What is cluster feeding and how to help new moms’ coupe with it

Breast feeding is a wonderful experience for most mums, but not when replaced by a period of cluster feeding. This feeding occurs when the baby is not contented with the normally spaced out feedings and wants to nurse constantly, with the nursing session lasting for a few hours or days.

Most common in the early weeks of life, cluster feeding could reappear at various times in the breastfeeding relationship. Occurring when there is a growth spurt, and during teething, this period of constant feeding could prove very tough for the new mother and she may be happy to know how to cope up with it. It would be informative first to know why cluster feeding happens.

Reasons for cluster feeding and how long does it last:

Your baby’s cluster feeds does not indicate a low milk supply or that your baby is not getting enough milk; this feeding relates to the developmental growth in your baby that makes a demand for milk change meeting the demand for protein, fat and calories.  This need for additional nutrients makes for changes in the components of milk over a period of time.  It would be informative here to note that cluster feeding occurs between seven and 10 days, two to three weeks, four to six weeks, three months, four months, six months and nine months; all times of growth spurt.

Cluster feeds often occur in "chunks", when a baby will feed more frequently for a few hours or continuously for two or three days at a stretch proving very stressful for the mother, However do not give your baby a bottle to get a break; it will only make the breast milk remain low in calorie and protein and the baby will not get the nutrients. This increased demand for breast milk sends a signal to the body to change its current components in milk.

How to cope with cluster feeding:

Convince yourself that it is absolutely normal and learn to relax without getting upset or frustrated. Sit down with the remote or a good book and settle in.

Practice skin-to skin contact by holding your baby against your skin; this will calm the baby, increase your milk-producing hormones and provides easy breastfeeding access.

Constant feeding can be exhausting; take care of yourself by remaining hydrated and eating enough throughout the day. If your baby feeds all night then try to take a nap earlier in the day.

Give your baby a warm and relaxing bath followed by a gentle massage; it could help calm your baby during these fussy times.

Enlist the help of your spouse, family member or friend to hold the baby while you take a nap, a shower, or a walk; you could also have a helper take over some of the household chores or watch your older children.

Go outside with your baby for a walk; the sunlight and fresh air could do a lot good for both your moods.

Lastly remain connected with other mother either online or at breastfeeding support group; you would feel great to know that there are other mums who are in the same situation as you.

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