7 Hacks To Help with Cluster Feeding When You’re Nursing

If your little one is in their cluster feeding phase, just know that this won’t last forever. While there’s no timeline on when or how long a baby will cluster feed, it typically happens as your little one goes through different development phases and growth spurts. When you're cluster feeding it may feel like you're nursing non stop.
This mom is wearing a nursing shirt with lift-up access for easy breastfeeding. 

Mom hacks to help during your breastfeeding journey

1.    Get comfy.

When my babies were cluster feeding, sometimes it felt like I was attached to the couch. I quickly learned to embrace it. Throw on your pajamas or a comfortable nursing tee, grab a blanket, and catch up on your streaming queue while you have the opportunity. Jammy time!

2.    Keep snacks and drinks nearby.

Take care of your own nutrition when you’re breastfeeding. This will help to keep your energy levels up and keep you from getting hangry. Grab a bottle of water and a few healthy packaged or prepared snacks to keep nearby before the witching hour starts—you’ll thank yourself later.

3.    Plan your day around cluster feeding.

While you might not want to plan your entire day around your baby’s nursing schedule, right now it might be the only way to keep your sanity. Pay attention to what time of day your little one nurses most frequently, and plan on being home at that time. This might mean moving playdates to an earlier time or putting housework on hold—but remember, it’s only temporary.

4.    Eat dinner earlier.

When was the last time you had a hot meal? Actually sitting down for a hot meal can become a rare occasion for new moms, and this is especially true when you can’t seem to get a break from nursing. Since many babies cluster feed and become fussy in the evening, moving dinner to an earlier time can help. This is only temporary but could help with your child's cluster feeding and the stress around meal time. 

5.    Trade shifts with your partner.

Caring for your child is important, but you also need to take care of yourself. During cluster feeding (and anytime, really), allow yourself to take a 30 minute rest while your partner soothes your little one or offers a bottle. Your baby will be perfectly fine for that amount of time. Better yet, if you’re bottle feeding with expressed milk or formula, take turns caring for your baby for a couple of hours each.

6.    Don't stick to the same nursing position. 

Depending on what breastfeeding hold you typically use, you might find yourself becoming uncomfortable or sore during the longer, more frequent nursing sessions. Try some different nursing positions and make use of nursing pillows (or regular pillows) to help prop up your baby and your arms.

7.    Know when to ask for help.

Don't be afraid to ask for help! Cluster feeding can be exhausting. If you feel yourself reaching a breaking point, recruit your partner, family members, older kids, or a trusted friend to help, so you can get a much-needed break. You absolutely deserve it.