How To Slow Cluster Feeding At Night

How Busy Moms Can Slow Cluster feeding At Night

Hi moms! Today, I want to talk about cluster feeding. Especially
at night. Cluster feeding is a series of feedings in a short period
of time. Like every hour for some time.

If your baby needs nursing for several hours at night, it might feel
like it is never going to stop. However, cluster feeding happens to
be a normal part of breastfeeding your little one.

Breastfeeding can be demanding, exhausting, and confusing
sometimes. It can also come with it’s own set of rewards in the
long run.

This post consists of:

The causes of cluster feeding. Could it be your fault?

Some crucial tips that will be useful to you in helping baby to not
cluster feed so much at night.

Some helpful ways to keep from feeling overwhelmed.

Understanding The Causes Of Cluster Feeding

Comfort

Every newborn cluster feeds (also known as bunch feeding) at
some point. Newborn babies tend to cluster feed when they want
additional comfort from their mom.

Like when you come home from work. Baby may want to be near
you more often so they might start to feed more.

If they have just got over an illness they might want more attention
and their appetite may increase during this time.

Growth Spurt

Your little one tends to grow quickly during their early months. 
Baby will be more fussy and cranky during a growth spurt.

They will be more hungry during this time and need more
nutrients. Also, they need more comfort during this time.

Growth spurts usually only last for a few days. The first 6
months we usually grow about an inch a month.

I don’t know why we get cranky as we grow. I don’t feel any
growing pains. Maybe our discomfort is our body telling us we
need more nutrients.

Could Many Feedings Mean Low Milk Supply?

Many moms wonder when baby starts to feed more than normal,
if it’s their milk supply. Here are some questions you can answer
to find out.

Is baby relaxed after feeding?

Does baby have 5 to 8 wet diapers a day?

Is baby gaining 4 to 7 ounces per week?

“One last clue in checking your supply is after you are done with
a feed, offer a bottle of pumped milk or formula to see if your baby
gulps it down.

But be careful when giving bottles before breastfeeding is well
established. It can alter a child’s sucking and make her suddenly
reject the breast.

In fact, to avoid nipple confusion it’s best to give no more than one
bottle a day, even after the nursing is well established.”
                                                                          happiestbaby.com

Ways To Ease Night Cluster Feeding

Daytime Naps

If baby is taking long naps during the day, it may be tempting to
let them continue. It may help you complete your house work and
other errands you need to do.

However, if baby sleeps a lot during the day, she’s not feeding as
much. Baby will need to get more nutrients at night.

One of the ways to stop a lot of those night feedings is to make
sure they get a lot of food during the day.

Night Feeding Activities

“When your baby does wake up hungry in the middle of the night,
feed them with as little disruption as possible.

The key is to give them the milk they need while avoiding
stimulation.

If you need to change their diaper, do so with minimal light and as
little noise as possible. Be slow and soothing with your motions
and don’t rush it.

The more relaxed your baby is, the easier it will be to have him or
her fall back to sleep.” momlovesbest.com

Resetting Feeding Schedule

As you see baby needs cluster feeding, time the last session
between late afternoon and bedtime. Every hour or two.

Make sure they are full feedings. At least 10 minutes per breast.

If they are topped off enough before bedtime, they may sleep
more during the night.

Related Tips

Formula

Bottle fed babies can cluster feed also, but usually it occurs more
with breastfed babies. If you’re tempted to supplement with
formula during this time, don’t.

Breastfeeding and pumping help keep up your milk supply. If you
include formula, your supply may go down!

“Once your breast milk has come in, your breasts start to make
milk through a process of ‘supply and demand’.

Each time milk is removed, either by your baby feeding or by
expressing, your breasts make more.”

“That’s why giving bottles of formula can reduce your milk supply
– your body isn’t getting the message to produce more breast
milk, because none is being removed.” medela.com

Avoid Noises

Studies reveal that the immature nervous system of your little one
may lead to evening fussiness.

It indicates that your baby is getting annoyed by the stress of
noises and activity of daily life. They may cry as a reaction to this.

The best option is keeping baby really close to you, carry and
snuggle them. You should be nursing them when they want it.

In addition to this, you need to avoid loud sounds, bright
lights as well as busy rooms.

Your little one is sure to get over the fussy stage soon, so
make sure to be patient during this time.

If you can reduce her fussiness cause of noises and distractions,
you’ll know that when they’re cranky, it’s most likely cause they’re
hungry.

Respond to Cues Baby Wants Milk

If you find that your little one is constantly giving signals that they
require nursing, you should make sure to feed them.

If you keep waiting till they start cluster feeding, there is a high
chance that your little one is going to be more upset. They might
be even fussier.

Signals that your little one might require nursing include sucking
on the fingers, becoming fussy, or waking up being restless
to name a few.

Don’t Be Overwhelmed

Seek the assistance of your family members

You might feel that such bunch feeding sessions are going to last
forever and you might not have enough time for yourself.

If you start feeling overwhelmed, you should seek the assistance
of your family members.

Ask baby’s daddy to help you around the house. Ask your mom or
other members of the family if they can look after your little one for
some time. Do not say no to offers for help.

No End In Sight

“If cluster feeding lasts for several weeks or even months, don’t
hesitate to contact a lactation consultant.

It’s also a good idea to talk with your baby’s pediatrician to discuss
your baby’s nursing habits and growth.

You should also talk with your doctor or a lactation consultant if
you’re in pain or have discomfort when you’re breastfeeding.

Many hospitals or birth centers offer hotlines that you can call.
You may be able to call a nurse or lactation consultant any time or
day.”   Wikihow.mom

Be patient during this period of baby’s growth. Before long, baby
will be back to normal… Until their next bunch feeding phase!

OK, moms. I’ll let you go now. I know you need your sleep!

                                                                                        courtesy IntermountainMoms@youtube.com

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