Cluster Feeding & Baby’s Second Night

“Cluster feeding” is a term commonly discussed among newborn mothers and can often come as a surprise to a new breastfeeding mama and her family. Cluster feeding is when a baby nurses constantly or very frequently over the course of several hours. It occurs for a few reasons and has some predictable patterns to it. 

Many moms find that the second night with their newborn is a challenge all its own. At this time, babies realize they are no longer in their safe and cozy womb. They have encountered so many new and overstimulating things, and it’s all very overwhelming. They may all of a sudden want to nurse ALL THE TIME (or very frequently) because they have discovered that they feel comforted and at home at their mother’s breast. This is normal but can be very tiresome for a mama who is already exhausted from labor and birth.  Take heart, cluster feeding doesn’t last forever and your baby will take on new nursing patterns over time. In the meantime, below are some FAQ about cluster feeding.

I was told to nurse every 2-3 hours, but my baby is showing hunger cues more often. What should I do?

Follow your baby’s lead. Offer the breast when baby is giving hunger cues and allow him/her to nurse to satisfaction. While it’s true that babies offen eat every 2-3 hours from the start of one feed to the start of the next feed, this does not mean that we should hold off on feeding them until such time. The guideline to nurse every 2-3 hours is a minimum and many babies nurse more frequently than that. Newborns should be eating at least every 2-3 hours around thr clock. They are designed to eat frequently and some will indicate a desire to nurse more often than others. When in doubt, offer the breast.

I’m so tired! What do I do about sleep?

Observing your baby closely can help you navigate when to keep him/her at the breast and when to try to transfer to the bassinet for some much needed sleep for both of you. If baby drifts off to sleep at the breast, you can take your finger and gently slip it in the side of baby’s mouth to help release your nipple.  If baby shows signs of hunger again, then offer the breast some more, if not, hold your baby at an upward angle just a bit and let them settle into a deep sleep before attempting to transfer to a bassinet.  

Signs baby is in a deep sleep include: 

• Quiet and regular breathing

• No movement under the eyelids

Newborns cycle in and out of deep and light sleep approximately every half hour or so, so if you misread your baby’s cues, all is not lost and you can try again. 

I have an older baby, is cluster feeding still normal?

Cluster feeding is not only common on baby’s second night but also during growth spurts and illness.  You might notice an increase in your baby’s nursing around 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months. These are often referred to as frequency days when babies nurse more often and for longer stretches for a few days and then go back to their typical pattern. This is normal and expected and does not indicate you aren’t making enough milk for your baby. Just follow his/her lead and nurse on demand and your body will increase production to meet the demand of your baby. 

If your baby isn’t meeting recommended diaper counts, never seems satisfied after feeds or if you have any concerns then reach out to a lactation professional right away to ensure all is well.