Share your cluster feeding/growth spurt rants here

EmmyMommy123

I feel like babe is going through the growth spurt that will not end! Just when my nipples were finally feeling better he's back at it every 45 mins - 1 hour! 

I have officially given up on getting anything done besides catching up on tv. 

Thought it'd be nice to have a place to let it all out as no one quite understands the bitch that is cluster feeding as those going through it! However if you have tips/tricks/advice on ways to make it easier to cope with, I welcome that too.

Rant away!!!

Achae

This is pretty much my evenings and I just round down because I figure comfort sucking doesn't count but who knows. I try to let my nipples air dry and use coconut oil to see if that will help. I'm wondering if waking him more during the day will reduce his clustering at night? I currently wake him to eat every three hours during the day and keep him exposed to natural light (which is hard since we are overcast every day...). 

EmmyMommy123

I feel you!!! We had one night of 9pm-2am this week but have been lucky that his other cluster feeds tend to be during the day. 

How old is he? My guy is 3 weeks on Thursday and has been spending more time awake during the day for the last few days (but part of this is because he's awake crying and eating). Before that his day sleep didn't seem to effect his night sleep regardless how much he slept. It seems logical though that if you fit more feeds in during the day (waking him up more)  he'd be fuller at night, but I don't know if it actually works that way. Sorry I don't have better insight!

Firsttimer16

Great idea - even just knowing people are in same boat! I had a whopper session last week - all day and into early hours of next day! Thought Id have a breakdown! Then again this week 4pm until two! Permanent attachment and screaming every time she came off! So so tired! Esp frustrating when people say sleep when she does - eh she doesn't!!

MissMheMhe

We were constant yesterday from about 2pm to 8pm then he slept until midnight and was up every hour until 7am. 4 weeks today.

kwentela

DH jokingly asks me all the time... Eating or human pacifier? It's about half and half which answer he gets. Drives me nuts but I know it's good for my supply 

BarrettJ89

My pediatrician told me after my mental breakdown that after 20 minutes, that she was using me as a pacifier. She was 3 days old. She's now 3 weeks old and my right nipple still hurts, even though she refused to nurse from it after it healed. 

Sianyblews

So glad to see this thread, sat here at 3:15am. You can read as many articles as you like but it's hard not to question whether you're supplying enough, or missing another reason for their crying. Glad to be reassured that it's all normal. 

Firsttimer16

How are everyone's boobs feeling after Al this feeding?! The whole idea that bf shouldn't be painful if you're doing it right bothers me!! I feel she is latched on properly most of the time but the constant sucking and latching is painful! It's a different Pain to what I experienced in the beginning more of s sting and a dull ache?! And as for being outside in the cold air - Feels like im being cut! 

SDaniels19

This thread couldn't have come at a better time! I am having soreness also @Firsttimer16 - he seems to be sucking harder and also pulls his head side to side while latched so it feels like I'm getting tugged every which way.. Started what I'm assuming is a growth spurt yesterday, he's 2 wks today. Fed from  9p-1a yesterday, though half of that was using me as paci I think. Finally handed him to DH to try and console for about 20 min to no avail but it seemed to break the cycle because when I took him back he actually nursed for 10 min and finally went down for 3 hrs after that. It is so hard to feel confident in your supply when they're constantly sucking you dry but from what I've read it's not an indication of low supply (provided weight gain/diaper output is as expected).. Hang in there ladies, it will pass!

anightintunisia

Try pumping when LO is asleep. That's what I'm doing now and I try to have enough milk where I can bottle feed her and give my nipples a break. It helps when I pump so I can see how much I'm producing because her feeding also makes me go nuts and question my own supply. 

Firsttimer16

I haven't pumped yet - need to go need to invest in a pump still! Any recommendations?!

anightintunisia

Firsttimer16 said:

I haven't pumped yet - need to go need to invest in a pump still! Any recommendations?!

Medela is the one I use. It is a hospital grade pump that I am using as a rental. 

