So you’ve just finished feeding your baby, they are finally full, their eyes close and they drift off to sleep, you sigh in relief. Then 10 minutes later they’re screaming, rooting and acting like you’ve starved them.
That’s Cluster Feeding.
It causes you to worry is my baby eating enough? Don’t worry this period of just wanting to eat is incredibly common and totally normal (just tiring).

When Ozzy one evening would drift off for what felt like 2 seconds and then immedictely wake screaming his head off I was so confused. I kept thinking I was doing something wrong and when the hours crept on and he kept wanting short feeds I finally remembered what my midwife had told me. This was Cluster Feeding.

What is Cluster Feeding?

Cluster feeding is when your baby wants multiple feeds close together in a short amount of time. Instead of sticking to normal feeding patterns like once every 2-3 hours, they may want feeding every hour, 30 minutes or what feels like every second. These periods can last for a few hours or several days. It is most common in newborns, however it can happen at any age, often coinciding with growth spurts.

Why do Babies Cluster Feed?

1. Growth Spurts

This is one of the most common reasons your baby wants a constant supply of milk. It takes a lot of energy for them to get bigger, therefore they want to eat more to gain the extra calories to fuel this. More milk means more energy.

2. Increasing Milk Supply

Breastfeeding works on a supply and demand basis, the more milk taken out, the more milk produced. When cluster feeding your baby is signalling to your body that tomorrow they need more milk.

3.Comfort and Connection

Babies don’t always want to feed because they are hungry. Occasionally they just want to be close to you. The comfort, closeness and warmth is provided during feedings. Babies who are overstimulated, overtired, unsettled or uncomfortable often seek this extra closeness and comfort.

4. Evening Fussiness

Many babies naturally cluster feed in the evening. After a long day of stimulation they may want small frequent feeds to calm down. They can then settle for longer stretches of sleep.

Signs Your Baby is Cluster Feeding

• Wanting to feed again shortly after a feed has finished
• Becoming fussy and agitated when taken off the bottle or breast
• Feeding frequently over a period of several hours
• Has periods where they seem impossible to settle without feeding
• Feeding more often in the evenings

Does Cluster Feeding Mean Low Milk Supply?

Not necessarily. One of the big myths surrounding cluster feeding is that it means your milk supply is low, many think your baby is feeding so often because they aren’t getting enough. However, in many cases cluster feeding is helping to establish or increase your milk supply.

If your baby is having plenty of wet nappies, is gaining weight appropriately and is satisfied between cluster feeding sessions, your supply is probably totally normal.

If you are worried about your baby’s feeding patterns or growth, speak to your GP, Health Hvisitor or contact a breastfeeding support team.

How to Survive Cluster Feeding

While totally normal cluster feeding can be totally exhausting on you. Not being able to put your baby down, relax for longer then a few minutes and constantly feeding is tiring so what can you do to get through it?

1. Get Comfortable

You will likely be stuck feeding for long periods of time so getting comfortable will make it less annoying. Make sure before sitting down you gather everything you might need: a drink, snacks, tv remote, phone charger etc.

2. Accept That Jobs Can Wait

Right now your main job is feeding your baby and taking care of yourself. Therefore the laundry that needs folding or the dishwasher that needs emptying can wait.

3. Stay Hydrated

Frequent feeding can leave you feeling thirsty especially if you are breastfeeding. Make sure you keep yourself hydrated, having a water bottle nearby will help.

4. Ask For Help

You can feel pretty touched out in the midst of cluster feeding, if you have a partner, family or friends nearby they can help by dealing with meals, chores and holding the baby between feeds.

5. Remember It’s Not Forever

Cluster feeding can feel endless when you in the middle of it. Don’t worry it normally passes after a few days. When they’ve finished their growth spurt, or your milk supply has adjusted to your baby’s needs they should return to their normal feeding patterns.

When Should You Seek Advice?

While Cluster Feeding is usually normal it is worth seeking advice if;

• Your baby isn’t producing enough wet nappies for their age
• Your baby seems unusually sleepy and hard to wake for feeds
• They aren’t gaining weight
• Feeding is becoming more and more painful
• You are concerned about your milk supply

If you feel worried it is better to reach out to a professional than muddling on through.

Cluster feeding can be exhausting, it can leave you totally touched out and wondering if you are doing something wrong. The good news it is often totally normal in infant developement. Your baby isn’t trying to be difficult they are just busy trying to develop grow and feel safe.

And while it may feel like you’ll never get off the sofa again, eventually your baby will fall asleep and give you enough time to remember what day of the week it is.