Cluster feeding 12-6am, co-sleeping?

[Rachie1986]

DD (baby2) is only 3 days old.

Last night and tonight she has fed almost non stop from 12am-6am. She was active in pregnancy at night so I think this is going to continue. So, any ideas how to move cluster feeding to evening so I can actually sleep? Is this possible?

Can anyone advise how to cosleep?! I get the idea but by the time she's in the bed, not on the pillow, not covered by duvet, I won't roll onto her etc etc I'm cold and uncomfortable and there's no way I can sleep!

Advice welcome. This needs to change before DH returns to work as I have an older child to look after

Really sorry but I think there is nothing can be done about cluster feeding as this is the natural time they will do it. For me it was 12-3am and i so wished it was earlier it was exhausting. But i think it lasted less than a week. Plenty to eat and drink through it- sugary things to keep you going.
I didn't cosleep so no advice about this .

Lasted less than a week? That sounds positive. I'm concerned it's going to go on for weeks and weeks.

Thank you for replying x

It changes. Ds is nearly 2 weeks now and cluster feeding times have varied from 12am-4am, 7pm-12am and everything in between. He’s just started now which is a new time again.
I think you just have to go with it and remember - this too shall pass.

It felt like forever at the the time. I feel your pain. DC now only up once/twice for a quick feed in the night and that feels like a vague distant memory only 3 months in. Am only on MN tonight as she has a cold and is so noisy I can't sleep lol!

Thanks for the support and replies, I appreciate it x

Bump for any more advice x

I co-slept with my baby so she could feed easily through the night and so I could get some rest. This is what I did:

1. husband moved to spare room so I had the whole bed
2. wore warm button down pyjamas and socks so I didn’t need a heavy duvet
3. heating a little warmer than usual (but within recommended levels)
4. breathable knitted blanket on just me, and only starting at around my waist so it was away from baby’s body
5. only pillow on the bed was my pillow
6. laid baby in the middle of the bed. During the night I would switch sides of the bed (keeping her in the middle) so I was feeding on both sides

I didn’t sleep deeply doing this, still waking in the night and generally aware of baby, but I did sleep and it was worth it. We did this for a few months, then I gradually moved her to a sleepyhead on the bed and eventually to a cot in my room.

Good luck!

I co slept from birth too, similar to the poster above, following the safe sleep guidelines. It was fantastic! So much more sleep and a happier baby.

Co-sleep, carefully. Follow all the guidance and it'll make sure everyone gets a good sleep, it'll save your life. If you're EBF then co-sleeping is great while they want to feed around the clock, then after about 3/4 months start to transition them to a cot. That's what we did and at 1 DD is a brilliant sleeper. Took us a while to get there but weaning her off at night time after 9 months helped and now she sleeps 7pm-8am every night.
I think without co-sleeping I never would have breastfed for so long as I'm awful when I'm tired!

It’s so hard but it’s very very early days. Newborns have no sense of night and day time- it’s normal for them to have this mixed up in the beginning. Cluster feeding is esstential to build up your supply and I’m sure I remember reading that this is especially true during the night as the milk has different levels of hormones? As baby gets more used to the world it will get easier. I remember it only lasted maybe 10 days and then it edged earlier and earlier. In the mean time make life as easy as possible. Easy food. Housework and visitors can wait. How old is your other DC? Do they go to school etc? Was going to suggesting napping when you can but I know that’s not always possible when you have other little ones who don’t nap anymore and are still at home.

In regards to co sleeping. We did it with DP in the bed with us. I was in the middle, DS on the other side and then on the other side of him was the next to me cot I assumed he’d just go straight into... so he had space to move over if he did. DP had the duvet, I had my own blanket and both were kept away from baby. It was summer when I had him but since it’s winter I’d advise proper jammies, long sleeved, maybe even a jumper as well as a thick blanket. Maybe have the heating on if you need it. If it makes you more comfortable ask DH/DP to sleep somewhere else temporarily. Have you tried swaddling at all?

You’re in the thick of it at the moment and it’s bloody hard but try not to worry about what’s going to happen, just take each day as it comes at the moment. You’re doing a fab job and you’ll fine your way and you’ll be able manage

Get yourself some fleece pj's. Wear a vest underneath so that when feeding your back isn't cold. Don't bother with bed covers. Baby in a sleeping bag. I co slept with all of mine, it was the only way I could get any rest!

My LG did exactly the same for the first week or so. She cluster fed all evening until around 5am! After that she'd sleep for a stretch of maybe 3 hours so I got some sleep then while DP watched her. After a week or two the sleep stretches became a bit longer. It is hard OP and you are not alone...

Thank you so much for all the advice, I really appreciate it. Lots of things to think about and try. DD1 is at school, so there are a few hours there, but again still have to feed so can't get a really decent block. Never mind, I have some hope it might improve in the not too distant future x

We co slept (still do at 18 months, my boy loves a cuddle and we are soft) and I breastfed at night until he was 1. DP on the other side, baby in the middle. Saving grace for us was 2 separate duvets, both single. So we could wrap ourselves up and leave baby pillow and cover free in the middle. Honestly it was a joy. So much easier to just have them there in the night, when he got older he used to just roll over and I would feed him on my side. I miss it and am very happy for you!