DD (3 weeks) cluster feeds between 10pm and 1am - will this stop??

[InsomniaQueen]

Was just wondering if anyone else had experienced this? Did your LO grow out of this? If they grew out of it, how long did it take?

She is very good during the day - mostly sleeping from feed to feed but very content during her awake time so no complaints there!! Her cluster feeding does coincide with what I would call a grizzly time so was concerned it was comfort sucking but she is definitely drawing milk off each time she is put to the breast.

This breastfeeding business is so much harder than I'd expected!!!

Is she sleeping for a few hours after that? If so, that might be better than feeding every 3 hours during the early hours.

Also, can you try feeding lying down and thus get a bit more rest?

Don't be concerned even if it IS comfort sucking (as long as there's no pain). Comfort nursing is important to establish your supply, bond with your baby and to make her feel safe. She's only been 'out' for 3 weeks, so of course her favourite place is right next to your heartbeat.

In answer to your question, cluster feeding will stop, but it might be a while yet. Every baby is different, but my DS was about 3mo when he established his own regular bedtime at 6pm.

Do you feed lying down/co-sleep? It can be a god send during long evenings cluster feeding and I wish I'd learns it sooner. At least you could then latch her on then snooze for a while. If that doesn't appeal, then make sure you make your DP set up a 'feeding station' with plenty of cushions, a warm blanket, drinks, chocolate, TV remote, mobile or laptop or whatever you need to faff about on Mumsnet stay sane during a marathon session.

Congrats for you and your family, it sounds like you're doing great.

My DS used to cluster feed around the same time and I also found if knackering. It wasn't always during these hours, sometimes a little earlier, 9 to 12, or only for 2 hours instead of 3, which was better. It only lasted a couple of weeks for us I think they're all different though! Hope things get better soon.

My DD2 did this. She had a heck of a lot of growing to do! I just used to console myself that it was better than cluster feeding 2 till 5 am! It did go on for quite a long time .. Several weeks. So you need to get in some chocolate, tv box sets and cancel everything tiring in the day.... DD2 is now 11 weeks and her feeds are much shorter, she goes to bed at about 9pm, she has put on lots of weigh from my milk and my bloody hard work and she smiles a lot. And we are saving cash on bottles, faff on sterlising and don't have to lug feeding equipment around when going out- result! I still remember 3 weeks as a difficult time- baby bf all the time, no smiles, me still recovering from the birth, DH back at work... You just have to roll with the cluster feeds and not fight against them I'm afraid.... It is worth it in the end honestly! Good luck OP and congratulations on your new baby.

Good to know that I'm not the only one who has been or is going through this.

Breastfeeding is taking it's tole but I'm trying to stay positive and keep going with everything. Hopefully I can come back in a few weeks and report some improvement.......well hopefully anyway!!

Thanks to all.

Xx