How to survive cluster feeding
I figured I’d be in for a few surprises when I became a parent.
I didn’t expect to be a girl mama. But I am and I love it. I didn’t expect to deal with quite so many ear infections, but hey - I’ve got spidey senses for that kind of thing now. I didn’t expect to embrace the leggings and oversized sweater look as much as I have, but show me a sweater with the words coffee or mama incorporated into it, and you can practically hear the cha-ching from my bank account.
The one surprise, though, that truly took me by storm?
Cluster feeding.
What the actual what. I remember holding my sweet baby, sitting on the rocking chair, crying as I went raw. And that’s not an over-exaggeration. I had no idea that such a little human could have such an enormous appetite. And aren’t our bodies supposed to be able to kick into gear for that kind of thing?
Well, if you’re looking for the 411 on cluster feeding, look here. If you need tips for surviving it, then you’ve come to the right place.
How can you make episodes of cluster feeding easier on yourself?
💚 Put on ointment in-between cluster feeds. Yes 👏 Girl 👏This will help to minimize any cracking and rawness. Mamas use all sorts of different soothing creams, from lanolin to coconut oil, and everything in-between.
💚 Think hot and cold. Gently apply heat before feeding to help let the milk down. And afterwards? A cold compress is your new best friend.
💚 Keep hydrated. Baby is drawing all sorts of important nutrients from you. You need to drink more so that your supply doesn't run out and so you stay healthy.
💚 Food is a friend. Nourish, nourish, nourish. Just like runners during a race, make sure to feed yourself throughout the day. You may find a small snack more manageable than a big meal.
💚 Set up supports for your family. If you have another little or two running around, it won’t be easy to parent them whilst cluster feeding (though all power to you). Get your partner to tag-team the kiddos, send a text to Mom, or, you know those people who often say, Call me if you need anything? Call them.
💚 Find that sweet sit spot. If you're going to be doing this for a while, you may as well be comfortable! That coveted chair your partner loves to game in? Thanks babe, you’re the best, truly.
💚 Get in the zone. What brings you joy? Do you need to call a friend to connect with as you feed your little one? Are you going to put on calming music or an interesting podcast? Maybe you're all about the magazines (and girl, if you can feed and read, props to you!).
💚 Remember that this too, shall pass. Cluster feeding doesn't last forever. You will make it though and you will sleep again.
And if you’re feeling overwhelmed by all of the baby things you now think should have been covered in school, you’re not alone.
Our Nurturing Newborns course is a terrific option for parents who are looking for support with newborn sleep. In this course we:
Walk you through understanding how sleep works for newborns
Give you a manageable sleep goal to implement each week (so you don’t have to sleep train later)
Answer alllll of those questions that come up with a new baby (Why is my baby crying? How do I swaddle? What is cluster feeding? Is it okay if my baby rolls to their stomach to sleep? And much more.)
Give you resources to be successful as baby ages
If you are an expecting mama or a parent with a baby ages 0-4 months, you can find out more information here.
Happy surviving,
Anna