Cluster feeding, tell me it gets better?

[HannahBee92]

Still going strong with fussy 9 day old nursing constantly from 10pm last night. Thinking it's probably a growth spurt? Is it okay that she's barely slept the whole night? This is now the second night this has happened. Please tell me it gets better.

It definitely gets better!

They go through growth spurts every few weeks where they cluster feed to up your milk supply, then the feeding settles down again.

I know it's hard when you're exhausted but try and work your way through a box set and relax about it. Your baby is going to be awake regardless, feeling stressed about when they will sleep next makes it feel worse. Do you have a DP that can work in shifts with you? Or can you sleep between feeds (daytime at the moment!) and they just bring baby to you when she needs feeding?

Sounds like you're doing brilliantly!

It gets better but it's pretty awful at the time

Yes it gets better. Good advice from previous poster about giving into it. I used to go downstairs and watch tv, have a cuo of tea, etc until they were done. I would set up a little station for myself before going to bed with some snacks etc. Sort of takes your mind off the fact you want to be asleep. Then you should hand baby to your partner and get some sleep while baby is.

It gets so much better! By about 8-12 weeks they’ve usually settled into a good feeding routine (obviously there is still days where they just want to feed).

My saviour was learning to feed dd lying down, so I could sleep whilst she cluster fed. But it depends on if you’re ok with safe co-sleeping.

It should settle down in a day or two though. Congratulations.

Thank you, really helps to know it's normal and should settle!

Yes I do have a DP who is great at taking over, I think I need to be stricter with myself about just getting in bed in the morning when LO finally settles and not moving other than to feed. I just feel like I'm missing the days which is a bit depressing, especially with the big day looming tomorrow.

I did try feeding while laying down in bed last night with the view to co-sleep but it just scared me so much cause she was rolled too close to me to feed, I daren't fall asleep.

She's also feeding like a baby shark at the moment, much more aggressive during the cluster sessions than in the day which makes it feel more miserable.

My bad time is around 1-2am where the tiredness kicks in to the extreme and I just sob.

She's more than worth it though.

Eat and drink while feeding. Shower, brush your teeth twice a day, go to the loo and sleep. That’s all you need to do for now.

Watch all the Christmas TV and read in kindle will feeding makes it easier.

Your job is to establish feeding and rest. You have the rest of your life to enjoy days.

My 5 month old manages to feed from both boobs at night in 12 mins and only has two feeds a night. So much easier than ff older girl.

Oh my lovely don’t worry it gets better! You’re doing a great job

My DS cluster fed 9pm to 5am for the first few days.
Thankfully he chilled out a bit quite quickly. Still feeding the little guy at 10.5 months.

Mine is 11 days old, and the last 4 evenings she's 🐝 on and off boob from early evening until around 1 am.

Feels like she's starting earlier each day though :(

She falls asleep and then wakes around 10 minutes later crying..calm her down. Back on boob for 15-20 mins.

The worst bit for me is not knowing if it's the " last" feed. :(

Thank you for all the reassuring messages it has settled down a little now but she still feeds virtually the whole time she's awake.

@AliceTheCamelHasFiveHumps yep that sounds just like my DD. It's so hard knowing whether you can try and get up/put them down to sleep or not!

It definitely gets better, even enjoyable! That took 5-6 weeks for me though. When DH's paternity leave finished, he bought me this large cushion that has various holes in it to contain cups and glasses. Its my breastfeeding/nap trap station where I've always got a big flask of water and a few snacks handy!

Also, if your on Facebook, I really recommend following The Milk Meg. I don't know many other breastfeeding mums and no matter what decisions you make as a parents it's so easy to second guess yourself. The Milk Meg is really reassuring that everything you're going through is completely normal!

Also follow Pinky McKay and Lucy Ruddle.