Cluster feeding ALL night! Help!

[Debby2106]

My baby is 2 weeks old and feeds pretty much constantly through the night from about 11pm until 7am at the earliest. I also have a 3 year old and I really don't know how much more I can take! I'm getting maybe a couple of hours max sleep every morning and that's it. I'm also trying to recover from a c section so having no rest is absolutely killing me! Midwives and breastfeeding support workers tell me it's normal cluster feeding but how long is this going to go on for??!! I couldn't breastfeed my first so I really want to stick it out but in my darkest hour I just want to call it a day and switch to formula!

[FlossieTreadlight]

Oh god, it's awful isn't it - poor you. DS is now 15 weeks (also have 3yo and c section recovery)and his clustering stopped at 6ish weeks with a resurgence for a night or 2 at 8 and 12. I promise it gets easier, hang in there. Coffee, cake, DVDs for dc1 and v low expectations of self for a while really help. Also ask for help

[Katekoom]

Don't give up it gets better!
My dd is now 3weeks and I'm still getting the cluster feeding but it generally only lasts a few days then passes. There seems to be a 10 day growth spurt and then a 2-3 week one, we've just passed this one, next i think is 4-6 weeks.
Has your milk come in properly?
It's so hard, I almost gave up but it should be worth it all.
Try the mantra 'this too, shall pass'
You're doing so well, keep at it xx

[Debby2106]

Oh God 6 weeks seems so far away at the mo, even though I know it will be here before I know it but it seems like a lifetime away!
Yeah my milk has come in. I do love that saying but always forget about it! I'll keep repeating that through the night! "A da possa a nuttata" as quoted in Jersey Boys lol.
Luckily my hubby is able to be a bit flexible with work so is in charge of most nursery runs for the big one as obviously I can't drive, and am also having a lot of help from my parents, it's just the nights that are a killer and then grabbing a couple of hours in the morning and missing my big boy! Coupled with the guilt that I can't do a lot with him at the mo, can't even pick him up!
I don't want to wish my tiny baby away but I can't wait for this crazy time to be behind us!! x

[FATEdestiny]

Right, lets be clear here. Cluster feeding is one thing, but your baby does not need to be feeding constantly for 8 hours from 11pm until 7am. There is something wrong in that.

A cluster feed may be 2 or 3 hours worth, but not all night with no break.

Are you sure this baby isn't comfort sucking? A dummy may give you a bit of a break.

[Katekoom]

I thought that FATEdestiny as my dd was doing similar. Usually 4 hours straight and then every hour for 40mins or so, drifting for 15/20 for hours on end. but i was advised that it is normal and to go with it, she's much better now, even just one week on.

My mw suggested co sleeping when it got really bad, and that was great - just be sure to follow the safety guidelines