Does breastfeeding very frequently and at short intervals, especially in the evenings, sound familiar to you? Perhaps you have already noticed that your child wants to be breastfed unusually often, especially in the evenings, and you are wondering whether this is normal. In such a case, it is referred to as cluster feeding.
What is cluster feeding? In the first few weeks of life, mothers breastfeed their children up to twelve times a day. This is a guideline, but it cannot be applied to all children. Every baby is different and will find its own breastfeeding rhythm over time with the mother. There are babies who adjust to breastfeeding every two to three hours and do not deviate from this.
Others, however, ask for breast milk more often, especially in the evening hours, so that sometimes a rhythm of one hour to every thirty minutes sets in. This behavior is called cluster feeding, i.e. piling up meals. First-time mothers are often unsettled by this behavior because they don't know whether their child is getting enough to drink. However, cluster feeding is completely normal. We want to inform you a little more about the topic.
Clusterfeeding – Reasons for “permanent breastfeeding”
Newborns can tend to cluster feed. But what could be the reason for this? The beginning is particularly difficult for babies. They first have to learn how to drink. Sucking at the breast is exhausting. The events of the day can also be very exhausting. By demanding several meals, between which your child may also sleep, it ensures that it gets enough rest.
In addition, babies are not used to eating very large meals, as their stomachs naturally have a smaller capacity. During pregnancy, your baby was constantly supplied with food via the placenta and the umbilical cord. Cluster feeding corresponds to this well-known standard.
Cluster feeding also stimulates milk production. Breastfeeding mothers produce the hormone prolactin, which stimulates the production of breast milk. Its effect usually takes effect after 8-16 hours. By breastfeeding continuously in the evening, your child ensures that there is sufficient food available the following day.
Children may also tend to cluster during a growth spurt because of increased energy requirements. Cluster feeding can therefore be considered normal behavior.
Do bottle-fed babies also cluster?
Every child is different and bottle-fed children may also exhibit clustering. However, children who are formula-fed are less likely to exhibit this behavior.
But why is that? Experts assume that breast milk passes through the stomach after two to three hours. This is why breastfed children may ask for breast milk again after this time. Formula milk, on the other hand, is said to stay in the stomach longer and takes up to four hours to pass through.
However, this does not mean that children who are fed with the formula milk are not prone to clustering. It may happen that your child asks for a second bottle after the first one. This is why experts recommend feeding the pre-formula slowly and gradually.
How long can the cluster phase last?
Cluster feeding is often observed in newborns. This behavior can first appear in the first few days of life. It is the phase in which women experience the milk coming in, which leads to a different composition of breast milk.
The first few weeks are extremely stressful for children, as they have to process a lot of impressions. Clustering can occur during this time, as your child uses up a lot of energy. Cluster feeding can last four to six hours during this period. This phase can be very stressful for mothers, which is why the question often arises as to when children will stop doing it.
It is not possible to make exact statements because every child is different. Cluster feeding can last between two and six days. For some children it lasts longer. It is important to know : Cluster feeding is not a permanent condition and is merely a phase.
Is my child really drinking enough?
Many parents become afraid when their child begins cluster feeding. The fear is that your child is not getting enough to eat. Clustering has nothing to do with the amount of milk. So that you don't have to worry any more, we want to give you some tips on how to recognize that your child is getting enough milk.
- Number of diapers : On average, children need up to 10 fresh diapers a day after the first 48 hours. Later on, the number of diapers decreases somewhat.
- Weight : The midwife and pediatrician will check your child's weight. A weight gain always indicates that your child is getting enough nutrition.
- Signs of fullness : Watch your child closely during the meal. Does it show signs of fullness? When babies are full, they let go of the breast. Many babies also fall asleep immediately after breastfeeding.
You can also tell from the color of your child's skin whether they are getting enough nutrition. If your child has rosy skin, then their nutrition is optimal.
Four helpful tips for parents
Every newborn is equipped with a wealth of style reflexes. It doesn't have to learn or know much, because sucking at the breast or bottle is biologically pre-programmed. A little more is required of the mother. A healthy and balanced diet is part of your job. The female body should be prepared, especially with cluster feeding. We would like to give you a few more tips:
- Breastfeeding on demand : Many young parents try to follow a strict schedule. The rhythm will develop on its own. Listen to your body and let your instincts guide you.
- Position when breastfeeding : When cluster feeding, you should make yourself particularly comfortable. Use a nursing pillow or other aids to help you find the most relaxed position possible.
- Seek support : Constant breastfeeding can be very exhausting, especially if you have to carry on with your daily routine. That's why we recommend that you seek sufficient support. Let someone do the housework or other tasks for you. You don't have to carry your child all the time during breaks. With an electric cradle, for example, you can rock your child to a gentle sleep while keeping your hands free.
Finally, we would like to give you one more piece of advice. Trust your child. Constant breastfeeding is not a problem, because it is a natural reaction.
