Hi,

My lo was cluster feeding from about 7pm to 2-3 am every day. I found it exhuasting. My hv advised me to wake her more during the day for regular feeds, no more than 3 hrs between feeds. I try to feed her every 2 and a half hours from 7 am. If she is difficult to wake I strip her down and give her a bath, she hates it. I now bathe her at about 8pm now and she has settled to feeds at 8.30pm, 11pm, and 3.30-4am. It is more manageable than cluster feeding at night.

Janine x

That was definitely a one off (unfortunately).  Most night he feeds from 11 pm till 5 am or later.  But yes I can nap in the day.  Must be difficult having a toddler to look after as well.  Thinking of having another in couple years and can't imagine how people juggle new baby with other kids!!!  I take my hat off to you.  Not sure about the routine thing either.  My LO only 11 days so guess it'll take time.

Gosh i wish it was 5pm till 1am mine has her sleep pattern all wrong n i'm up 12am till 6am feeding her then have to look after toddler in the day so no chance to nap. Have been told to try to change her pattern round but i have no idea how to do it.

As the others said it is completely normal and yes it's tiring but I promise it passes and before you know it you'll be glad you stuck it out because bf is so convenient ( as well as all the other benefits). The best way I found to cope was to sleep as much as possible whilst feeding. I have a boppy type feeding cushion and can sleep with my head propped up on a pillow behind me while he lies on that feeding. Ok so it's more of a 'doze' than a totally sound sleep but it got me through those first few weeks.

I agree with what babana has wrote..its very normal for a newborn to feed for so long.As the weeks go by they do go longer between feeds but then have growths spurts every so often and then want to feed more.

My advise would be to relax,eat well and let your baby guide you

Congrats hun xxx

Hi there, it won't carry on at that level for very long, so hang in there. My first was exactly the same, he used to wake about 5:30 from a snooze and then not settle till 1am and I'd be feeding him on and off that whole time. He's stimulating your milk supply, and it won't be like this forever. I think my little lad stopped it by about the 3rd week. xx

try to go with the evening cluster feeding - it does serve a purpose like pp said.  With both of my sons I found things settled a bit after the 6 week growth spurt and then really settled into a predictable pattern at about 12 weeks. 

Try to rest as much as possible and eat and drink plenty, you're doing a great job

xxxx

Thanks for words of encouragement and feedback.  It's daunting when it's all so new.  He did actually sleep for ages last night which was a bonus!!  Is it right that it gets easier around six weeks? 

Layin on your SIDE not baby!!!  Ooops!

It's quite common for babies to feed virtually non-stop from early evening through to early hours I'm afraid.  It's thought to be a way of them learning how to fill up before sleeping through the night - which may be some way off yet I'm afraid.  It's also a way of baby ensuring that youe milk is stimulated and they've got plenty to drink in the morning.

It is really tough going I know and well done for sticking at it.  Try not to give up just yet as it will get easier.  Have you tried lying on your baby whilst baby is suckling.  That way you can get a little bit of a nap.  Breat feeding mothers by instinct don't roll on to their babies so you haven't got to worry about that.

Good luck hun and just remember that you are doing what is best for you lo.

xxx

My 10 day old boy feeds for so long!!!  Last night he fed from 6pm til 1am pretty much non-stop (with the odd dose here and there).  Is this normal?  He sometimes has fed for as long as 4 and 3 hours before but last night was the longest.  It's at times like this and i just want to sleep that I find really challenging.  I so want to continue breastfeeding but how long will it be this difficult for?

Any advice?  Help!