Achae

anightintunisia said:

Try pumping when LO is asleep. That's what I'm doing now and I try to have enough milk where I can bottle feed her and give my nipples a break. It helps when I pump so I can see how much I'm producing because her feeding also makes me go nuts and question my own supply. 

Pumping is not a good indicator of supply as baby is more efficient at removing milk from the breast. Some women also do not respond well to the pump even though their supply is sufficient to feed baby. 

EmmyMommy123

I'm so glad this thread is therapeutic for others - I needed to know I wasn't alone!!! 

My nipples were so bad last weekend I cried when I had to feed him. I worked on his latch a bit and it's definitely better, but they're still sore from constant eating, like @Firsttimer16 and @SDaniels19 said! Mine does the side to side with his head too, sometimes grunting angrily and pulling off - OUCH! The "it shouldn't hurt" pisses me off too. And firsttimer my pain sounds similar to yours. My friend who's a lactation consultant did confirm the soreness might just be part of the cluster feeding so that made me feel a bit less crazy. 

@Sianyblews I feel you with the articles!! I feel like I've read everything online about cluster feeding and growth spurts twice, just searching for an answer to "when will it end!?!?"

Yesterday was 9-12 feeding every hour ish, not too fussy, 12-3 constant feeding where he'd whip off my boob angry but immediately want more, then 3-5 he passed out in the wrap after I'd had enough and he was then only sucking for a few seconds before being angry, 5-6:30 hung out with dad, then was able to do a big feed and put him down from 7:30-8:30, but we were back at it from 8:30-11:30. The rest of the night was normal! He sleeps in when he does this (thank my lucky stars), so even though I'm tired I decided I wanted to eat breakfast and shower while he sleeps so I could have some detached time!

I hate to rush him growing, but at the same time I am looking forward to DH giving him a bottle at night so I get a nice long break! I've been pumping to create a supply to start at 4 weeks.

Firsttimer16

Oh the head bopping and legs and arms kicking only make it harder to perfect the latch!! 
She gets angry sometimes even when she's latched on and just when you think it's safe to put her down after she falls asleep on you she stirs and off we go again! Momma is exhausted and I want lunch!

Achae

Last night I thought I was in for another long night of every hour, then I held him up on my shoulder and he let out a huge burp and passed out. Woooooo I'll take it!

EmmyMommy123

Achae said:

Last night I thought I was in for another long night of every hour, then I held him up on my shoulder and he let out a huge burp and passed out. Woooooo I'll take it!

That's awesome!!! Often our marathon feedings end with a huge poop and then he immediately passes out. I don't dare change him in those circumstances! I always slather him with cream at changes for that exact reason and his bum is totally fine. Besides, he'll be changed soon enough again!

kaym6

Baby has been eating every 45 mins to an hour this am he finally fell asleep while eating and now I'm stuck on the couch with my nipple out because I don't dare move haha 

EmmyMommy123

kaym6 said:

Baby has been eating every 45 mins to an hour this am he finally fell asleep while eating and now I'm stuck on the couch with my nipple out because I don't dare move haha 

When I have visitors on these days I leave the door unlocked so I don't have to move when that happens and they are made to understand that if they want to come over, they will be seeing boobs!!

Firsttimer16

Having visitors is difficult cause they want cuddles but cuddles come with a side of boob

Firsttimer16

That only half posted! 
Are you guys taking pain relief? I've s terrible pain between armpit and right breast - liken it's bruised or something! 

kmo8986

Firsttimer16 said:

That only half posted! 
Are you guys taking pain relief? I've s terrible pain between armpit and right breast - liken it's bruised or something! 

I take 800mg of ibuprofen when I need it.  That pain is probably a clogged duct.  I got that often during bf my first.  Massage it while you are feeding or in a hot shower and it should go away.

