Cluster feeding? Can anyone help

[Fandango83]

Hi my baby is nearly 4 weeks old. She cluster feeds from about 4 pm until 9. By this time she is so upset despite being burped and cuddled that for the past 2 nights I have given her a bottle of formula. This has settled her until her next feed at midnight.

I hate doing this but I don't know what else to do? It's like I'm too empty for her. I have expressed after she has a bottle for peace of mind, and there is milk there.

Does anyone have any experience of this, or any advice? I would be very grateful as I feel like I'm failing at breastfeeding.

I had exactly the same experience and also introduced a bottle of formula, lots of posters reassured me it would improve, my son is 8 weeks now and I can't believe how much better things are going compared to a few weeks ago. I am certain in a few more weeks you will be thinking the same!

Introducing a bottle of formula actually gave me the boost I needed to continue with breastfeeding, I had to bribe myself with the reward of getting my hair done if I could just make it to six weeks!

You are doing really well to get this far, nobody told me how utterly relentless breastfeeding would be at times. You aren't failing by giving a bottle of formula :)

You are definitely not failing at breastfeeding! What you are describing sounds normal for a 4 week old, and the cluster feeding is to stimulate your supply. If you give formula as well try to express so that your supply keeps up with your baby. I would not be surprised if it settled down in a couple of days as your supply increases to match your baby's demands.

If you are worried, do contact one of the breastfeeding support organisations like La Leche League, or the national breastfeeding helpline.

Numbers for you:

National BF Helpline 0300 100 0212
LLL 0845 120 2918

Thank you so much for your advice. I will see what she does tonight, and remember to express if I give a bottle. It's nice to know that this stage will pass. I will persevere with it : )