What’s going on with night two?! Understanding cluster feeding and how to support it.
If you're expecting a baby, or you've just had one, you may have heard whispers (or have lived experience!) of the mysterious and often exhausting night two feeding frenzy. Even if you haven’t heard of it yet, you’ll be glad you’ve read this! It’s that second night after birth when your sleepy newborn seems to suddenly wake up… and want to feed all night long.
As a postpartum doula, this is one of the most common things new parents bring up in the early days - usually with a mix of confusion, exhaustion, and worry. Is something wrong? Is my baby getting enough milk? Am I doing something wrong?
To help unpack this important topic, I spoke with Dr Eliza Hannam - founder of Nurtured Medical, Women’s GP, IBCLC and Possums NDC practitioner. Dr Eliza and her team support families with this information (and so much more) during their antenatal 'Preparing to Breastfeed' consults, offering personalised and evidence-based support for feeding and postpartum wellbeing.
This guide brings together Dr Eliza’s expert insights and my experience as a postpartum doula to walk you through what’s happening biologically, what’s normal, what might need extra support, and how to navigate early cluster feeding with more confidence and care.
What is cluster feeding on night two?
Cluster feeding is when your baby wants to breastfeed frequently (sometimes every 20–30 minutes!) for an extended period of time. It’s especially common on the second night after birth but can return for short periods of time while breastfeeding is being established in the early weeks and months.
While it can feel intense (and sometimes never-ending), it’s a biological and expected part of the postpartum and breastfeeding journey.
Why does cluster feeding happen?
What’s happening with your hormones?
During pregnancy, hormones produced by the placenta suppress full milk production. Once the placenta is delivered, that hormonal suppression is lifted and your body kicks into gear to start producing more colostrum (your baby’s first milk) and eventually your mature milk.
In the early days, milk production is hormonally driven, then gradually shifts to a supply-and-demand system. This is why frequent feeding is essential - it helps "bring in" the milk and stimulates production.
The more effectively milk is removed from the breasts, the more your body will make. This is supported by two main hormones:
Prolactin: builds your milk supply
Oxytocin: triggers your let-down (milk release)
Cluster feeding sends an important signal to your body: “It’s time to make more milk.” In fact, the more frequently your baby feeds in the early days, the more prolactin receptor sites are established in your breast tissue. This lays the foundations for a strong, sustained milk supply throughout your breastfeeding journey.
What’s going on with your baby?
Newborns are biologically wired to feed frequently. On night two, your baby is adjusting to life outside the womb. They’re realising that they now need to work for their food, and they’re getting to know you and learn the skill of breastfeeding.
Around 48 hours after birth, colostrum levels may naturally decrease, which prompts your baby to feed more frequently to bring through your mature milk.
They may also be:
Craving closeness and skin-to-skin comfort through their safety signals (your scent, warmth, voice and heartbeat).
Experiencing discomfort from birth.
Feeling overstimulated and needing co-regulation from you.
It’s a lot for their tiny nervous systems - feeding helps regulate them physically and emotionally.
How long does night two cluster feeding last?
For most families, the most intense cluster feeding lasts one night. Beyond that, many newborns continue to have daily periods of cluster feeding (often in the late afternoon or evening) for the next few weeks or even months.
Most newborns feed 8–12 times (sometimes more) in 24 hours, and some will feed on both breasts during each session.
When to be reassured vs. when to seek support
Cluster feeding is usually a good sign. It means your baby is doing exactly what they’re meant to do to help establish your milk supply.
But here are some signs that your baby may not be getting enough milk and could benefit from additional breastfeeding support:
Red flags to watch for:
Excess weight loss (more than 10% of birth weight) in the early days
Less than the expected amount of wet or dirty nappies
No swallowing sounds or signs of milk transfer
Baby is always unsettled, even after long feeds
Low body temperature or low blood sugar.
If you're unsure and still in the hospital, lean on the midwives and lactation consultants around you. Once you’re home, don’t hesitate to reach out to a lactation consultant (IBCLC), your midwife or the Early Childhood Centre for support.
5 Common myths about cluster feeding
Let’s bust some misconceptions:
“My baby is cluster feeding because I don’t have enough milk.”
Truth: Frequent feeding is how your milk comes in - it’s not a sign of failure.
“I need to top-up with formula.”
Truth: Most healthy, term babies don’t need top-ups unless advised by a qualified health professional.
“I’m spoiling my baby by feeding so often.”
Truth: You’re meeting your baby’s biological needs and building a secure bond.
“This means something is wrong.”
Truth: It’s normal and temporary, even if it doesn’t feel like it in the moment.
“I have to push through it alone.”
Truth: This is definitely the time to call in your support.
How to support yourself through cluster feeding
The key to surviving (and even embracing) night two and early cluster feeding is support and preparation.
Here’s what helps:
1. Skin-to-skin
Skin-to-skin contact increases oxytocin, regulates your baby’s temperature and heart rate, and supports early bonding. It’s the simplest, most effective support tool we have. Opt to ‘room in’ with your baby, rather than keep them in the nursery (assuming there is no medical reason for separation), so you can lean into the skin to skin, feeding and cuddles.
2. Side-lying breastfeeding
Learn to feed while lying on your side. This position takes the pressure off your healing perineum or c-section wound, as well as your pelvic floor. It will allow you to get some horizontal rest while your baby feeds.
3. Set boundaries with visitors
Cluster feeding often doesn’t leave space for polite conversation and you’re going to be basically topless more often than not. Keep your space quiet and calm, and don’t be afraid to say no to guests if they aren't there to bring food and support you in other practical ways
4. Nourishment and fluids
Have lots of tasty snacks and water within reach (or ask your support person to be on snack and hydration duty). Feeding makes you very hungry and thirsty! Beyond that, food can be such a great source of comfort during the more challenging phases of postpartum.
5. Create a calm environment
Dim the lights, play soft music, include affirmations and photos and make the space as restful as possible. Think about setting up your postpartum space as you would your birth space. We want your oxytocin high and your nervous system settled.
6. Ask for help
Whether it’s a postpartum doula to care for you, a lactation consultant to troubleshoot red flags and encourage a good latch, or your partner to hold the baby while you shower, now is the time to lean on your support village.
If you’re yet to have your baby, this is a good reminder to build out your village of support before you land in your fourth trimester.
A final word of reassurance
Cluster feeding can feel like a lot emotionally, physically, and mentally. But once you have an understanding of what’s going on, it can be a fascinating and beautiful part of your postpartum journey.
Your baby is doing what they were designed to do. Your body is responding in the most incredible way. And you’ll get there, even if you’re exhausted!
Need support as you prepare to breastfeed or navigate the early days postpartum?
If you're looking for personalised care, encouragement, and evidence-based guidance, I’m here to walk alongside you throughout pregnancy and postpartum. Explore my postpartum doula packages or book a free consult to see how we can support your fourth trimester, together.
You can also contact Dr Eliza and the wonderful team at Nurtured Medical in Sydney to support you with all of your feeding and sleep enquiries.