Maintaining sanity despite cluster feeding

BeesKnees181 · May 2014

Wow...I knew having twins was going to be a lot of work. But now that both girls are no longer on their 3 hour schedule and are cluster feeding...well I am struggling with keeping it together. Any tips on surviving cluster feeding? Or anyone else want to commiserate?

Jamie718 · May 2014

I just asked about this the other day. I totally commiserate! My girls are 6 weeks so I'm not sure if it's a growth spurt (I hope) or cluster feeding. They ate the other night non-stop from 5-8:30 pm. It was nuts. I'd feed one, then the other, then back and forth all night. It's exhausting. I hear it gets better, lol.

TREDgirl · May 2014

It sucks-that's all there is to say about that. I kept telling myself that it's just a spurt they are going through and it won't last too much longer. Hugs.

basil2 · May 2014

No tips- but right there with you.

SmallCityLiving · May 2014

Ugh mine are 7 weeks and today has been awful. They fall asleep feeding but as soon as I try to move one they wake up and scream to be fed. I either am tandem feeding or feeding one and rocking the other in the rock n play with my foot. Not sure if my nipples will make it through today! I tried a paci since it seems like DS is just comfort nursing but he was having none of it!

Basically I have no advice but can commiserate!

TheDairyQueenx3 · May 2014

I would just tell myself that it doesn't last forever. I would turn the tv on, get some snacks an drinks, a good comfortable position, toys to entertain DS1 and relax.... All day .... Let them nurse when they wanted. My guys cluster fed for about 4 months. Once we passed that things became SO much easier.

I just looked at it as an excuse to bit clean my house and make my husband do that for me

..... Since he makes all the messes anyways

For me it was all about state of mind. If I was frustrated it sucked... Big time. But when I looked at it as snuggle time and quiet content nursing babies well it became easier to get passed and now almost 6 1/2 months and all is well and they feed as needed

It seems like forever but it passes fast I promise! Hang in there!!

somewhereincali · May 2014

Yes very normal! And does not mean low milk supply. Mine did this and we successfully ebf for a long time.
It is a way for them to help build you supply.
I resigned myself to hanging on the couch snacking and watching tv for a few hrs each night.
Hang in there, it gets better and this too shall pass!!

kdarden15 · May 2014

Yes--we have dealt with it to. There are nights when I am totally exhausted from it--but then we will have an easy day, and it will balance out. I try to remind myself that the comfort nursing is a real thing--they need the comfort, and I can give it to them. Make sure you keep eating and drinking plenty and don't give up!! You are doing an incredible thing for them!

whitehousem · May 2014

Question: do bottle fed babies cluster feed as well? I'm mostly pumping and occasionally nursing and the last few days I feel like all I do is feed babies non stop (they are 3 weeks today). It can be extremely frustrating. I feel like there is no time for anything else! I can't remember if DD did this.

BeesKnees181 · May 2014

@whitehousem - I bottle feed and breast feed my girls and they seem to cluster/feast/pig out with both. Mine are also 3 weeks; I read it is common for them to hit a growth spurt at 3 weeks. Thanks all for your support and sharing your experiences. If I make it out of my pajamas before 8 p.m. with teeth brushed before 3 p.m. lately...then it is a god day. Most of my time is spent on the couch feeding my ravenous little ladies. But I do love all the time I get with them now.

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