Cluster Feeding: Surviving (and Even Embracing) the Marathon Feeds
If you’re in the thick of cluster feeding right now, I see you. It’s tough. You’re stuck on the couch, your baby seems permanently attached to you, and you’re wondering if you’ll ever get your evenings back. I’ve been there.
With my first baby, I had no idea cluster feeding was even a thing. I thought something was wrong—was my milk supply low? Was my baby not getting enough?
It wasn’t until I learned that cluster feeding is completely normal that I could finally breathe a little easier. Once I accepted that this was what my baby needed, and that I didn’t actually need to be doing anything else right then, it became easier.
Let’s break down what cluster feeding is, why babies do it, and how you can get through this phase with your sanity intact (and maybe even enjoy it a little).
What Is Cluster Feeding?
Cluster feeding is when your baby wants to nurse (or take a bottle) much more frequently than usual, often in close succession. This is especially common in the evenings, where it can feel like you’ve been glued to the couch for hours.
Why Do Babies Cluster Feed?
Babies cluster feed for a variety of reasons, including:
Growth Spurts: During periods of rapid growth, babies need extra calories to fuel their development.
Building Your Milk Supply: Frequent feeding signals your body to produce more milk.
Comfort and Connection: Babies often cluster feed to soothe themselves and feel secure.
When Does Cluster Feeding Happen?
Cluster feeding is most common during the newborn phase, particularly in the first few weeks and months. It often coincides with growth spurts, which tend to happen around:
2–3 weeks
6 weeks
3 months
How Long Does Cluster Feeding Last?
The good news? It’s temporary. Cluster feeding sessions can last a few hours, and the overall phase typically lasts a few days to a week during growth spurts. It may feel never-ending in the moment, but it truly is just a phase.
I remember so clearly being in this phase and wondering how on earth I was going to get anything done in the evenings ever again.
How to Get Through Cluster Feeding
Here’s what helped me survive (and even embrace) those endless feeds:
1. Shift Your Mindset
For me, the biggest shift came when I accepted that this was what my baby needed and that everything else could wait. My only job during these marathon feeds was to sit and feed my baby. Once I embraced that, it felt a little less overwhelming. Sure, it was still tough, but I reminded myself it wouldn’t last forever.
2. Prepare Your Feeding Station
Cluster feeding is all about being prepared. Before you settle in, make sure you have everything you need within arm’s reach:
Water bottle (hydration is key)
Snacks (one-handed options are ideal)
Phone and/or remote (entertainment is a lifesaver)
Headphones for music or podcasts
Nipple cream to soothe soreness
Pillow for extra comfort
I’d also ask my husband to bring me anything I needed—a fresh glass of water, the remote, or even dinner on the couch. On the nights he wasn’t there I set myself up earlier to be as prepared as possible. Key tip here: dinner you can eat using only one hand!
3. Take Care of Yourself
Cluster feeding is hard on your body, especially your nipples if you’re breastfeeding. Be gentle with yourself:
Use a nipple cream or lanolin to ease soreness.
Change positions if one starts to feel uncomfortable.
Take deep breaths and try to relax your shoulders and neck.
Remember, your baby is feeding often to build your supply, so make sure you’re eating enough and staying hydrated.
4. Distract Yourself
This one was a game-changer for me. Since I couldn’t really do much else, I used this time for things I enjoyed:
Watch a show you’ve been meaning to catch up on.
Listen to podcasts or audiobooks.
Read a book (e-readers are perfect for one-handed reading).
Daydream or just enjoy the quiet moments with your baby.
5. Remind Yourself: It’s Just a Phase
During my second baby’s cluster feeding phase, I kept repeating to myself: This won’t last forever. It’s just a phase.
Babies grow so quickly, and while the cluster feeding days are tough, they pass sooner than you think. I promise, you’ll get your evenings back.
When to Seek Help
While cluster feeding is normal, there are times when you should consult a lactation consultant or doctor:
If your baby isn’t gaining weight or has fewer wet nappies.
If breastfeeding is consistently painful.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure about your baby’s feeding needs.
This Phase Will Pass
Cluster feeding is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s exhausting, it’s demanding, and it can make you question if you’ll ever have time to yourself again. It’s also a time of deep connection with your baby. You’re meeting their needs in the most beautiful way, even if it doesn’t always feel that way.
So, the next time you’re stuck on the couch for hours, remember: you’re not alone, and you’re doing an incredible job. This phase will pass, and when it does, you’ll look back and marvel at how strong you were.
Hang in there—you’ve got this. 💛
Have you experienced cluster feeding? What helped you get through it? I’d love to hear your tips in the comments!
With love,
Bel x
