Newborn cluster freding

[Evie135]

Hi. FTM and new to mumsnet. 1 week old. EBF. Is it normal to cluster feed this young? Had a really tough evening from 5pm, fed constant until 1am, only had short breaks for nappy changes but wanted straight on. Had her tongue tie snipped at day 4 and a feeding assessment done then. it also is hotter temperature wise today which I know could be a factor. She has lots of wet and dirty napppies, nearly 10 today!
Thanks x

I'm my experience (2 babies, both breastfed beyond a year), YES! Completely normal, it's your babies clever way of making your milk supply what they need. The hot weather will be adding to it too but definitely normal...it dies get better, promise!! Keep yourself hydrated and fed and it'll pass xx

Totally normal, she’s establishing your supply. I’m up feeding my ebf 5 month old at the moment.

The nappies sound great. You’re doing amazing, it’s tough but I found that by 3 weeks it felt like we had turned a corner.

Yes, I also have a one week old and have just had two nights of cluster feeding (then it stopped). Luckily my midwife had told me to expect it the day before so I was a little prepared!

Thanks girls. We eventually got some down time over night which allowed me to sleep. So tough when you are exhausted and she wants you constantly.
i assume there’s no time frame to predict how long she will cluster?
also any advice on leaking? It’s not awful but occasionally will leak on the other breast. I have a haaka and the lady bug but was told to wait to use as they will just make me more engorged?

i assume there’s no time frame to predict how long she will cluster?

I don't think so, but it's likely to decrease as they get older.
My DD1 cluster fed for a few hours every evening for about the first 3 months. But she would then sleep through 11pm-6am, so swings and roundabouts. When she stopped cluster feeding, she woke more frequently for feeds.
DD2 only cluster fed occasionally in the first couple of weeks.

also any advice on leaking? It’s not awful but occasionally will leak on the other breast

I leaked from the other side at every feed for months and months, I just used some reusable breast pads.

3 kids here. Totally normal. 1st was an adjustment, 2nd I just enjoyed the quiet time on the sofa with boxsets (make sure you have water, snacks, blanket, remote before you sit down), 3rd I thought... I've got this. Then she cluster fed from midnight til 5am every night for 4 weeks. Staying awake was almost impossible and I used to sob that I was going to fall asleep and smother my baby.

Forgetting my husband was there and just turning on the TV and watching Offspring was my saviour (trying to read MN, or watch TV on my phone or read a book just made me doze off).

It will end, it will feel endless for the next couple of weeks but it will end and you will survive. I promise.

Oh and as for the leaking, when at home I'd just stuff a muslin down my top on the other side (I tended to wear vest tops for easy access, sans bra). I also did this to sleep. Just folded it up and lined both boobs if that makes sense.

Glad you got some rest! Once your supply is stable I found the cluster feeding stopped unless there was a growth spurt or she wasn’t feeling well, like after her 2 month vaccinations although that was probably more for comfort than to increase supply.

A lactation consultant advised against using anything (pumps, haakas) for at least a month until supply was established. I just use breast pads and change after every feed.

@Muststopeating Those vest tops are the best thing ever, I live in them!