Overnight I learned what cluster feeding is. I learned that lesson at midnight, again at 1am, then 2am and so on. Right now it’s 6.30am and I’m still googling to make sure that’s what it is.
We are exhausted.
Mario and I are still working on a routine that allows both of us to get adequate sleep. Right now our strategy is “be more stubborn than the other one”, where we try to make each other go to bed. Needless to say it’s not very successful.
We did have a plan that I would feed and he would settle, but given neither of us sleep on schedule it’s not working. We eventually succumb to sleep out of pure exhaustion instead. Then the other person creeps around with bub trying not to wake the other up.
Mario wants to use expressed milk so I can sleep, but I disagree with that approach. Part of the reason for cluster feeding is to increase supply. If we were to use expressed milk for bub then it just means I have to express again to make up for the missed feed. Otherwise my body won’t understand it needs to increase the supply to meet the requirements of additional feeds. So the idea of giving bub expressed milk just to compound the issue isn’t worth it.
I know this phase will pass with bub and eventually feeds will become efficient and longer lasting. I also know that Mario and I will work out how to share the responsibility. Right now we are so determined to let the other one rest that we aren’t doing any favours.
Right now though, if the offer comes up for me to take the next nap I’m totally taking up that offer. If I don’t fall asleep where I sit now…
This to will pass
Yup, just breathe and get through. I’m just grateful for the team unit with Mario. We both look out for each other
Hopefully at home will be more comfortable. Good luck xoxo
Christine Woodrow yeah. We will miss the staff here but having more room so the other can rest peacefully will be amazing
Yes this well pass, but highly agree to try keep feeding V expressing
Hard work but you both will catch up!
It’s all just a phase, thank god. But worth it!
Yep I still tell myself it’s just a phase 😂
Just a looong, 18 years plus phase 😝
It will pass but you are very right (this is from experience of breast feeding 4 babies including current 3 month old!) your body is responding to baby. Your milk is only just coming in. If you need a break 1 offs might not hurt but regular at this early stage is not really recommended ‘if’ you want to EBF which is not for everyone
Do you find he is falling asleep during feeding?
He’ll do about 10-15mins feed and then pass out again
i used to wake up the boys. Once they passed out I would change them. To wake up them up. Then I would continue feeding to try and fill them up a bit more. And did help break that cluster cycle.
Yeah, that’s what we normally do but even with a longer feed he’s still ready for another in an hour. So I gave up for today
fair enough babe! Do what works for you 😘
I think it’s a boy thing. They are always hungry. Feeding every 2 hrs was the norm for my boys. Rylie was every 1-2 hours. Very exhausting. Trust you gut you will find a way that works for you all.
We’ve had a good day today in terms of naps, but not as much feeding. It will be interesting to see how tonight goes
just when you think you got it worked out they change it up. Just take it one day at time. X