Is it ok to feed a baby formula and breastmilk
How to combine breast and bottle feeding
It can take several weeks for you and your baby to feel happy and confident with breastfeeding.
Once you've both got the hang of it, it's usually possible to offer your baby bottles of expressed milk or formula alongside breastfeeding.
This is sometimes called mixed or combination feeding.
Why combine breast and bottle?
You may want to combine breastfeeding with bottle feeding if you:
- are breastfeeding and want to use a bottle to offer your baby some expressed breast milk
- want to breastfeed for some of your baby's feeds, but give bottles of formula for 1 or more feeds
- are bottle feeding your baby and want to start breastfeeding
- need to leave your baby and want to make sure they have some milk while you're away
Introducing formula feeds can affect the amount of breast milk you produce. There is also a small amount of evidence to show babies may not breastfeed as well because they learn to use a different kind of sucking action at the bottle than at the breast.
These things can make breastfeeding more difficult, especially in the first few weeks when you and your baby are still getting comfortable with breastfeeding.
Your breastmilk supply will usually not be affected if you start bottle feeding your baby when they are a bit older, you are both comfortable with breastfeeding, and you breastfeed every day.
Introducing formula feeds
If you're combining breastfeeding with formula feeds both you and your baby can carry on enjoying the benefits of breastfeeding.
If you choose to introduce infant formula:
- it's best to do it gradually to give your body time to reduce the amount of milk it makes – this helps lower your chance of getting uncomfortable, swollen breasts, or mastitis
- if you're going back to work, start a few weeks beforehand to give both of you time to readjust
- if your baby is 6 months old or more and can drink milk from a cup, you may not need to introduce a bottle at all
For more information, see drinks and cups for babies.
Giving your baby their first bottle
It may take a while for a breastfed baby to get the hang of bottle feeding, because they need to use a different sucking action.
- it usually helps to give the first few bottles when your baby is happy and relaxed – not when they're very hungry
- it may help if someone else gives the first bottle feeds, so that your baby is not near you and smelling your breast milk
- you might want to try using a different position for bottle and breastfeeding
See more advice on how to bottle feed.
Restarting breastfeeding
If you want to start breastfeeding more and give your baby fewer bottles, it's a good idea to ask your midwife, health visitor or breastfeeding supporter for support.
These tips may help too:
- Hold and cuddle your baby as much as possible, ideally skin to skin. This will encourage your body to make milk and your baby to feed.
- Express your breast milk regularly. Expressing releases the hormone prolactin, which stimulates your breasts to make milk. About 8 times a day, including once at night is ideal. It may be easier to express by hand to begin with – your midwife, health visitor or breastfeeding supporter can show you how.
- Try bottlefeeding while holding your baby skin to skin and close to your breasts.
- If your baby is latching on, feed little and often. Do not worry if your baby does not feed for long to begin with. See tips on how to get your baby properly positioned and attached.
- Choose times when your baby is relaxed, alert and not too hungry, and do not force your baby to stay at the breast.
- Decrease the number of bottles gradually, as your milk supply increases.
- Consider using a lactation aid (supplementer). A tiny tube is taped next to your nipple and passes into your baby's mouth so your baby can get milk via the tube as well as from your breast. This helps to support your baby as they get used to attaching to the breast. Your midwife, health visitor or breastfeeding supporter can give you more information.
See more tips on boosting your milk supply.
Help and support with mixed feeding
If you have any questions or concerns about combining breast and bottle feeding:
- talk to your midwife, health visitor or breastfeeding supporter
- call the National Breastfeeding Helpline on 0300 100 0212 (9.30am to 9.30pm, every day)
- find breastfeeding support near you
Video: why combine breast and bottle feeding?
In this video, 3 mothers discuss ways to combine breast and bottle feeding.
Media last reviewed: 14 March 2023
Media review due: 14 March 2026
Page last reviewed: 8 October 2019
Next review due: 8 October 2022
Formula Feeding and Breastfeeding: Can You Do Both?
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Can you breastfeed and formula-feed a baby? The short answer is YES. It’s called combination feeding, or more commonly, combo feeding. If you’re looking to supplement and extend your breastfeeding journey or if you want to make feedings possible by other parents or care-takers, combo feeding can be a great solution.
We sat down with Tiffani Ghere, a pediatric dietician, certified specialist in Pediatric Nutrition, and Bobbie medical advisor. It turns out that formula milk and breast milk aren’t black and white options.
Here’s what we learned.
Table of Contents
- Is it ok to breastfeed and formula feed at the same time?
- 4 Tips to help ease your baby into combo feeding
- How does the transition from breast milk to baby formula affect mom?
- Benefits of breastfeeding for mom and baby
- Why parents choose formula feeding
- Doctors may recommend supplementation
- Our take on combo feeding
Is it ok to breastfeed and formula feed at the same time?
Often times, there’s a conversation about exclusively breastfeeding or exclusively formula feeding. It can make new parents feel that they have to make a choice. But did you know it’s actually quite easy to combo feed?
We’ll give you a few pointers about what to consider if you decide to have both bottles of baby formula and bottles of breast milk on your little one’s menu.
A mother’s intuition helps decide the feeding choice
Following your intuition is always best! Trust what you think is right for your baby.
You have the power to make great decisions for your baby, so don’t let anyone sway you otherwise.
Talk to your health care providers and your baby’s pediatrician to feel confident in the decision that works best for you and your family.
Is nipple confusion a concern?
When you mix formula feeding and breastfeeding in a baby’s diet, they likely won’t fuss about the real nipple or bottle nipple. They may not even know the difference most of the time, and nipple confusion isn’t as prominent as most expect.
Some doctors may recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first few weeks until you introduce a bottle of formula to give them an easier introduction.
Breastfeeding poop can be different than formula poop
Since there’s a different type of milk entering your baby’s system, it makes sense that it may exit differently, too. Keep this in mind and watch to see if your baby’s stool looks different or irregular. Formula poop can be different than breast milk poop.
Make a note of how your baby is digesting their new diet, and seek the advice of your pediatrician if you have any concerns.
4 Tips to help ease your baby into combo feeding
If you’ve decided to start combo feeding, these helpful tips will make the transition easier for mom and baby alike.
1. Create similarities in the feedings
Give your baby as much of a similar experience as possible. This will give them a more familiar routine that they can look forward to, and it can help eliminate any nipple confusion they may experience.
Pro tip: When formula feeding, give your baby skin-to-skin contact and switch them from side to side to give the illusion of breastfeeding. This can help make the transition much easier for both you and your baby.
2. Space out formula feedings
Since organic baby formula and breast milk are two separate mixtures, it’s best to introduce the formula slowly to better support your baby’s digestion.
You can slide in a bottle of formula a couple of hours after the initial feeding session to get your infant used to the taste. This can make things much easier for you in the long run.
Our breast milk supply provides nutrients that can only be found wholly in our breast milk. But, thanks to modern science, there are similarly-composed baby formulas in the shopping aisle.
That being said, pay attention to which baby formulas have the quality ingredients and sourcing that you are looking for. If organic or non-gmo products are important to you, there are options. If you are looking for cow’s milk vs. a vegan formula, you can specifically look for that as well.
Talk to your pediatrician about vitamin D supplements—whether you’re breastfeeding or bottle-feeding—to ensure your baby is getting all of the nutrients they need.
Shop Bobbie Organic Infant Formula
Bobbie Organic Infant Formula is a USDA Organic, EU-style infant formula that meets all FDA requirements.
It is a complete nutrition milk-based powder modeled after breast milk and is easy on tummies. It is non-GMO and doesn't have corn syrup, palm oil, or maltodextrin. Learn more about Bobbie.
Shop Bobbie
4. Look for the “Feeling Full” signal
Your baby will become well-versed in telling you when he’s no longer hungry. Trust and watch to make sure his weight-gain patterns are normal as he grows and develops, as this is an excellent sign of properly taking to a combination diet.
How does the transition from breast milk to baby formula affect mom?
The transition from breast milk can affect your body’s milk production in a few ways. Medical experts suggest making a clean switch if you feel comfortable doing so or doing so gradually if that works best for you.
To ensure a smooth transition, you can try these techniques to start:
A new feeding routine can disrupt your body’s milk production
Expert Tip: Try starting with one bottle of formula per day.
A new routine might throw your body off its game, and your body’s milk production system may not understand the transition right away. If you’re pumping multiple times per day and then instantly move to pump only once per day, your milk supply can drop pretty rapidly and may not be there if you really need it down the line.
Some parents like to start by replacing the night bottle with formula. This can help by allowing other people to participate in feeding as well, and it can become part of the regular nighttime feeding routine.
Your body may struggle to adjust to the new routine
Expert Tip: Build up the formula usage slowly, and don’t stop pumping right away.
Your body may not demonstrate that it can handle the new routine. It may even cause breast engorgement or blocked milk ducts. If you’re struggling with the switch, you may need to build up the formula usage gradually.
Additionally, it’s okay to pump even if the milk is not being used.
It may even get rid of the heaviness you might feel if the breast milk isn’t released. You can store up the extra breast milk and extend the feeding journey using both breast milk and formula.
Benefits of breastfeeding for mom and baby
We don’t often talk about this, but breastfeeding delivers many benefits not only to your baby but also to you! The list of benefits to you and baby is long, here are a few key benefits worth mentioning:
- Babies may have a more well-supported immune system during childhood due to antibodies in breastmilk.
- Colostrum (found in breast milk) can support the baby’s digestive system to help with growth and proper functioning.
- Breast milk adapts as your baby grows.
- Even partial breastfeeding may promote quicker recovery after giving birth.
- Breastfeeding saves money.
- Breastfeeding may help lower the risk of certain diseases like ovarian cancer, breast cancer, and diabetes.
Why parents choose formula feeding
With all of life’s twists and turns, there are many reasons parents may formula feed from day one or choose to exclusively breastfeed before making the add or switch to baby formula.
As with breastfeeding, there are amazing benefits for both you and your child when it comes to using baby formula:
- Formula feeding is very convenient; babies can be fed any time they express hunger cues.
- Availability of the exact amount of milk needed means pumping doesn’t need space on your personal schedule.
- Allows teamwork–your partner and other caretakers have the ability to help feed if needed.
- Allows you the ability to schedule feedings, especially with low milk supply not being a concern.
- Allows you to be less worried about your diet, including the revived ability to consume alcohol.
Sometimes, the choice to nurse versus formula feed is truly out of your control. If a baby isn’t reacting well to your breastmilk, there could be a deficiency or even an allergy that needs to be addressed. It could also be related to how the baby’s body reacts to different ingredients or products.
It’s important to remember that there’s no reason to feel pressure that your breastfeeding journey didn’t go as planned.
Adding formula, otherwise known as supplementing, to your breastfeeding routine is very common.
A doctor may recommend formula supplementation if:
- A newborn loses a percentage of their body weight during the first few days of life.
- A newborn gains significant weight after the first few days of birth.
- A baby becomes dehydrated and demonstrates this through fewer wet diapers.
- A baby appears dissatisfied after feeding and, therefore may need more nutrition.
Ghere also shared that, “Supplementing may start as early as the first few days of life if the baby has lost too much weight and/or mom’s milk supply hasn’t been established. Other moms begin around 3-4 weeks to get the baby used to some bottle feeding, to allow others to feed the baby, or if mom has to return to work.”
She even goes on to say that supplementation can support the mother’s health as well: “The truth is, supplementing happens whenever mom doesn’t have enough milk, the baby needs more than mom can supply, or someone other than mom is feeding the baby.
It’s not an all-or-nothing choice. New parents need options and the flexibility to meet both the baby’s and mom’s needs.”
The decision or recommendation to supplement is always for the good of both parties, and no one would want it any other way!
Our take on combo feeding
So, is it ok to breast feed and formula feed a baby simultaneously?
After looking at both options and weighing the benefits of each, there really is no wrong decision when it comes to formula feeding versus breastfeeding. It is a personal choice, unique to each situation.
If you choose to breastfeed, formula feed, or both, this is perfectly fine unless otherwise directed by your pediatrician–we can’t stress enough that your pediatrician is the true expert to your specific journey with your little one! Remember, no two families’ journeys are the same!
Shop Bobbie Organic Infant Formula
Bobbie Organic Infant Formula is a USDA Organic, EU-style infant formula that meets all FDA requirements.
It is a complete nutrition milk-based powder modeled after breast milk and is easy on tummies. It is non-GMO and doesn't have corn syrup, palm oil, or maltodextrin. Learn more about Bobbie.
Shop Bobbie
Sources:
What Is Colostrum? Nutrition, Benefits, and Downsides | Healthline
Combining Breastfeeding and Formula Feeding | VeryWell Family
Supplementing With Formula: Combining Breastfeeding and Bottles | What to Expect
The content on this site is for informational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Discuss any health or feeding concerns with your infant's pediatrician. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay it based on the content on this page.
Breast milk and formula: what do they have in common?
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Rules for mixed feeding - how to maintain lactation, choose a mixture and other questions.
— Polina Aleksandrovna, what is mixed feeding of newborns?
— With mixed feeding, the baby receives breast milk and milk formula in different proportions.
— When does the pediatrician recommend mixed feeding?
— The reasons why a pediatrician partially replaces natural nutrition with formula can be divided into three groups.
- Mother's lack of milk. Low lactation can lead to weight loss in a baby. With a pronounced lack of weight, additional nutrition is needed.
- Functional disorders in a child. For constipation, regurgitation, allergic reactions and other conditions, a therapeutic mixture is prescribed.
- Mom is away for feeding time.
If there is no milk bank and it is impossible to form it, supplementary feeding is given.
— Some mothers refuse to breastfeed because of bad environment. Does the environment really affect the quality of breastfeeding?
— It cannot be said that the environment affects the quantity and quality of women's milk. Milk is filtered from the mother's blood. Blood passes through the vessels of the mammary gland and brings useful substances into breast milk, they are no longer taken from anywhere. At the same time, harmful substances from the environment are not allowed to enter the milk.
Due to poor ecology, the mother may be deficient in trace elements, and then the quality of milk will decrease. However, doctors are usually aware of the mother's deficiency conditions, since she had blood tests during pregnancy, and they correct them with nutrition or drugs.
— Polina Alexandrovna, another fear — mothers are afraid that milk will be lost during mixed feeding.
- This can become a reality if mixed feeding is not rationally approached. True hypogalactia is extremely rare, it is 1-2% in the female population. The body of a woman produces a sufficient amount of milk on the principle of "supply - demand". If the mother begins to increase the volume of the mixture, then the amount of milk in the breast really decreases. The baby will not suck more milk from the breast when he receives an increasing portion of the mixture.
— Will a mixed-fed baby have stomach ache?
- There is no specific link between infant formula and abdominal pain. Yes, when formula is introduced, stools may change. But this does not mean that there will be discomfort for the child. The stool becomes more dense, acquires a greenish tint (it has a yellowish color when breastfed) - this is the norm, which should not be feared.
Liquid stools with mixed feeding are formed for various reasons:
- the baby receives special formula;
- mom went too far with the amount of mixture;
- with intolerance to the components of the milk mixture.
For symptoms that bother the baby and mother, you need to see a doctor.
— How does mixed feeding affect the child's immunity?
— The immunity of infants develops independently of the type of feeding. But mother's milk contains antibodies and beneficial substances that enhance the immunity of the baby. With a reduced proportion of breast milk on mixed feeding of these substances, the child will receive less than on breastfeeding. But this does not apply to the formation of immunity, and the child's immunity will not suffer from mixed feeding.
— Polina Alexandrovna, how to maintain lactation with mixed feeding?
- In order to keep breastfeeding, you do not need to give formula more than necessary. The doctor determines the amount of supplementary feeding, and you should not independently increase its volume.
Try to breastfeed more often, breastfeed first and then formula. With the help of a breast pump, you can express after bottle feeding.
The goal is not to express a large amount of milk, but to stimulate the nipple, as if applying to the breast, and send a signal to the brain that the baby needs more milk. More milk will come next time.
Table. Mixed feeding of newborns - pros and cons
— Can I choose my own formula for mixed feeding?
- I do not recommend choosing food for the child on your own. With mixed feeding of an infant, it is important to determine not only the type of mixture, but also the nature of supplementary feeding. How much to supplement, so as not to overfeed or leave the baby hungry, so as not to lose breast milk? Should I supplement each time or alternate between breast and bottle feeding, should I formula feed at night? There are many questions. Therefore, even if the mother has made a choice in favor of a certain mixture, she should consult a doctor about the appropriateness of its use and ask how and how much to give the mixture.
See also
- "How to choose the right infant formula"
How to switch to mixed feeding
- It all depends on the chosen scheme of mixed feeding and the method of supplementary feeding.
- How to calculate the amount of formula for mixed feeding?
— You need to start from how much the child should eat per day. The daily amount of food is divided by the frequency of feedings to determine the amount of food at one time.
- Checkweighing determines how much breastmilk the baby eats and how much the baby is undernourished. He makes up the difference with a mixture.
- Although the formula is usually diluted at a ratio of 1 scoop per 30 ml, supplementation will not necessarily be a multiple of 30. If 40 ml is needed for supplementation, mom prepares 60 ml and only gives 40 ml of them. It is not necessary to give food beyond measure so that lactation does not fade away - when you offer the baby more formula, he asks for less breast milk.
— Is it possible to overfeed a newborn?
- It is always worthwhile to adequately assess lactation and add the amount of formula that the baby really needs. By weighing your baby before and after a feed, you will know how much breast milk he has eaten and how much formula to give him.
Given this, the mother will not overfeed the baby.
— Polina Alexandrovna, what dish should I choose for mixed feeding?
- Baby utensils must have the following characteristics:
- material safety - it is confirmed by certificates;
- the possibility of processing high temperatures during sterilization and boiling;
- The right size nipple on the bottle - for the comfort of the baby at each age, a different flow rate of nutrition is needed.
In addition, choose a baby dishwashing detergent that rinses off well with water, and use a separate brush for greater hygiene and convenience.
— The rules for mixed feeding are not limited to formula. What role does mother's nutrition play in this process?
— Scientists have long found out that mother's diet does not affect the child one hundred percent. If the mother is not on a strict diet, does not use preservatives, dyes and heavy fried foods, eats varied, then her diet will not adversely affect the baby's condition.
Therefore, the only limitation is a reasonable diet without harmful substances.
- How long does expressed breast milk last?
- Expressed milk can be stored in the refrigerator or frozen. Temperature and shelf life of expressed breast milk:
Expressed milk is stored in the refrigerator before freezing, and after cooling it is sent to the freezer. Frozen milk is thawed in the refrigerator and heated in a water bath to a comfortable temperature. You do not need to boil it in order to cool it down and give it to the child.
Mixed Feeding Rules
— How to properly feed a child with mixed feeding?
- It is advisable to prepare the bottle in advance or pour water heated to the required temperature into it. After breastfeeding and control weighing, it remains to pour the required number of spoons of the mixture into a bottle of water and dilute it.
It is advisable to breastfeed and formula in one meal - first at the breast and immediately after the bottle.
When formula feeding, it is best to hold the baby in your arms to maintain physical and emotional contact and minimize the difference for the baby between feeding breast milk and infant formula.
— Do I need a feeding schedule for mixed feeding?
— Yes, when formula appears in a child's diet, there is a need for a feeding regimen. The mixture is quite dense and leaves the baby's stomach 3-4 hours after feeding, so it is recommended to keep breaks between feedings for at least 3 hours on mixed feeding.
— How to feed the baby at night with mixed feeding?
— Everything is individual and depends on the amount of supplementary food. If the mother gives 10-20 ml of the mixture, you can not supplement it at night, at this time of the day the need for nutrition is lower. But if the volume of supplementary feeding is large enough, then it is required to supplement the child with a mixture even at night. The most important thing is to come to the required daily amount of food.
In addition, to maintain lactation, it is important to put the baby to the breast from 3 am to 7 am: at this time, the hormone responsible for stimulating lactation is most active.
— Should I give my baby water when mixed feeding?
- It is necessary to focus on the amount of supplementary feeding:
- if you supplement 10-20 ml of the mixture - there is no urgent need for water;
- if supplementary feeding is 50% or more in the meal, you can supplement it. Enough 20-50 ml of water per day, depending on the volume of the mixture in the diet, the age of the child and external factors (such as temperature, dry air).
See also
- "How to give water for up to a year"
— When are goat milk formulas recommended for mixed feeding?
— Goat milk formula is recommended for supplementary feeding and replenishment of breast milk deficiency or as preventive nutrition for a healthy baby with allergies in relatives.
