Cluster feeding in a 1 week old

[Mozza2013]

So my baby is a week old today and seems to be constantly hungry from midday to midnight. Is this normal? He feeds what seems like every hour and then during the evening is really fractious and doesn't seem to know whether he's hungry or not but cries if I don't at least try nursing him. He was a slow starter when it came to breast feeding so is he now catching up for lost time? Any shared experiences would be most welcome.

What you are describing really can be normal. How are his nappies? 6 wet nappies in 24hrs? 3 poos the size of a £2 coin or bigger? Ideally nice and pale by now? When he's feeding do you feel comfortable and can you hear swallowing sometimes and see nice deep chin movements? Does the nipple come out after a feed elongated but 'normal' at the end - not squashed, flattened or with a ridge?

Was his weight loss in the first weigh in after birth OK?

Hopefully the answers to those questions will all suggest things are going to plan.

At this point, babies are beavering away developing your milk supply. Your supply is just in the process of transitioning to mature milk. They can sometimes feed hourly and they can also have periods of time when they cluster feed and seem very fussy. If nappies are fine and you are comfortable, it's likely everything is absolutely on course.

Why don't you call the National Breastfeeding Helpline to get a second opinion on 0300 100 0212?

Many thanks OP. All your questions make sense and the answers are positive signs. Plenty of nappies and he has gained weight. Feeding is comfortable and I'm fairly sure a lot of milk is going in. Just first time Mum lack of knowledge I think! Hard to believe such a tiny person can take in so much liquid!

Completely normal :-)

All sounds good.

I hear you about the 'hard to believe a tiny person can take in so much liquid' at this point!!! When someone tells you their stomach is the size of a large marble at this age, it does make the mind boggle. Breastfeeding is multi-purpose of course so it's liquid and oxytocin hormone release and brain development and tongue and jaw muscle development and just hanging out with mummy who smells and tastes great. Meanwhile get some decent box sets (I recommend Masters of Sex on 4OD), snacks and enjoy the sofa time.