Combo Feeding
If you’re combo feeding your baby, it’s natural to feel a bit uncertain about how to balance breastfeeding and formula feeding in a way that supports both your baby’s needs and your breastfeeding goals. Whether you’ve chosen combo feeding to bring more harmony to your feeding routine, because you’ve encountered challenges like low milk supply, or for personal reasons, you’re not alone. This guide is here to offer support, clear advice, and practical tips to help you feel confident as you navigate your breastfeeding journey and discover what works best for your family.
What is Combo Feeding?
Combo feeding simply means giving your baby both breast milk and formula. It can happen for many reasons and is often a way to ensure your baby gets enough nutrition when breastfeeding alone isn’t working as well as you hoped.
Why Might Combo Feeding Be Necessary?
For some mothers, combo feeding is a way to address challenges with breastfeeding. It’s important to recognize that combo feeding isn’t always a choice—it may be the result of circumstances beyond your control.1,2,3 Here are some common reasons why combo feeding might become necessary:
- Low Milk Supply: Sometimes a mother’s milk supply isn’t enough to meet her baby’s needs. This can happen for various reasons, including breast development or previous surgeries, underlying medical conditions, or hormonal imbalances.
- Concerns about Weight Gain: If your baby has lost too much weight or isn’t gaining appropriately, adding formula can help your baby grow as needed.
- Breastfeeding Challenges: Issues like difficulty latching, nipple damage, or tongue tie can make breastfeeding painful and difficult, leaving some moms to seek alternatives.
- Medical Concerns: Some babies may need extra nourishment due to medical conditions, such as being born prematurely. In these cases, formula may be needed alongside breast milk to help them thrive.
- Return to Work: If you’re heading back to work or school and finding it difficult to pump enough milk for your baby, combo feeding can help ensure they’re well-nourished while you’re apart.
- Personal Choice: Some mothers choose combo feeding because it offers flexibility in their feeding routine. For them, using formula when needed feels like the best option, allowing them to meet their baby’s needs without the pressure of pumping or exclusively breastfeeding.
How to Start Combo Feeding
If you’ve decided to get started combo feeding, here are some tips for making the transition smoother for you and your baby:1,2,3
- Breastfeed First: If possible, try breastfeeding before offering formula. This can help maintain your milk supply and encourage your baby to continue breastfeeding frequently.
- Watch Baby’s Cues: Trust your baby’s hunger cues—such as rooting or sucking on their hands—to know when they need more milk. Be flexible and patient as you figure out the right amount of additional formula to offer.
- Expect Variation: Every baby is different, and some may only need extra formula after certain feedings, such as in the evening when milk supply tends to be lower. Many mothers find that breastfeeding overnight works well, as milk supply is often higher during those hours. During the day, they may offer formula as needed.
- Seek Help: If you’re unsure about how much and how often to offer formula, talk to your baby’s healthcare provider or consider working with a Lactation Consultant. They can provide personalized guidance as you find the right balance.
- Breastfeed Regularly: Try to breastfeed as often as possible, especially in the first month when your milk supply is being established. Avoid going long stretches without feeding (or pumping if desired).
- Formula Preparation: Follow the instructions carefully when preparing formula to ensure it’s safe and nutritious for your baby.
- Pump if Possible: If you’re not breastfeeding as much, consider pumping after some feedings or when your baby gets a bottle, to maintain your milk supply. Even a few extra pumps a day can protect your supply.
- Trust Your Instincts: As a mother, you are your baby’s best guide. You know what works for you and your baby, and it’s okay to make adjustments as you go.
- Care for Yourself: Make sure you’re drinking plenty of water, eating balanced meals, and getting enough rest.
- Diaper Changes: Adding formula to your baby’s diet can change their stools. They may become firmer, darker, and have a stronger smell. Your baby may also poop less frequently—perhaps only once or twice a day.
- Decreased Supply: Offering formula may cause your baby to breastfeed less frequently. If you aren’t pumping to keep up your supply, you might notice a decrease in milk production over time.
- Breast Refusal: Some babies may develop a preference for bottle-feeding if they are given bottles too often. While some babies can go back-and-forth with ease, it’s harder for some babies. Breastfeeding frequently can help keep your baby comfortable with both methods.
Breastfeeding doesn’t have to be an all or nothing endeavor. Every drop of breast milk your baby receives is valuable, and combo feeding can be an empowering solution, especially when you experience breastfeeding challenges.1,2,3 Remember, you’re not alone in this journey—many mothers face similar struggles, and it’s okay to seek support when you need it. Trust your instincts, be gentle with yourself, and know that the choices you make are what’s best for both you and your baby. Your love, care, and dedication are what matter most, and you’re doing an incredible job, no matter how you choose to feed your baby.
What If I Have Questions?
If you are interested in learning more, these Aeroflow classes expand on some of the topics discussed above:
- Ultimate Breastfeeding Prep
- Pumping 101
- Lactation Q & A
To register for these classes, log into your portal or click here.
Want More Info?
For a directory of Aeroflow’s other Care Guides offering information on pregnancy, baby care, and more, browse our comprehensive list of titles:
Our classes and accompanying materials are intended for general education purposes and should not replace medical evaluation or consultation. Please seek advice from your own healthcare providers for individualized recommendations.
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