When does cluster feeding stop?

[JosieB68]

Looking for some advice. I am exclusively breastfeeding my 5 week almost 6 week old. She really doesn’t nap longer than 2 hours during the day but mostly 20-45 minutes. I feel like inbetween then all I do is feed her. We do try some play time but before long she’s looking to feed again. This evening especially she seems to be back to cluster feeding, tonight if she’s not feeding she’s hysterical. When she’s feeding she seems hungry, staying on the breast and actively drinking the milk. I know they say you can’t over feed a breastfed baby but I feel like I might be. Is it normal to cluster feed at almost 6 weeks? Or could it be something else, I wondered if a bit of trapped wind and she’s feeding for comfort but I really have no idea.

At this age evening cluster feeding is very normal. It’s sometimes called the witching hours. Both mine did it every night between 7 and 9pm until about 3 months old. I found knowing it was coming and eating before hand helped loads.

6 weeks is a growth spurt age too so you might find baby feeds lots at the moment. It will settle down as they get older and out of the newborn phase.

You cannot over feed a breastfed baby and they are in control of what they take.

They do also feed for comfort which isn’t a bad thing. It can be a great parenting tool over the time you’re feeding.

for now though let others handle everything else around the house. Nap in the day and have a look at safe co sleeping.

it will pass.

@Twizbe thank you!
good to know it’s normal. I was worried she’d make herself sick. So sad to see her unhappy but as soon as she’s feeding she’s content. As you say it won’t be forever but if I can comfort her then it’s all worth it.

Is it normal to cluster feed at almost 6 weeks?

Yes, very. Big growth spurt/development time. Every DC is different but a lot cluster feed most/every evening right up until 3-4 months. 7 week old DC2 cluster feeds more nights then he doesn’t. A lot of those nights he is pretty much constantly on the boob for a couple of hours straight. It’ll pass.

Do your babies fall asleep between the cluster feeds? Mines can for 5-10 minutes on me then awake again and will cry if I don’t feed her.

All totally normal - at that age all they really do is feed, sleep and get cross.

My 4 month old has been back at it today, so I’m guessing she’s having a growth spurt.

Get tea, biscuits and a remote to hand and go with the flow. I have a 3 year old as well this time around so it’s a bit trickier, but still lovely!

DC1 didn’t sleep at all and would scream with overtiredness after a couple of hours before crashing out. DC2 does exactly as you describe here. Boob for 20 minutes, sleep for 5-10 minutes and repeat.

Yep they can do. I recommend a box set. I got through Downton Abbey, Sex and the City and Game of Thrones.

Cluster feeding is very normal and it’s what I found hardest about breastfeeding the first time around. Relax into it, accept you’re going to be on the sofa a lot, get a good book or Netflix series on the go and always make sure you have your phone, water, and snacks in arms reach. It will subside in a few weeks and then every so often they’ll just go through cluster feed phases.

thank you everyone. Must have been exactly what she needed as she just slept for almost 5 hours.

Hurrah! X

@JosieB68 thats great. Bet you feel like a new woman today :)

@JosieB68 I love that your final post is that she did a longer stretch! 🥳 This is similar to texts to my friend when my DD2 (8 weeks) is cluster feeding. Just as you’re about to sell them on Vinted, the cluster feeding chills out a bit 😆 As with my DD1, it’s normally when I feel I’m about to hit my limit that things calm again.

@Saecee that did make me laugh ‘sell them on Vinted’ 😂
She’s been going 4-5 hours each night so really can’t complain, long may it last!
Although really doesn’t sleep much during the day, did you have this with your little one?

@JosieB68 Yes and the same during every period of cluster feeding, you feel like the day time naps just disappear!

We are going through it just now again at nearly 9 weeks and she really hasn’t napped the last 2 days although sleeping 5-6 hours at night - hoping for some day time relief today though, I am beat!