How to transition from triple feeding to exclusively breastfeeding?

Understanding Triple Feeding
Triple feeding is a demanding routine that many new mothers face when their babies struggle to latch effectively or when there are concerns about milk supply. This method involves nursing the baby, immediately pumping to express milk, and then feeding that milk (or formula) to the baby via a bottle. While this approach can help ensure that the baby receives adequate nutrition, it can also be exhausting and overwhelming for mothers, both physically and mentally.
The Goal: Transitioning to Exclusive Breastfeeding
The ultimate goal for many mothers who start with triple feeding is to transition to exclusive breastfeeding. This means that the baby receives all their nutrition solely from breast milk, without the need for supplemental feeding. Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first six months of a baby’s life, as it provides all the necessary nutrients and hydration.
Steps to Transition
1. Assessing Milk Supply: Before making the transition, it’s crucial to ensure that your milk supply is sufficient. Regular pumping can help stimulate milk production. Mothers often find that as they pump more frequently, their supply increases, which is essential for successful breastfeeding.
2. Improving Latch: A proper latch is vital for effective breastfeeding. Working with a lactation consultant can provide personalized guidance on positioning and techniques to help the baby latch better. This support can make a significant difference in the transition process.
3. Gradual Reduction of Bottles: Start by gradually reducing the amount of expressed milk given in bottles. For instance, if you’re currently supplementing after every nursing session, try to skip one bottle feeding a day and observe how the baby responds. This gradual approach helps the baby adjust to breastfeeding exclusively without overwhelming them.
4. Frequent Nursing Sessions: Increase the frequency of nursing sessions. The more often the baby is at the breast, the more stimulation there is for milk production. This can also help the baby become more accustomed to breastfeeding.
5. Monitoring Baby’s Cues: Pay close attention to your baby’s hunger cues. If they seem hungry after nursing, it may be tempting to supplement with a bottle. Instead, try to nurse again or offer skin-to-skin contact to encourage further feeding.
6. Patience and Support: Transitioning from triple feeding to exclusive breastfeeding can be a challenging journey. It’s essential to be patient with yourself and your baby. Surrounding yourself with supportive friends, family, or breastfeeding groups can provide encouragement and share experiences that may help you through tough days.
The Emotional Journey
The emotional toll of triple feeding can be significant. Many mothers report feelings of frustration and exhaustion, but they also share stories of resilience and eventual success. It’s important to acknowledge these feelings and seek support when needed. Connecting with other mothers who have gone through similar experiences can provide comfort and practical advice.
Conclusion
Transitioning from triple feeding to exclusive breastfeeding is a journey that requires dedication, support, and patience. By focusing on improving latch, increasing nursing frequency, and gradually reducing bottle feedings, many mothers find success in achieving their breastfeeding goals. Remember, every mother’s journey is unique, and it’s okay to seek help along the way.

How do I go back to exclusive breastfeeding after supplementing with formula?

If you have been giving “top up” bottles for a few days or weeks, you still have the opportunity to work your way back to exclusive breastfeeding. You’ll want to slowly decrease the amount of supplement in each bottle or the number of bottles used in a day.

How do I switch to exclusive breastfeeding?

Infants should be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life to achieve optimal growth, development and health.

How do I start breastfeeding exclusively?

Tips for exclusively breastfeeding

1. Start breastfeeding as soon as possible after your baby is born—ideally, within the first hour.
2. Breastfeed on-demand rather than on a set schedule and don’t limit your baby’s time on-breast.
3. Don’t limit nighttime feedings—your milk production is highest in the early morning hours.

Does supplementing with formula reduce the benefits of breastfeeding?

Giving your newborn even one bottle of infant formula can decrease breast milk’s protection of your newborn’s intestines… the more infant formula, the less protection. Although protection does return when you start exclusive breastfeeding again, it takes several days for the protective effects to begin.

How to transition from mixed feeding to exclusive breastfeeding?

The more you express the more milk you will produce. This should ease the transition back to exclusive breastfeeding. Some babies may find it hard to go back to breastfeeding after they have got used to the bottle. Ask your midwife, health visitor or other local breastfeeding support network for help, if you need it.

How to go from triple feeding to exclusive breastfeeding?

Try cutting down the amount of times you triple feed a day instead of going cold turkey. If you can alternate solo nursing and triple feeding sessions for a few days while baby builds up nursing stamina that would be ideal. Purchasing an infant scale can give you peace of mind if needed.

Can I breastfeed during the day and formula feed at night?

At the same time, other moms may know from the get-go that they want to supplement with formula at night. There is no right or wrong, and it is okay to supplement your breastfed baby’s diet with formula!

How to return to exclusive breastfeeding?

Re-lactation is typically achieved through a combination of skin-to-skin contact with the baby and breast stimulation either through a latching baby and/or pumping every two to three hours day and night, which mimics how often a baby feeds.

Is exclusive breastfeeding exhausting?

Breastfeeding fatigue is very real, and it’s not just because of those 4am feeds. Did you know that you burn up to 1000 calories per day while breastfeeding? In fact, breastfeeding mums exert up to 25 per cent of their energy to produce breast milk.

How do you wean off formula to breastfeed?

The process of weaning off formula needs to be gradual – reducing 30 ml to 60 ml (1 to 2 oz) formula every 3-4 days. It’s important to note that – the reduction in offerings of formula is done every 3-4 days and not every 3-4 feeds.