Hipshaker

I hate the term "human pacifier" and I definitely lay it out when somebody mentions it to me. Dh got the stink eye today for it. Baby is doing his job. As long as lo is at your breast lo is getting something. It's hard work to establish a good supply when your ebf, being compared to an inanimate object only  diminishes you. Being able to comfort lo the way lo needs most is a gift. It sucks now but I know I'll hit my stride with nursing after the 4 month mark. As soon these early consecutive growth spurts are over. Lo nursed from 9am to 4pm. I wish he'd cluster at night when my four year old is sleeping. It's impossible to chase her around while nursing. I have no idea what my c-section scar looks like I've been in a sitting position since lo has been born when I stand up straight, oh man it stings. I feel guilty for wishing the time away.

EC2016

My LC told me she needs at least 10 feedings a day so if I get more of those feedings in during the day she'll sleep better at night. She's still up every 1.5 to 2 hours at night. I'm hoping it'll space out soon. She also told me when babies cluster feed they are gearing up for a longer sleep. The longest she's gone is 3 hours but I'll take it. 

SDaniels19

This is so hard

SDaniels19

It's not posting my full comment for some reason? I'll try again..

 Feeding from 6-9:30 this evening, slept for about an hour finally but is eating again now.. No idea what tonight has in store for us, I only got about 3 hrs total sleep last night so we'll see.. DH is frustrated with his work already and now these fussy evenings are making it so hard for us to enjoy any time together. Being alone with LO all day is mentally tough for me. Praying this is a growth spurt that we'll get through soon, I felt like I was finally getting a hold on things before this started a few days ago

EmmyMommy123

SDaniels19 said:

It's not posting my full comment for some reason? I'll try again..

 Feeding from 6-9:30 this evening, slept for about an hour finally but is eating again now.. No idea what tonight has in store for us, I only got about 3 hrs total sleep last night so we'll see.. DH is frustrated with his work already and now these fussy evenings are making it so hard for us to enjoy any time together. Being alone with LO all day is mentally tough for me. Praying this is a growth spurt that we'll get through soon, I felt like I was finally getting a hold on things before this started a few days ago

I think that's a common feeling - just when it felt like you were figuring it out the cluster feeding/growth spurt throws a wrench in it - I know I felt that way. Hang in there, you're not alone!!!!

I'm hoping we've come out the other side over here today...he was mostly happy and feeding every 2 hours today, long feeds each time, until 3:30-6:30 he cluster fed, we gave him a bath, fed as much as he would take and then he was down from 7:30-12:30! Longest he's ever slept and I was of course nervous the whole time. He stirred a few times where I thought it was time to get him, but we both (him and I) fell asleep each time until he was consistently making noise at 12:30. He's had a full feed now so we'll see what this stretch of sleep is like....

Firsttimer16

SDaniels19 said:

It's not posting my full comment for some reason? I'll try again..

 Feeding from 6-9:30 this evening, slept for about an hour finally but is eating again now.. No idea what tonight has in store for us, I only got about 3 hrs total sleep last night so we'll see.. DH is frustrated with his work already and now these fussy evenings are making it so hard for us to enjoy any time together. Being alone with LO all day is mentally tough for me. Praying this is a growth spurt that we'll get through soon, I felt like I was finally getting a hold on things before this started a few days ago

I know how you feel! My oh is getting stressed out going to work cause he wants to help out! I had a mini breakdown yest through sheer exhaustion! She had fed all day with no sleep unless in arms! I was struggling to get food in my self and dying for a nap! My boobs were aching, tummy cramping and head thumping! 11pm I got half hour nap and then it started again until 2! I was an emotional wreck! 

fishee333

I've had a lot of mini breakdowns lately, mainly out of exhaustion, I just want some sleep! I also really miss alone time and snug time with my DH. 

EmmyMommy123

fishee333 said:

 I also really miss alone time and snug time with my DH. 

This!!!

sunnydlight

Trying to get ready to go visit my grandparents so they can finally meet our LO. And i can't detach for more than 10 minutes without her deciding shes staring again. Mommy just wants to put on real pants! Is that to much to ask? Give me a minute to get dressed in real clothes and please don't spit up on me when i do.

