Cluster Feeding and Growth Spurts

By: Sabrina Granniss, IBCLC

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6 min

Do you feel like there are times when your baby is constantly Breastfeeding? Cluster feeding is part of normal breastfeeding, but it can make you wonder if feeding is going alright or not. Looking at the bigger picture can help you determine if all is going smoothly and your baby is, in fact, cluster feeding or if there may be difficulties that need to be addressed.


Cluster feeding is when your baby wants to nurse much more frequently, several times over a period of a couple of hours. This often happens in the early evening hours but can happen at any time of the day or night. It is often followed by a slightly longer stretch of sleep.

Many parents report an evening fussy time accompanying cluster feeding that begins around 4 weeks old and seems to settle down around 12 weeks old. 

When your baby is cluster feeding, they may be coming to the breast to nurse for a snack, then pop off, back on, and back off again, and this pattern continues for a couple of hours. You may feel like they are not getting much milk, that your breasts feel more empty. Your baby is still getting plenty of milk. In fact, when the breasts are less full, the milk removed is higher in fat. Often, after cluster feeding, your baby may take a longer stretch of sleep because they “tanked up” and are full and satisfied. 


Cluster feeding helps boost milk production. Every time your baby removes milk, prolactin is released, which is the hormone responsible for making milk. Responding to your baby’s feeding cues when they want to nurse is an important communication exchange that is protective of your milk supply.

When do babies cluster feed?

Growth spurts


So much is happening during the first year of life. Your baby will grow from being a little bundle in your arms to a little person who is moving all around, walking, playing, and engaging with you and their world in a whole new way. Often, before your baby has a growth spurt, they will want to cluster feed, and it will last for a few days before settling into a new pattern or returning to what feels “normal”. Each baby is a little different, following their own timeline. 


Your baby is growing physically, emotionally, socially and cognitively.  In just a few months, your baby begins to reach for objects and grab them, roll over, smile at you, and respond to your voice with cooing sounds as they develop their language skills. They will learn to sit up, imitate you, play peek-a-boo, notice if you have left the room, and so much more. All of that is a lot of new skills that require a lot of energy and reassurance with some extra cuddles from you. (1) 


Growth spurts happen around the following ages:


  • 1 week 
  • 2 weeks 
  • 4 weeks
  • 6 weeks 
  • 8 weeks 
  • 12 weeks 
  • 16 weeks
  • Remember, your baby is one of a kind and may differ slightly from that timeline.

Teething


Teething can make your baby’s gums feel sore and uncomfortable. Sometimes, the only thing that seems to make it better is being able to snuggle with you and nurse. Nursing your baby offers them a lot more than just calories and nutrition. It meets their emotional needs as well. Breast milk contains hormones that are relaxing for your baby and can help soothe their discomfort.


Illness


We all have times when we feel a little under the weather. Your breast milk does a lot to ward off colds, but sometimes your baby may catch a mild cold and want to cluster feed. It is beneficial for them to get the antibodies that are produced in your milk to help them feel better more quickly and keep them hydrated during the cold.


Return to work or other life changes


Have you gone back to work, had a big life event, or schedule change? Remember, babies nurse to have all their needs met. Changes like those can be tough on you and your baby. Oftentimes, babies want to make up for time away from you by nursing more often when they are with you, which may be during the night. Keeping your baby close can allow your baby to get what they need and you to still get the sleep you need.

What is not cluster feeding?

There are situations that may seem like cluster feeding but are an indication that something else is going on. Talk to your IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) to get to the root of the issue or if:

  • Your baby seems to nurse all the time and not be satisfied or have periods of being content
  • Not having enough wet or poop diapers during a 24-hour period of time
  • Your baby cries or fusses most of the day and is not able to be soothed or consoled 
  • Your baby is not able to be asleep without the breast in their mouth for the duration of most nap times and during the night

Cluster feeding tips

Early communication includes following your baby’s cues, responding to them, and developing a relationship between you and your baby. This reciprocation helps you anticipate what your baby needs. You learn the cues they have and what they are trying to express to you. This synchronicity is shown to play a major role in your baby’s health, growth, and development. (2) 


Feeding doesn’t look the same every time your baby goes to the breast or every day. Just like older kids and us as adults, we may need more or less food at a particular meal. Sometimes, we want just a little extra touch or to be held. Be flexible and follow your baby’s lead. 


Wearing your baby in a sling keeps them close and connected to you while allowing you to breastfeed them often during those cluster feeds. Being able to walk around can be nice for you and soothing for your baby. Movement helps calm babies and regulate their nervous system. (3) Singing songs while wearing your baby is a wonderful way to distract and soothe your baby (and you!). In a carrier, you are able to have your hands free, which is great if you have an older child who also needs you.


Go outside for a change of scenery and some fresh air. Going for an evening walk can be relaxing, and the fresh air or change in environment might be welcomed by your baby as well.


Of course, you can also put your feet up, get comfy, and settle in on the couch or in bed while your baby is cluster feeding. Have some snacks and water handy. Being skin-to-skin with your baby can be calming for them and allows them to nurse as much as they would like. Sometimes, being in a quiet, dimly lit environment is needed to reduce being overstimulated.


All sucking at the breast rewards your baby with milk that meets their energy needs, nutritional needs, and their emotional needs. Breast milk is more than food. Nursing is more than the transfer of milk. It is a way for your baby to receive comfort, connection, and nervous system regulation. 


This cluster-feeding nursing pattern will change again soon. Being flexible and responsive to your baby strengthens your bond and helps develop the communication you have with your baby. They learn that when they have a need, you will respond and meet that need. Enjoy all the milestones your baby reaches during their first year. After a round of cluster feeding, it can be exciting to see the leaps that your baby has as they grow and change and become even more wonderful.

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