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Infant feeding

Get advice and support with infant feeding from other users here.

Original poster

Cluster Feeding - quick question

8 replies

Skillbo · 09/02/2012 21:51

Soooo - DS is 6 weeks and I just wondered when cluster feeding stops as I keep thinking we might get an early night and then he's just on them... for hours!

Best go as he is throwing a total strop as he has no boob in his mouth!

TIA

OP posts:
ilovedaddypig · 09/02/2012 21:56

I think mine were a bit older before the tendency to cluster feed stopped. But if it's any consolation, I have bf two and I think without doubt, six weeks was the hardest point - the one that had me sobbing to a hv, no wonder most people give up by six weeks!! But just as I thought I couldn't sustain it, it got easier. Hang in there!

NorthernChinchilla · 10/02/2012 19:44

I'm only a couple of weeks further on with my first, and it has got better! As you say, it was all evening every evening, and a strop should he be away from the boob for seconds...

In the last week, so from about 7.5, he's suddenly become less fussy, and will spend time in chairs, on playmats, sitting on DH, etc, and whilst he still feeds every hour or so, there are actual gaps Shock where I'm not feeding him.

IM vvv limited E, you are now past the 'worst', and it will get gradually more sane...

minicc · 11/02/2012 13:36

6 weeks is THE worst time, the support goes and the reality kicks in. Like ilovedaddypig says its a common time to turn to formula as its so tough. I thought i had the dreaded post natal depression i was so down and hopeless with feeding. But, with a happy chubby (greedy) 12 week old who still cluster feeds from 5-7 in the evening (but sleeps through the night mostly) it does get easier and you feel less like a hostage. Hang in there and get the box sets and chocolate fingers out xxx

Spoutlet · 11/02/2012 14:05

I think DD was between 10 to 12 weeks when the cluster feeding eased off; she began to fall asleep earlier and for longer periods in the evening and so we started a bedtime routine around then. I remember feeling like it would never end, but it will soon Smile. Was only dogged determination that prevented me from breaking out the formula and I was so pleased with myself that I got through it. DD is nearly 10 months old now and isn't so fussed about the boob anymore - I'm starting to feel nostalgic for the cluster feeding days Grin.

LaCiccolina · 11/02/2012 16:38

I found dd sort of went through it every few months or so. She's 14mths now and I don't notice it any more. Teeth have taken over as my main worry I suppose... I remember either it stopping or me ceasing to notice as much around 5-6mths though if thats any help?

hawthers · 11/02/2012 18:21

Such a relief to read this. Thought I wasn't doing it right.

Original poster
Skillbo · 26/02/2012 11:57

Thanks so much - been a while since I checked the thread but it's good to know it does get easier (feel I should know this from DD but it's amazing how your brain just hides these things - I guess so you don't stop yourself doing it again!)

He is still a bit of a one, but we're persevering - I have very fond memories of DD nursing till much later and very much want this for my DS so will continue for as long as he wants it... it's just so tiring :)

OP posts:
Annie555 · 07/08/2012 00:04

Hi all,

I'm not sure im posting this is the right section but hopefully someone will be able to offer some advice.....

My little girl is 6 weeks old. She is big - weighed 10lb 7oz when born and 12lb 15oz now. I'm b/feeding her and finding it fairly hard going.....she feeds every 2 hours during the day with the feed taking about an hour so there is one hour clear time after she had fed for anything else. She usually falls to sleep and has 45 mins before wanting more food. From around 6 in the evening til 11-12 pm she cluster feeds. This is fairly constant and towards the end she literally takes 2-3 sucks. Without this though she won't settled and I'm a little worried this is turning into habit that I won't be able to easily get her out of!! Night times she is very good and sleeps for 6-7 hours before waking for a feed and sleeping another 1-2.

I just wondered if anyone can help with when the feeding times/frequency may reduce, when cluster feeding may end and whether I should be worried about her developing a habit of feeding/sleeping before she settles that I won't be able to break. I just feel I have very little time to do anything in between feeds and also that little one is missing out because the feed has worn her out and she's too tired to see around her.....

Thanks all. xx

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