Author Topic: Cluster Feeds & Which Side?  (Read 1263 times)

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Offline happy09

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Cluster Feeds & Which Side?
« on: December 15, 2010, 16:34:57 pm »
I have a 9 day old DD and breastfeeding is going well.  Can I ask about the cluster feeds.  Do you change side or feed from the same side at 2 feeds or what is best?  If you change side does your body think "oh she doesnt need as much milk at this feed".  Hoping to introduce cluster feeds at 6 and 8 and then do a dreamfeed between 10 and 11.  Any advice and tips appreciated! 
Thanks


Offline katiush

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Re: Cluster Feeds & Which Side?
« Reply #1 on: December 16, 2010, 00:06:31 am »
I have a 7 1/2 week old, and I switched sides for the cluster feeds: so, for example, left side at 6 pm and right side at 8 pm, and left side at 10 pm.
There have been times where DS seemed really hungry at a cluster feed, and I would just give the other breast.
Hope this helps :)
Katia

Kyprian - 10/27/2004
Matrona - 4/3/2007
Alexei - 10/22/2010



Offline Tay

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Re: Cluster Feeds & Which Side?
« Reply #2 on: December 16, 2010, 21:27:10 pm »
I would just take it as a new feed - if you're doing single side feeding for all other feeds I would offer one breast for the 6pm feed and the other at 8pm (like two separate feeds, iykwim)
xxx


Offline happy09

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Re: Cluster Feeds & Which Side?
« Reply #3 on: December 22, 2010, 14:31:44 pm »
Many Thanks for replies.  Have been very busy the last few days.  I haven't exactly had a chance to introduce the cluster feeds as she becomes very unsettled in the evening after a feed at 4 or 5.  I think its wind as she wakes up from her sleep, brings her legs up etc.  In order to settle her I generally feed her.  I think she is going through a growth spurt too.  She was feeding from 4-30 until nearly 10-30 yesterday and barely slept.  She fed a lot this morning too but she is finally after having a nap of about 1hr 30.

Thanks again

Offline Vicku

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Re: Cluster Feeds & Which Side?
« Reply #4 on: December 22, 2010, 16:18:03 pm »
"Very Proud Mummy Blessed with 3 Spirited Girls"
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I Breastfed DD1 9.5 months and DD2 21.5 months
"Babies don't sleep, they are only on charge"

Offline Truly Blessed

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Re: Cluster Feeds & Which Side?
« Reply #5 on: December 23, 2010, 07:23:26 am »
Hi, my DS cluster fed between 5 and 9pm for quite a long time. Personally I fed from both breasts because it's such a long time, it's easier on your breasts/back and keeps the milk supply going well. My right breast always produced more milk so I wouldn't have wanted to leave the left out at cluster feeding as it was a good opportunity to increase supply. Also if LO is falling asleep it's good to move them every now and then over a long feed to rouse them a little and help them feed more effectively. I hope this is helpfull, I know there are so called hard and fast rules to follow but I do think it's trial and error for every Mum and baby to a certain extent, I hope you find what works best for you. Well done you.

Vicki.x.



Offline happy09

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Re: Cluster Feeds & Which Side?
« Reply #6 on: December 23, 2010, 13:14:16 pm »
Thanks Ladies.  I read the kellymom-so its obviously common.  Yeah I just keep feeding and changing sides and eventually she nods off.  Yesterday and this morning she did the same thing-kept feeding and feeding and then had a good sleep. She has cluster fed the last 2 or 3 evenings also.  I will keep going and see how it all goes.

Thanks

Offline Truly Blessed

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Re: Cluster Feeds & Which Side?
« Reply #7 on: December 23, 2010, 15:41:06 pm »
Keep up the good work, it's hardest in the first few weeks isn't it?! but so rewarding.x.