Surviving Cluster Feeding: Why Your Baby Wants To Breastfeed Constantly & How to Cope

Did you know that it’s completely normal for your baby to breastfeed constantly in the early weeks? I can’t tell you how many mums have told me, “She’s feeding every hour—do I not have enough milk?” or “He won’t sleep unless he’s on my boob—am I doing something wrong?” 

Here’s the truth: frequent feeding does NOT mean you have a low milk supply or that your baby is still hungry. It’s just how newborns work! In this post, I’ll explain what cluster feeding is, why it happens, and how you can get through it without losing your mind. 

Cluster Feeding: What It Is and Why It Happens

Cluster feeding is when your baby wants to breastfeed constantly, on and off, for hours at a time, usually in the late afternoon or evening. It’s a normal (but freaking exhausting) part of newborn life in the first few months. We don’t know exactly why babies do this, but here’s what we do know: 

• Milk supply naturally dips in the evening – But don’t worry! Your milk changes over the day to meet your baby’s needs. Your evening milk is fattier, so baby is still getting plenty of calories. 
• Babies have a strong need to suck for comfort, and breastfeeding helps them regulate their nervous systems after a day full of new sights, sounds, and experiences. 
• Frequent feeding helps keep your milk supply up by sending repeated signals to your breasts to make more milk. 

So, while it might feel like your baby is *never* full or they’re “using you as a dummy”, this constant breastfeeding is actually helping your breastfeeding journey and your baby’s development in the long run. 

Why This Matters More Than You Think

When babies breastfeed constantly, many mums panic and assume they aren’t making enough milk. They start offering a bottle of formula “just to be sure” their baby is full. But here’s the problem—this can quickly lead to what’s called the top-up trap (more on that here). The more formula baby gets, the less time they spend at the breast, which means your body gets fewer signals to make milk. Over time, this can lower your supply, making breastfeeding harder and sometimes leading to stopping breastfeeding early—when that wasn’t the plan.

Understanding cluster feeding can help you trust your body and avoid unnecessary top-ups that could interfere with your breastfeeding journey. When you know what’s normal, you can respond with confidence instead of doubt.

When Is Cluster Feeding a Concern? 

While cluster feeding is normal and it’s normal for baby to breastfeed constantly for a period of the day, it shouldn’t last all day, every day. If your baby is constantly unsettled or feeding non-stop around the clock, it’s worth checking in with an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) to rule out a feeding issue and a GP to rule out a medical issue. 

It’s also a concern if bub wants to breastfeed constantly and is NOT showing the signs they’re getting enough milk. If you’re not sure of the signs, download this free guide that walks you through each one.

If you’re concerned about your baby’s cluster feeding, book a home visit or video call with me here so we can work out what’s going on and get breastfeeding back on track.

Cluster Feeding Feels Endless—But It Won’t Last Forever

I won’t sugarcoat it—baby wanting to breastfeed constantly is tough! It can make you feel like all you do is sit and feed while the rest of the world keeps moving. Your arms are tired, you’re feeling touched out, and you just want a break. And to make things even more challenging, many babies won’t settle in their bassinet during these fussy periods. 

But here’s the thing: your baby isn’t trying to make life harder for you. She’s just doing what her instincts tell her to do. She sees you as her safe place, and in her tiny cave-baby brain, being separated from you could mean danger (like, *getting eaten by a wolf* kind of danger).  YOU’RE NOT DOING ANYTHING WRONG!

The good news? Cluster feeding doesn’t last forever. Most babies grow out of it by three months, and some even sooner.

How to Survive Cluster Feeding Without Losing Your Mind

While you can’t skip over cluster feeding, you *can* make it easier on yourself. Here are four strategies to help you get through it:  

1. Wear Your Baby

Since many babies don’t want to be put down, a baby carrier or sling can be a game-changer. This way, your little one can stay on in their safe space on your chest while you move around and do things hands-free. 

2. Create a Calm Environment

Extra stimulation can make babies fussier. Try dimming the lights, reducing noise, and holding baby skin-to-skin to help them feel safe and settle. 

3. Encourage Your Milk Flow

If your baby gets frustrated at the breast, breast compressions or switching sides can help keep milk moving. Staying hydrated and relaxed can also make a big difference. When your baby wants to breastfeed constantly YOU can feel frustrated too. Feeling frustrated and tense can stop your milk from flowing easily. So try your best to relax your jaw and shoulders so you feel calm and your milk can flow. 

4. Prepare for the Busy Period

Once you know when your baby tends to cluster feed, plan ahead! Grab some snacks, fill up your water bottle, and find a comfy spot to settle in for the evening. A lot of the stress of cluster feeding comes from not being able to do other things, like getting dinner ready or even eating dinner. Try and do as much dinner prep as you can in the mornings when bub is more settled.

You’ve Got This!

Cluster feeding can make you doubt yourself, but if your baby is showing the signs they’re getting enough milk, it’s totally normal. It doesn’t mean you don’t have low milk supply. It doesn’t mean baby is still hungry. It just means your baby is doing exactly what they’re meant to do.  It’s a normal part of your baby’s development, even though it can be draining. It won’t last forever, and it’s actually helping your breastfeeding journey in the long run. Hang in there, and if you need extra support, reach out! 

Did your baby cluster feed? How did you cope? Send me a DM—I’d love to hear your experience!