Cluster feeding/expressing

[IssyM123]

Hi everyone,

1st time posting so please bear with. My 6 day old is beginning to latch well but cluster feeding for 6 hrs + throughout the day and night and never settling following these feeds. Out of exhaustion and a need to take care of my mental health, I have at points passed him over y these long feeds to partner who has given him formula or any milk that I’ve been able to express. Once he gets something out of a bottle he then tends to do a good 3 hours. I’m just wondering whether I should focus on expressing more in advance as my goal is to exclusively breastfeed and I’m finding it mentally difficult to have him latched on all that time. Any advice/similar stories would be hugely appreciated

Give the NCT infant feeding line a call (it's open weekends) to speak to a trained breastfeeding councillor.

Your baby is still really little and cluster feeding is their way of getting your supply to match their needs. A lot of these early days will be about resting together and feeding. Your partner can support you by taking on everything else and keeping you fed and watered. They can also take baby for a skin to skin cuddle while you shower / rest.

Expressing at this stage can result in an oversupply but hand expressing or using a Haakaa to reduce engorgement can really help. As can the odd bottle to let you rest.

It's a fine line between resting with a bottle and interrupting the supply development.

Have a look for local breastfeeding groups as well. They can be really reassuring and great for information.