Author Topic: Explain cluster feed and dream feed?  (Read 1155 times)

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Offline zetta

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Explain cluster feed and dream feed?
« on: October 08, 2005, 06:54:41 am »
I read Tracy's book, but could not figure out what she means by cluster feed and dream feed.  Can anyone help?

Offline Erin (redstarfalling)

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Explain cluster feed and dream feed?
« Reply #1 on: October 08, 2005, 11:15:08 am »
Cluster feed is feeding more frequently in the late afternoon/evening than you do during the day in order to "tank up" your lo so he can last a little longer overnight without eating.  So if you're feeding every 3 hrs, then from say, 4 pm on, you'd feed every 2 hrs until bedtime at 8pm (so it's only for a couple of feeds). 

Dreamfeed is basically an extension of the cluster feed, but it happens WHILE baby is asleep, again with the idea that this will help lo last longer overnight without waking for a feed after mom and dad go to bed.  So if baby's in bed for the night at 8, at around 10 or 11, you gently pick up baby from crib, without really waking her, put the breast to her lips and she'll (hopefully) feed in her sleep or semi-sleep. Then you put her back down carefully, and head to bed yourself!

HTH! :D
Erin
Mother to Megan and Samantha