their need
• look forward to a sleepy, settled baby after feeding
• try to rest in the early part of the day to prepare
• drink lots of water – this is thirsty work
• make sure you eat well – don’t miss meals
• get as much family and partner support as you can

Things to look out for

Cluster feeding is a normal part of a baby’s feeding routine. But you should talk to your nurse, midwife or doctor if your baby:

• is not gaining weight
• is not producing wet and dirty nappies
• is not settling after they have finished feeding

Where can I go for help and advice about breastfeeding

For advice contact:

• a lactation consultant
• your maternal child health nurse