Cluster-Feeding

So for those of you who've listened to my rantings about the dramas of Ella's feeding habits, I should say that things are sooo much better now, and she's feeding well.  BUT, the cluster-feed in the afternoon/evenings is still a tricky one.  It's usually from her 4pmish/5.30ish feed (depends on when she wakes) that she begins it - feeds well, has a wee play, won't sleep or settle, does her hungry signals, feeds again, is overtired by then and grizzly, calms down in the shower and has a great time, then feeds again before she'll sleep for the night.  It's always a minimum of 3 feeds in the one awake-period, sometimes 4, occasionally 5.  Thankfully, her daddy is a good cook and kindly makes dinner still, but I've gotta get back in the saddle one day, and would really like to at least be able to cook it (and eat with 2 hands, without trying not to drop any food on the baby!!).  Also, because her evening routine leaves her overtired, Ella's difficult to settle then - much more than for her daytime sleeps. 

Any ideas on how to still get Ella those feeds without her getting overtired?  I'm a bit stuck on this one, and would love to know what works or doesn't for your babies.   Thanks! 

I cluster feed my two in the evening as well, and did with Maya. The different breastmilk think doesn't hold true for the twins as they are having the milk I expressed in the morning at night but it might have done with Maya. I feed them at 4pm, then 5.30 (but only a half feed) then 7pm and then they go to sleep. Ultimately I'd like to get a bath in there like I used to with Maya but atm we bath them in the morning when the nanny is here coz it's easier with an extra pair of hands.
The rest of the time between 4-7 we just try to 'get thru' the witching hour - sometimes one or both of them catnap in the bouncer or on the floor, or else Willie and I just lug them around the house. Maya was exactly the same - wouldn't settle in her cot at that time of day and wanted to be carried everywhere.
It is a bit of a pain in the butt that it has to be at that time of day tho - right when I am trying to get Maya fed and bathed etc.
Will Ella doze if you carry her or rock her? I know it's a 'bad' habit as such but my girls all seem to have figured out that it only happens at that time of day, the rest of the time it's straight into the cot, and that little 15-20 min catnap is enough to get them thru without getting overtired.
I like Peace's expressing idea too, means you could get DH to feed Ella sometimes so you can take a turn at cooking (if you WANT to ) and it's less tiring for her than breastfeeding.

wow, didn't even know there was a name for this, just thought I had a grumpy fussy baby,doesnt even matter that the problem cant be fixed sometimes its just such a relief to know your not the only one,

It can be a tough time, they will grow out of it but preparing as much of the meal earlier in the day does help a lot. Or make double each night and save half of it for the next day or put it in the freezer for later.... (just put that other half away before dishing up or you'll eat more than you expected!)

You could also try a baby-carry pouch. Andie if you don't have one you're welcome to borrow mine until January!