As a certified breastfeeding counselor (CBC), some of the most common questions you will get will relate to frequent feeds. Frequent feeding is often referred to as cluster feeding. While it often feels overwhelming and like something is wrong, it can be a very normal feeding pattern for a newborn.
As a CBC, you are qualified to support new parents with breastfeeding initiation. Cluster feeding is very common, and almost always normal.
Understanding how early lactation works, and typical newborn behavior, helps you be the best support to your clients.
What Is Cluster Feeding?
As you know, newborns eat quite often. Typical newborns eat about 8-12 times in 24 hours. Preparing parents for that reality helps with reducing early feeding stress.
For many infants, some of those feeds can occur in rapid succession. When that happens, it is referred to as cluster feeding. While it can be quite exhausting for new parents to manage, it is typical newborn feeding behavior.
Cluster feeding is difficult to notice, as the signs tend to be quite clear. As a CBC you will want to educate parents about the signs to help alleviate concerns about this typical behavior.
What Are Signs of Cluster Feeding?
As lactation professionals, we see the signs of cluster feeding as somewhat obvious. For new parents, however, the signs might be confused with just a fussy or ‘colicky’ baby as they may not realize this behavior is typical.
Cluster feeding signs are typical feeding signs which occur shortly after a baby has just nursed. Some of these signs include:
- Fussing
- Sucking hands/attempting to suck their hands
- Smacking lips
- Rooting around
- Nuzzling against chest
- “latching” or sucking on your arm, finger, etc.
- Content latched at the breast, but crying when unlatched
A sign of cluster feeding after the fact is baby settling and sleeping for a longer stretch afterwards.
When And Why Do Babies Cluster Feed?
Cluster feeding can be exhausting. It can also worry new parents as they wonder if there is an adequate milk supply. As a CBC, you can reassure them by educating them about the normalcy of cluster feeding.
The newborn stage is a period of rapid growth. Experts believe these frequent intervals can be multipurpose.
One, these frequent feeds provide key nutrients for baby’s growth. Two, breast milk is a supply and demand process. Cluster feeding sends the signal that more milk is being demanded so the body then responds accordingly. Finally, breastfeeding is comforting. Come evening, babies are more likely to be overtired and overstimulated, the breast is a great place to decompress and rest.
Most parents notice cluster feeding in the evenings. While we are not certain why, it is likely related to the above (overtired, overstimulated) or “tanking up” for a longer sleep stretch at night.
Cluster feeding is most common in the early days and again at three and six weeks. While babies can have a growth spurt at any time, three and six weeks are common.
Some infants regularly cluster feed as part of their typical feeding pattern. This is most common in young infants who sleep longer overnight stretches.
Cluster Feeding vs Low Milk Supply
Some parents worry that cluster feeding can be a sign of inadequate milk intake. It can initially appear similar, however there are some telltale signs of cluster feeding as typical behavior versus low milk supply.
As mentioned above, cluster feeding looks like frequent feeds at the breast in a short period of time. These infants tend to be content at the breast, fussing when not at the breast.
With low milk supply, babies tend to be fussy at the breast. They will also have inadequate diapers, slow growth, etc.
While cluster feeding can feel similar, and be stressful, babies will still have plenty of diapers. They may fuss as babies tend to do. However, they will often be content at the breast. Even if they remain fussy at the breast, they will continue to attempt to latch, especially with switching sides.
As a CBC, your role will be to encourage and reassure parents. Help them understand typical infant feeding behavior, warning signs for true supply concerns, and refer to their pediatrician or an IBCLC as needed.