When should you stop triple feeding?

Understanding Triple Feeding
Triple feeding is a breastfeeding strategy that involves nursing the baby, pumping breast milk, and then bottle-feeding the pumped milk to ensure the baby receives enough nutrition. This method is often recommended for mothers whose infants are not gaining weight adequately or are having difficulty latching. While it can be a lifesaver for some, it is also physically and emotionally taxing for mothers.
When to Stop Triple Feeding
Determining when to stop triple feeding is crucial for both the mother’s and the baby’s well-being. Here are some key indicators that it may be time to transition away from this demanding feeding routine:
1. Weight Gain and Feeding Efficiency: One of the primary reasons for initiating triple feeding is to address concerns about the baby’s weight gain. If your baby has consistently gained weight and is effectively transferring milk during breastfeeding, it may be time to stop. Regular weight checks, often done through weighted feeds, can help assess this progress.
2. Improved Latching: If your baby has developed a better latch and is able to nurse effectively without needing supplemental feeding, this is a strong sign that you can begin to reduce or eliminate the pumping and bottle-feeding components of triple feeding.
3. Mother’s Physical and Emotional Health: The physical toll of triple feeding can be significant. Mothers often report feeling exhausted and overwhelmed due to the constant cycle of nursing, pumping, and bottle-feeding. If you find that this routine is negatively impacting your mental health or physical well-being, it’s essential to consider stopping.
4. Consultation with a Lactation Consultant: Engaging with a lactation consultant can provide personalized guidance on when to stop triple feeding. They can assess your situation, help troubleshoot any ongoing issues, and support you in transitioning away from this method.
5. Baby’s Developmental Milestones: As babies grow, their feeding needs change. If your baby is reaching developmental milestones and showing signs of readiness for more solid foods, this can also signal a shift away from triple feeding.
Conclusion
While triple feeding can be a necessary strategy for some mothers and babies, it is not meant to be a long-term solution. Monitoring your baby’s weight gain, improving latching, prioritizing your health, and seeking professional advice are all critical steps in determining when to stop. Transitioning away from triple feeding can lead to a more sustainable and enjoyable breastfeeding experience for both mother and child.

When should I drop to 3 feeds?

Feeding at 10 to 12 months
Your baby should now be used to having 3 meals a day – breakfast, lunch and tea – in addition to their milk feeds. Lunch and tea can include a main course and a pudding (such as fruit or unsweetened yoghurt). Try to eat together as much as possible, babies learn from watching you eat.

When to give up on triple feeding?

You should be able to get off triple feeding soon. There would never be a need to do it past 6 weeks because that’s when max supply is established for the rest of the breastfeeding journey, but many women are able to stop before then.

At what age is breastfeeding no longer beneficial?

There are many professional associations that recommend breastfeeding beyond 1 year, but to date there is no evidence that extended breastfeeding is harmful in any way. There is currently no known age when breastmilk is considered to be nutritionally insignificant for a child.

How to transition from triple feeding to combo feeding?

It may take a while for your baby to get used to a change in feeding methods, so take your time when starting mixed feeding. It’s recommended that you also: introduce the first bottle feed when your baby is calm, not tired or hungry. use a slow-flow teat to mimic the flow when breastfeeding.

What is the 5 5 5 rule for breast milk?

Something I recommend to moms is the 5-5-5 rule. Try and use milk within five hours at room temperature, five days in the fridge, and by five months in the freezer.

What is the 3 3 3 rule for breast milk?

The ‘Rule of Three’ guideline suggests allowing the baby to nurse for at least three minutes on each breast to ensure they receive a balance of foremilk (initial, thirst-quenching milk) and hindmilk (higher-fat, calorie-rich milk).

What is the rule of 4s breastmilk?

If all of this information (see chart below) is hard for you to remember on the fly, think “rule of fours”: For freshly pumped breast milk, you can safely give it to baby for up to four hours at room temperature and up to four days in the refrigerator.

What is the healthiest age to stop breastfeeding?

The World Health Organization recommends that all babies be exclusively breastfed for 6 months, then gradually introduced to appropriate foods after 6 months while continuing to breastfeed for 2 years or beyond. Stopping breastfeeding is called weaning. It is up to you and your baby to decide when the time is right.

What is the rule of 3 breastfeeding?

The ‘Rule of Three’ guideline suggests allowing the baby to nurse for at least three minutes on each breast to ensure they receive a balance of foremilk (initial, thirst-quenching milk) and hindmilk (higher-fat, calorie-rich milk).

Will I lose weight after I stop breastfeeding?

It’s normal to store extra fat during pregnancy to be used up while breastfeeding. Mothers vary in when they lose this extra weight. For some it is in the early weeks, some later and for others it’s not until after they have stopped breastfeeding.