Cluster feeding baby and pumping

[Mummy6weeks]

Hello mommas!

My baby boy soon will be 6 weeks, struggled a lot with breastfeeding ( not enough supply) and we would top up. Last night, for the first time he became a cluster feeding baby, 1h, 1.30 min, he would only sleep on my belly, next to me and I did not pump at all. I am concerned now. When do you pump if you have a situation like this? Thanks

[Seb9]

If he's having plenty of wet and dirty nappies, and his weight gain is on track now, I wouldn't pump again unless you really want to our you want to pump for someone to give baby while you have a bath or a sleep.

[Mummy6weeks in reply to Seb9]

We are at the beginning, counting the nappies, a bit worried he is not having enough, that's all. Thank you

[Seb9 in reply to Mummy6weeks]

Sounds like he's doing a great job of upping your supply if he's cluster feeding. My little one would feed on and off all evening some nights, I just kept switching boobs, till they were done. It can feel like they're not getting enough, but if they're demanding it your body will start producing it. I was always told cluster feeding is a bit like them putting on their order for the following day.

[Mummy6weeks in reply to Seb9]

I hope so, thank you so much

[LM87]

Cluster feeding is pretty normal at that age, your doing an amazing job. It’s very hard but he’s increasing your milk supply with cluster feeding. It’s incredibly hard when they cluster feed but it’s not for long.. my little one cluster feed for a few days and would go back to ‘normal’ 3-4hours.

I’m no expert but I think they do that when they perhaps going through a growth spurt. Try not to top up with anything you else or he won’t be able to increase your milk supply. I initially made that error and it took me alittle longer to increase my milk supply. My midwife recommended not to express during that time and focus only on feeding everytime she asked. It worked, I didn’t express for the 1st 8weeks. Although like yourself I did try at about that 5-6 week mark as I was tired but your doing amazing and try to keep going xx! I’ve attached an image of the nappy chart I took at the hospital as a reference for wet and poo nappies. I hope this helps and well done your doing good 😊 good luck hun x

Wet and poo nappies Chart from the hospital. RBH

[Gloria_B]

Congratulations for your baby! Cluster feeding is normal and great to increase your supply. Why do you think you don't have enough milk? Please find below more info from La Leche League with signs to double check: laleche.org.uk/is-my-baby-g...

[Rf1990]

You could try simultaneous pumping- pumping on the other boob from the one he’s feeding on, or even just using a haakaa. It would also be worth getting someone to check the latch and look for tongue tie etc. That was the cause of my baby’s cluster feeding as she hadn’t been removing milk effectively which led to me having low supply.

Sending you love mama you’re doing great xx