let me clarify that when i explain cluster feeding, here is what i mean. i
tell parents that yes, their baby might well go for two hours or so between
feedings, roughly 10 to 12 times in 24 hours. i NEVER say 8, if they need to
talk to me, there is some problem already, and i personally don't think 8 is
enough anyway, even if things are fine. for most babies, i know there are rare
exceptions.

then i also go on to explain (having already taught them how to know the baby
is getting enough, etc.) that even when the baby has had a good feeding, he
may want to nurse again right away. and again and again. i describe this as
cluster feeding and NORMAL. i teach about how the fat level increases in the
milk when feedings are closer together, which satisfies the baby, etc. so when
the baby suddenly takes to nursing "forever" or "constantly" the parents might
not instantly assume the baby is staving and supplement or try to calm the
baby without feeding.

the crucial part of this is for the mother to know the difference between
drinking at the breast and nibbling at the breast. cluster feeding when the
baby is getting lot of milk is okay, "just nibbling" is not. now back to you
jn for the rest of this lecture.

carol brussel IBCLC
teaching breast compression to the world