Talk to me about cluster feeding

[ohthestruggles]

Just that really. My LO is 2 weeks old, he's started waking after about two hours and feeding for 4-5 hours on and off, sleeping for about ten minutes in between! I know it's normal, I know it will pass but my nipples feel like they're going to fall off and my arse is sore from sitting on it for so bloody long. I'm pumping from one breast because it's so sore to have him on and off of that nipple just now.

Nobody tells you how hard this part is I've ordered nipple shields but I'm so worried about my partner going back to work and how I will cope!

DD cluster fed from about 4pm until 9/10pm. Nipple shields helped with the soreness. Meal planning ahead for stuff that was batch cooked (I did some when I was heavily pregnant and DH did some at the weekends) stuff that could be eaten one handed (chilli, spag bol, mac and cheese) that he could prep easily. Then I just got in bed with a drink and watched TV or read my kindle (couldn’t hold a book!) til she settled. Good news is it doesn’t last forever!! It gradually got earlier. I remember doing a dance when she settled at 8.30

I bought a cushion for my bum and have a side table so everything I need is handy eg/ water, TV remotes, phone and snacks. I also let my nipples get some air and hand express in shower with warm water running over them. I also have a foot stool and find this is comfortable for me when nursing. My daughter is 3 months and the cluster feeding has massively reduced- it does get better! You're doing so well and remember that!

It's such hard work. I expressed 30ml and in my zombie like state spilled half of it on the sofa I have laughed, sobbed, smiled, I just don't know what to do anymore it's relentless

My DS is 3.5 weeks old and today has been a cluster feeding day. He's fed all day from 8am.
He's also been quite windy so is twisting and pulling on my nipples. My nips are in bits.

I need to believe that breastfeeding is worth it in the end. It must be right?

Lanolin for your nipples.

@BorderlineHappy

Lanolin for your nipples.

Got it, it's okay but there's only so much cream can do to protect you from these tiny milk monsters!

Sit topless when not feeding and use your own milk as a cooling aid.
It really works.

Hey OP are you doing any better this week?

@LongLiveGoblingKing I've switched him to formula and expressed breast milk, it was becoming unbearably painful and so exhausting, I just couldn't do it any more! We're getting some more sleep and he's putting on weight. I feel happier and I'm a much more confident mummy because of it! I know some people persevere through it and I have a lot of respect for them but it just wasn't working for us!

That's really good to hear!

Good for you! The important thing is your baby is gaining weight well and you're happy and coping. The formula won't stop you breastfeeding if you want to carry on with it - I found it much more bearable once I limited the number of breastfeeds per day and gave the rest as formula - BF to 3.5 years in the end, and did 50% formula for first year.

I was warned about cluster feeding in advance but they made it sound lovely and cutesy, not the actual hell it is!

@LongLiveGoblingKing how is your little one getting on?

Ok, we've had a couple of days of good feeding where he's eating every 2-2.5 hours. I'm sure we have some more cluster feed days coming up.

The new issue is that he has oral thrush, and therefore I have nipple thrush which is painful! I go from wanting to switch to formula and back again about 10 times a day.

@LongLiveGoblingKing you could always combi feed to give your boobs a bit of a break!