EmmyMommy123

The past few days it seems the afternoons are full of cluster feeding! Mornings are more spaced out and the nights are normal, but afternoons its constant. I'm starting to wonder if babe has a lip tie issue. He definitely has a tie but I know there are varying degrees and nursing has gotten a lot less painful when I flange out his upper lip for him, but I wonder if he's not getting enough milk during feeds because of the tie and the issue comes to its peak in the afternoons?? Tomorrow will be a week of cluster feeding to varying degrees.

Firsttimer16

Found out today that baby has tongue tie! It explains a lot.
she is working twice as hard milk, tiring herself out, falling asleep and then waking again because she's still hungry!  Hence the pain and the non stop feeding. 

GAgirlinSDakota

I know how cluster feeding goes. I've been on this rollercoaster ride before, so you'd think I would be used to this. I'm not. Yesterday, despite telling myself that cluster fucking is good and builds supply, I hit a mental break, handed baby to SO, and laid in the tub sobbing while the shower ran.

EmmyMommy123

Firsttimer16 said:

Found out today that baby has tongue tie! It explains a lot.
she is working twice as hard milk, tiring herself out, falling asleep and then waking again because she's still hungry!  Hence the pain and the non stop feeding. 

Maybe this will explain things for me too!

GAgirlinSDakota said:

Yesterday, despite telling myself that cluster fucking is good and builds supply

Lolol - not at you - but at the autocorrect of cluster fucking, or maybe it was intentional? Needed that laugh amidst the insanity. 

I totally tell myself during each round of cluster feeding the same thing, but it just wears on you so much!!!! Finally put babe down for the night and he was wide awake (and I'm sure trying to get even more food) after 2 minutes but I got him down again and was huffing and puffing. DH says "are you frustrated?" YES IM FRUSTRATED!!! Mommy would like an hour to herself!

GAgirlinSDakota

@EmmyMommy123 Omg. I totally did not catch that autocorrect! But it is fitting.

Firsttimer16

I didn't catch that typo either! It's given me a laugh during this 5  feeding! Im currently frustrated cause the husband is asleepn- I know he has heard her! First week he was great at getting up and changing her for me before feed - things changed quickly! 
Emmamommy itsca posterior tongue tie which is harder to spot apparently. It was chance it was spotted - was late to the by clinic and the consultant commented on her tongue while she was crying! After investigation she found the tie. 
now the question is do we get the procedure or see what happens down the line! She's only just hit her birth weight this week - I can't bare to think of her being hungry and struggling and I want to keep on bf but I can't keep up with this pain and the constant feeding!! I want it to be an enjoyable exp for us both but if it continues I'll be an exhausted emotional wreck who never gets outside the house!! Have been researching tongue tie and it's making me wonder how many women have had to give up and blaming themselves when it could be an undetected problem with baby! 

Hipshaker

As a mom I put myself last, I don't think about it, I just do what has to be done. I saw my mom do it. I never expected that mothering would be anything else but a whole lot sacrifice on top of whatever physical pain that comes with whole creating a human process. I'm not knocking DH. He does so much for me and is really stepping up on parenting dd#1 who is 4 btw, but what's up this I can't because I'm too tired bs. Too tired! Seriously! It's laughable, too me at this point that there is such a thing as too tired. Is it harder for men to embrace the suck? 

kristizoe

I am sitting here crying! My son has been eating almost nonstop since 6pm and it's now 1am. Last night he fed every hour and a half so I am already exhausted and my boobs are getting really sore. I am struggling with ppd and this is not helping!!

Firsttimer16

kristizoe said:

I am sitting here crying! My son has been eating almost nonstop since 6pm and it's now 1am. Last night he fed every hour and a half so I am already exhausted and my boobs are getting really sore. I am struggling with ppd and this is not helping!!

Oh I feel for you! Is this a regular occurrence or just a spurt?!