Cluster Feeding...Growth Spurt...or what?

More email exchanges with the MUSC Lactation Consultant....
I wish I had more time to write about my experience, but figured sharing emails I have exchanged will give you insight to how Tillman and I are doing.  I really don't intend for this to be a lactation blog, but breastfeeding seems to be 90% of where my energy is going these days (this breastfeeding thing is not easy!).  As for the other 10% of energy, it goes to sleep!  Nick has been cooking, which has been awesome! 

Sent: Tuesday, October 12, 2010 8:50 PM
Subject: feedings

I think Tillman is cluster feeding, but not sure I even know what that is. He has been feeding for the past 60 hours all the time...ever 20 mins or so. He has only slept for two 2 hour stretches during that time. He is always at the breast....exhausting.
Is there anything I can do better to get him more satisfied?
Does this mean I am not making enough to allow him sleep? Low milk supply? (I did purchase some milk thistle and red raspberry leave pills....are they ok to take? A friend mentioned these as helping with the quality of milk produced)
I have no idea if he is gaining weight since we haven't been to the doctor, but he has plenty of wet and soiled diapers.
How will I increase my milk supply to get ahead of him, so I can store to go back to work? I feel like he needs everything I make and maybe more.
Also, he seem mighty gassy. He doesn't really burp, but does have the gas. I often wonder if that is what is keeping him up. We did purchase some mylicon today and gave him his first dose tonight.
Thanks so much for your support!
Meredith

Sent: Wednesday, October 13, 2010 1:59 PM
Subject: RE: feedings

Meredith,
Well, let's see. This sounds more like a growth spurt which does usually involve cluster feeding. He is a month. They are often at 2 and 6 weeks but can be anytime. If you can survive, I would watch it for the next 24 hours to see if there is a shift.
The capsules are fine. Blessed Thistle is what is in Mother's Milk tea which is what I used. You can also try fenugreek 1000 mg three times a day along with the milk thistle/red raspberry leave pills. They work well together. It does not seem to me to be a problem but watch it for 24 more hours and let me know. During growth spurts, infants are trying to cause your body to produce more milk to meet the growing needs of the infant.
Being able to store up extra milk can be challenging even for mothers who are making lots of milk. The infant is usually breastfeeding on demand, he empties the breasts and then when you pump it is only 5-15 ml. But this is just the way it is. Two weeks before you start back to work, pump for 10 minutes after 2-4 breastfeeding sessions per day. Then you will add them all together to make a feed. Just because you do not get much milk does not mean that you are not making enough.
Let me know tomorrow if he is still breastfeeding non-stop. I sure hope you slept for those 2 2 hours stretches! There is one drug we prescribe for low milk supply but I do not think you need that.
Rest when you can.
MUSC Lactation Service