Cluster-Feeding
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Category: Have A Baby?
Forum Name: First baby? Second or more?
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URL: https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=4527
Printed Date: 12 October 2025 at 7:26am
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Topic: Cluster-Feeding
Posted By: Andie
Subject: Cluster-Feeding
Date Posted: 19 November 2006 at 12:07pm
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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! ------------- Andie |
Replies:
Posted By: Peace
Date Posted: 19 November 2006 at 1:16pm
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What about expressing off? I have no experience to offer only knowledge!
I was reading today on another forum (I actually already knew it but it refreshed my memory!) that the reason why babies cluster feed in the evening is because your breastmilk has a higher fat content and is ultimately more desireable than the AM which has less fat. So maybe a couple of days of expressing off after she goes to bed or something? Offer that on top of what you already give? Your milk supply should be better established in a week or mores time and that will probably make Ella a little more calmer (apparently the 6 week thing). Like I say, sorry no experience but plenty of advice! All the best and I hope someone has better ideas than me. ------------- DD1 May 2006 DD2 March 2011 DD3 August 2012 |
Posted By: Maya
Date Posted: 19 November 2006 at 1:36pm
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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. -------------  Maya Grace (28/02/03)
 (02/01/06)
The Gremlins:Sienna Marie & Mercedes Kailah (14/10/06)
Lil miss:Chiara Louise Chloe (09/07/08)
Her ladyship:Rosalia Sophie Anais (18/06/12)
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Posted By: CuriousG
Date Posted: 19 November 2006 at 1:38pm
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I had the same problem with Charlotte when she was about Ella's age. She would cluster feed for about 6 hours, by which time I was ready to throw her as I was sooo exhausted.
I agree with Peace - I would express off in the morning as the milk is a lot more fatty - and Charlotte would drink about 180mls of it at only 6 weeks. Eventually it got a bit much and she was getting hungrier and hungrier so I would give her a bottle of formula after her bath. But I am not sure how you feel about formula feeding. ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: thunderwolves
Date Posted: 19 November 2006 at 6:54pm
| 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, |
Posted By: katie1
Date Posted: 19 November 2006 at 7:13pm
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I find that the hardest time of the day too Andie.
I have been trying to get dinner things all ready in the morning eg veges cut up and put in fridge etc so that at night dinner is at least half done. I give Oliver half his feed at five, then he has his bath and then once dressed goes straight to his room where I do the second half of his feed trying to keep everything calm and quiet. He normally goes into his moses basket calm and then about five minutes after I leave the room screams! I leave him for ten mins (willing him to stop but he never does) and then go in and feed him a bit more and then he usually settles until about eleven. Glad I am not the only one who finds that time hard also! |
Posted By: busymum
Date Posted: 19 November 2006 at 7:37pm
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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! ------------- |