Feed for a few minutes before pulling off the breast Rest or sleep for brief periods between feedings Cry and get fussy for another feeding after 1-2 hours[2] X Research source
If your baby doesn’t fall back asleep within 30 minutes and continues to fuss, it’s a sign that they’re hungry—in that case, it’s best to go ahead breastfeed them since these early weeks are crucial for baby’s development and growth. [4] X Research source
During the first few days, a newborn baby typically wants to eat every 1 to 3 hours. Then, in the early weeks and months, feedings will space out a bit and they’ll want to feed every 2 to 4 hours. When cluster feeding, your baby may want to feed even more than that (like once an hour). [6] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source If your baby continues to fuss, look for hunger cues like lip smacking, moving their head from side to side, and moving their hand to their mouth. If you see hunger cues, it’s best to go ahead and continue to feed if you can. Try to get comfortable while you’re nursing, especially for the longer feeds. The more comfortable you are, the easier it will be for your baby to nurse and get their fill in one sitting. Choose a cozy chair or get settled on the couch before breastfeeding so you can watch a movie or listen to an audiobook. [7] X Research source
Keep hearty and quick snacks, like nuts and seeds, nearby so they’re easy to grab. It helps to ask your family and partner for support when you need it. If they can’t be there in person to help out, they can do things like prepare freezer meals and run errands for you.
If your baby continues to cluster feed well beyond a few days, speak to a lactation consultant for individualized tips based on your situation.
After 6 months, it’s usually smooth sailing, but your baby may still cluster feed occasionally (like during an illness or an extra growth spurt). You may feel like your supply can’t possibly keep up with your baby’s demand, but frequent breastfeeding actually boosts your milk supply. It’s very rare for a mother to run low on milk for her baby, so try not to worry. [11] X Research source Experts agree that common “signs” of decreasing breast milk are actually completely normal and resolve quickly on their own (no intervention needed). [12] X Research source If your baby isn’t gaining weight, or they aren’t urinating after feeding and their bowel movements are irregular, they may not be getting enough to eat. If you’re worried, or you just want to make sure everything is okay, talk to a lactation consultant about your feeding routine. [13] X Research source
Growth spurts usually only last for a few days at a time; it won’t be this way forever.
Doing things like turning down the lights, nursing in a quiet place, and cooing to your baby can help them relax faster. And since cluster feeding tends to happen a lot in the evenings, creating a peaceful environment may help them sleep longer (so you can get some much-needed rest yourself). [16] X Research source
Make sure your newborn is getting in several good naps throughout the day. Most babies start sleeping through the night (for 5 to 6 hours without waking) at 8 to 12 weeks, but every baby is different. They still may wake during the night during their growth spurts, though. As your baby gets older, they’ll start sleeping more (and for longer) during the night, and spend more time awake during the daytime. [18] X Research source
