Nursing your baby is a great way to bond and get that special one-on-one time. But, for many mamas, it can be tiring, especially if your baby is cluster feeding or comfort nursing. If you’re new to the parenting game, it can be difficult to decode the differences between cluster feeding vs. comfort nursing.
While they are two totally different scenarios, both go beyond the basic feeding schedule and can make sleep and life in general more challenging.
Let me help you separate the two and give you some tips to better handle these situations.
What is Cluster Feeding?
Instead of one longer feeding, cluster feeding is a pattern of short feedings that typically happens within a couple of hours. Think of it as doing a lot of snacking rather than sitting down to a complete meal.
Cluster feeding can happen when babies are having a growth spurt or when they’re reaching those developmental milestones, like learning to crawl. While this is normal, it can take its toll on mama. That’s why it’s important to stay hydrated and nourished for the feedings that lie ahead.
The good news is that cluster feeding typically only lasts from a few days to a week, especially when a baby is having a growth spurt or when they’re just starting to breastfeed. Your baby can stop cluster feeding for a bit and then restart as they hit another growth spurt or milestone. Cluster feeding normally stops within a few months, unlike comfort nursing which can linger throughout the infant stage, and sometimes beyond.
What is Comfort Nursing?
Unlike cluster feeding, comfort nursing has nothing to do with hunger. Rather, babies want to nurse to feel close to you and get that extra reassurance. Although they may not intentionally latch on to get milk, they’re likely to get a few drops.
When babies are comfort nursing, they may do something that’s called “flutter sucking”. These are light, slow sucking motions that often happen at the end of a breastfeeding session and produce minimal milk transfer.
Comfort nursing is not a bad thing as long as it doesn’t interfere with sleep. If you notice comfort nursing happening more frequently or if your baby really can’t settle down without it, then you’re going to want to train your baby to fall asleep without nursing. Trust me, it can be done!
Cluster Feeding vs. Comfort Nursing: How Do I Know What My Baby is Doing?
Many mamas may find it hard to figure out if their baby is cluster feeding or wanting to comfort nurse. Here are some red flags to help you figure out what’s going on:
Cluster Feeding Signs
- Having a normal, full feeding and then wanting more 30-60 minutes later
- Going into a deep sleep after two or three close feedings
- Acting frustrated or fussy during feedings
- Eating in frequent sports, close together
If you pick up on one or more of these signs, your baby is deep into cluster feeding.
Comfort Nursing Signs
Your baby will give you different signals that they are comfort nursing rather than cluster feeding.
This is how you know:
- Holds the nipple in their mouth
- Starts rooting and sucking lightly
- Looks around while nursing, and seems a bit unfocused
- May slow down or stop sucking in little patterns (because they’re not trying to feed for nourishment)
Any of these scenarios means you have a comfort nurser on your hands. When this happens frequently, it can become tiring, and many moms get frustrated.
How Do I Handle Cluster Feeding and Comfort Nursing?
Once you figure out what you’re dealing with, you can figure out how to best handle the situation to avoid frustration and try to regain some sleep.
If You’re Dealing with a Cluster Feeder…
As I mentioned above, cluster feeding does not last forever, although it may feel like it is. One of the best things you can do for yourself is stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water because all of those feedings can take their toll.
Get comfy because those feeding can get tiring. Make sure your nursing area has comfy pillows and a place to put your feet up. Some mamas like to use this time to read a book or binge-watch their favorite Netflix show. Totally up to you because other mamas like to use this time to bond with their babies. Choose whatever works for you.
Take naps when you can. If you’re up a lot on the feeding train there’s no shame in sneaking in a nap when you can. Sleep deprivation can make adulting more difficult than it has to be. If you can get a little shut-eye and gear up for the night ahead, more power to you!
Don’t be shy to ask for help. If you are downright exhausted from the feedings, ask for help. Meal prep, laundry, and cleaning are all jobs that other people in your house can help out with. You shouldn’t be expected to do it all! If no one steps up, don’t be shy to ask for help. Once everyone gets used to helping more they’ll be conditioned to keep it going even after the cluster-feeding marathon is over!
If You Have a Comfort Nurser…
This is going to be different because your baby isn’t nursing out of necessity. They can fall asleep by themselves, so you need to help them do that.
Be strategic with your comfort nursing sessions. You don’t need to stop the comfort nursing cold turkey (unless you have a medical issue that is making you). Instead, choose when you’re going to let your baby comfort nurse. Maybe just at nap time and let them start to self-soothe at bedtime? After a while, your baby will realize that they don’t need to nurse to go to sleep.
You can also shorten the nursing times. Each session doesn’t need to be a marathon. By gradually limiting how long you allow your baby to nurse, you can eventually wean them off if they’re not nursing for nourishment.
Use a bedtime routine that doesn’t revolve around nursing. If your baby sees that nursing is not part of the bedtime equation, they’ll learn not to rely on it. Bath, story, and lullaby can be just the right combination to get off to dreamland, minus the nursing.
If you need help figuring out if your baby is comfort nursing or cluster feeding I’m here!
I can help decode the clues between cluster feeding vs. comfort nursing. I’ve helped countless families overcome comfort nursing so that their babies are getting the sleep they need (parents too!) Take a look at my Sleep Packages and how they can help your family!
