Let’s Talk About Combination Feeding

There's breastfeeding and there's bottle feeding, and then there's both! Choosing combination feeding can have a lot of benefits for breastfeeding parents as well as the whole family. There are several ways you can combo feed; it's really up to you to decide what works best for you and your baby.

What is Combination Feeding?

Combo feeding or mixed feeding is exactly what it sounds like: feeding your baby with a combination of methods. Some mothers choose to exclusively breastfeed, some choose to exclusively bottle feed, and some choose or need to feed with formula. But combination feeding means you can do it all!

With combination feeding, some families will breastfeed and feed with bottles of pumped breast milk. Others may feed their baby with a combination of breast milk and formula. There's no single way to practice combo feeding – it all depends on a family's individual circumstances and needs. With a little trial and error, you can find the best feeding style for you and your baby.

Why Choose Combination Feeding?

There are a number of reasons a family may choose to combo feed. Oftentimes it can help a mother maintain some degree of breastfeeding without having to rely on it alone. Some of the more common motivations for beginning combination feeding are:

  • Breastfeeding mother is going back to work or can no longer be available to nurse throughout the day
  • The family wants to share feeding responsibilities (ie. a partner, grandparents, siblings, etc. can help when mom isn't available to breastfeed)
  • When mom has a low milk supply and needs to supplement breastfeeding with formula
  • Helping baby gain weight
  • As a way to begin weaning baby off breast milk

Exclusive breastfeeding is demanding, and most families choose combination or mixed feeding in order to free up time and energy for mom. Whatever the reason, combo feeding is an effective way to make sure baby is getting enough to eat and proper nutrition.

Combo Feeding and Breast Milk Supply

If you've been exclusively breastfeeding, introducing a bottle can affect your breast milk supply. If you want to maintain your supply pumping regularly can help. Your milk production works on a supply and demand basis, so if you continue to include some breastfeeding and pumping, your body will regulate to the amount it thinks you need. If you feel your milk supply is dropping too much, you can try adding extra breastfeeding and pumping sessions. If you're feeling stressed or unsure about your milk supply, you can reach out to a lactation consultant for more personalized help.

Important Tips for Combination Feeding

Board Certified Lactation Consultant and RN Erica Campbell recommends the following tips for safe and successful combo feeding:

  • Employing a paced bottle-feeding method is helpful for encouraging intuitive eating and self-regulation during feedings.
  • Remember the recommended CDC guidelines for preparing and storing breast milk and formula whenever bottle feeding.
  • You can mix breast milk and formula in the same bottle! The biggest risk is wasting any milk if the baby does not finish the bottle. If you choose to mix, make sure to prepare the formula with water FIRST, and then add in the breast milk. Because the milk storage guidelines differ between breast milk and formula, it's necessary to follow the guidelines for whichever milk would expire the soonest. Learn more about mixing breast milk and formula here.

Choosing how you feed your baby is very personal. There may be a lot of contradictory opinions about the "best" way to feed an infant, but it really comes down to what you're ABLE to do and what's best for your baby and yourself. Combination feeding can be a good way to take some pressure off yourself and have peace of mind knowing your baby is eating enough and eating well.

DISCLAIMER: THIS CONTENT DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE
The information contained is for informational purposes only and is NOT intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should not rely solely on this information. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider.