Can I mix breastfeeding and expressed bottle feeding?

The Harmony of Breastfeeding and Bottle Feeding
In the journey of parenthood, the decision to mix breastfeeding with expressed bottle feeding—often referred to as mixed feeding—is a choice that many new mothers consider. This approach allows for flexibility and can accommodate various lifestyles and feeding preferences, making it a viable option for many families.
Understanding Mixed Feeding
Mixed feeding typically involves combining breastfeeding with bottle feeding, which can include either expressed breast milk or formula. This method is particularly beneficial for mothers who may need to return to work, want to share feeding responsibilities with a partner, or simply wish to have the option of bottle feeding while still providing the nutritional benefits of breast milk.
Introducing the Bottle
One of the key aspects of successfully mixing breastfeeding and bottle feeding is the introduction of the bottle to a breastfed baby. Experts recommend waiting until breastfeeding is well established—usually around 4 to 6 weeks—before introducing a bottle. This timing helps to minimize the risk of nipple confusion, where a baby may struggle to switch between breast and bottle.
When introducing the bottle, it’s advisable to choose a time when the baby is calm and not overly hungry. This can help create a positive experience. Additionally, using a bottle with a nipple that closely resembles the breast can ease the transition.
Expressing Milk
For mothers who choose to express milk, understanding how much to express is crucial. The general guideline is to express enough milk to meet the baby’s needs for the day. For instance, if a mother plans to give her baby two bottles of expressed milk daily, she may only need to express twice, depending on her milk supply and the baby’s appetite.
Benefits of Mixed Feeding
The benefits of mixed feeding are manifold. It allows mothers to maintain the bond of breastfeeding while also providing the convenience of bottle feeding. This flexibility can be particularly advantageous for mothers who may experience challenges with breastfeeding alone, such as difficulties with latching or concerns about milk supply.
Moreover, mixed feeding can facilitate shared parenting experiences, allowing partners to participate in feeding, which can strengthen family bonds and provide mothers with much-needed breaks.
Conclusion
In conclusion, mixing breastfeeding with expressed bottle feeding is not only possible but can also be a rewarding experience for both mother and baby. By carefully introducing the bottle and managing expressed milk, parents can enjoy the best of both worlds—ensuring their child receives the nutritional benefits of breast milk while also embracing the flexibility that bottle feeding offers. As with any parenting decision, the key is to find what works best for your family, ensuring that both mother and baby feel comfortable and supported in their feeding journey.

Is it OK to breastfeed and bottle feed expressed milk?

Yes, it’s totally fine and safe to do so, and many families do so for several reasons, including necessity (eg, low breast milk production), convenience, or simply a personal preference. A doctor may advise breastfeeding and formula feeding in specific circumstances for medical reasons.

Does pumping and bottle feeding count as breastfeeding?

You’re just using a breast pump and bottle to feed it to them. Exclusive pumping also means that nursing isn’t part of your breastfeeding journey. That doesn’t make it any less meaningful or valuable for your baby, though. Williams points out that, “Breast milk, no matter how it’s given, is beneficial to your baby.”

Can you mix freshly pumped breastmilk with cold breastmilk?

Mixing freshly expressed breast milk with already cooled or frozen milk is not advised because it can rewarm the older stored milk. It is best to cool freshly expressed milk before combining it with older, previously cooled or frozen milk. Also consider storage duration guidelines for breast milk.

What are the disadvantages of mixed feeding?

Possible disadvantages of mixed feeding are:
The baby absorbs fewer valuable nutrients from breast milk. Possible digestion problems. Additional costs due to purchasing formula, bottles, and nipple. It may take a while for the switch between breast and bottle to work.

Is it OK to express and breastfeed?

Your breasts make milk to demand. Once breastfeeding is going well, you will only need to express as much as your baby needs. For example, if you plan to give your baby 2 bottles of expressed milk a day alongside breastfeeding, then you may only need to express twice.

Is it okay to bottle feed during the day and breastfeed at night?

The choice to breastfeed or bottle feed is a very personal decision and you can mix the two, like you mentioned, but before you stop nursing at night and just giving bottles at night think about the advantages of breastfeeding 24/7. There are some advantages and obviously there are advantages to bottle feeding too. B.

How many baby bottles do I need if breastfeeding and pumping?

If you are home and breastfeeding your baby, you won’t need as many bottles. You’ll likely only need to have one to four bottles ready to use per day. Of course, you’ll want to have a few bottles on hand if you need to step out to run an errand.

How to combine breastfeeding and expressed bottle feeding?

Hints and tips when starting mixed feeding

1. introduce the first bottle feed when your baby is calm, not tired or hungry.
2. use a slow-flow teat to mimic the flow when breastfeeding.
3. express your milk regularly between bottle feeds to help maintain your milk supply.

Can you mix pumping and breastfeeding?

Combining breastfeeding and pumping can be very beneficial to mums and her family. Pumping allows you to increase milk supply, and offer you relief from discomfort and breastfeeding difficulties.

How often should I pump if I’m breastfeeding and pumping?

every 2-3 hours
Most mothers find that pumping every 2-3 hours maintains their milk supply and does not cause them to become uncomfortably full. For example, if you work an 8 hour work day, you would nurse your child before coming to work, then pump mid-morning, at lunchtime and then mid-afternoon.