This is called cluster feeding.
It can happen whether youbreastfeedor feed your infant with formula or expressed breast milk.
Newborns go through rapid changes in their first few weeks of life.
Willie B. Thomas / Getty Images
Just when you get used to one routine, another change happens.
This is true with your baby’s abilities, sleep schedule, and eating habits.
Willie B. Thomas / Getty Images
Newborns: When Does Cluster Feeding Begin?
When your baby is cluster feeding, you may wonder if they are getting enough to eat.
Typically, these changes happen just before a growth spurt.
Feeding in the First Six Months
Newborn babies spend the majority of their time eating and sleeping.
In the first few weeks after birth, some babiesespecially breastfed babiesmay want to nurse every hour.
This is typical as you and your baby adjust to each other’s schedules and needs.
However, if your baby is not gaining weight or developing properly, talk to a pediatrician.
Growth spurts and cluster feeding often occur around the following ages:
When Does Cluster Feeding Stop?
Cluster Feeding and Formula
Cluster feeding does not just happen in exclusively breastfed babies.
Remember to let your baby lead and follow their cues to determine when they’re hungry or full.
In the immediate days after delivery, a breastfed baby consumes nutrient-dense colostrum.
This substance is produced before your milk supply comes in, around four days after your baby is born.
However, about 1 in 5 new mothers have a delay in the start of milk production after delivery.
Roughly 1 in 71 breastfed babies are hospitalized with feeding complications.
Involving a healthcare provider in your feeding journey can help ensure your and your baby’s health.
Self-Care While Cluster Feeding
Around-the-clock newborn care is exhausting.
Feeding takes a lot of time each day, whether you bottle-feed or breastfeed your baby.
Taking off even just one feeding daily can give you much-needed time for self-care.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help to care for yourself and your baby.
Summary
Newborn babies are a lot of work.
They spend nearly half the day eating.
When you get used to one routine, your baby will develop a new one.
Let your baby guide you concerning when and how much to feed.
Talk to a healthcare provider if you have any feeding-related concerns.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.Breastfeeding challenges.
U.S. Department of Agriculture.Cluster feeding and growth spurts.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.How much and how often to breastfeed.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.How much and how often to feed infant formula.
Physician Guide to Breastfeeding.Next steps: 3 to 6 weeks.
National Health Service.Cluster feeding.
Fed is Best Foundation.What is cluster feeding and is it normal?
2022;38(4):661-669. doi:10.1177/08903344221087605
