Understanding Cluster Feeding and Its Role
You’ve made it through the first week—what a milestone! By now, your milk supply is transitioning to meet your baby’s growing demands. Cluster feeding, where your baby nurses frequently over short periods, is common. This behavior might seem exhausting, but it’s their way of signaling your body to produce more milk.
Your breasts may feel softer or less engorged as your milk regulates. Hormones like prolactin ensure supply matches demand, while oxytocin continues to strengthen the bond between you and your baby.
Tips for You This Week
- Use cluster feeding sessions to relax. Settle into a comfortable spot with snacks, water, and a good book or show.
- Monitor diaper output (6+ wet and 3+ dirty diapers daily) to confirm effective milk transfer.
- Lean on your support system—this is the time to accept help with household tasks so you can focus on feeding and recovery.
Fun Fact:
Milk banks pasteurize and process donated milk to support fragile premature infants in NICUs. Donor human milk is critical for these babies surviving their NICU stay. Please consider becoming a registered milk donor.
