Are you wondering if mixed feeding could be the solution to feeding your baby from birth, but have doubts clouding your mind?
Let’s take a look together at the advantages and disadvantages of this method.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Mixed Feeding: Definition
- What are the advantages of mixed feeding?
- More freedom
- A unique relationship with your child
- What are the disadvantages of mixed feeding?
- Finding the right rhythm
- Waiting for lactation to be established before giving bottles
- The risk of nipple confusion
- Exclusive Pumping: For mothers who want to give breastmilk without breastfeeding
- Is mixed feeding tiring?
- Does mixed feeding allow for on-demand feeding?
- How to organize your mixed feeding routine?
- In summary
Mixed Feeding: Definition
Mixed feeding refers to alternating between breastfeeding and bottle feeding. Parents who practice mixed feeding do so either out of necessity due to a busy schedule or by choice to share feeding duties, choosing to both breastfeed their baby and give bottles, which may contain formula or expressed breast milk using a breast pump.
What are the advantages of mixed feeding?
More freedom
Mixed feeding offers greater freedom. The mother doesn’t have to be present at every feeding and can let her partner handle feeding duties. She can express milk ahead of time to build up a supply, allowing her to step away with peace of mind.
Some women, aware of their need for personal time, can feel less guilty: their child still benefits from breast milk. Mixed feeding allows parents to combine breastfeeding and bottle feeding, and makes the period of weaning, which can sometimes be difficult, easier to manage in advance.
A unique relationship with your child
Breastfeeding is a way to strengthen the bond with your child. For some women, there is no alternative! But reality often sets in, and unfortunately, not all mothers can have the breastfeeding experience they envisioned. Mixed feeding is therefore an ideal compromise that combines all the benefits of breastfeeding and bottle-feeding! 😉
What are the disadvantages of mixed feeding?
Mixed feeding doesn’t have disadvantages per se. It all really depends on personal choice! For a woman who wants to exclusively breastfeed, or for those who would rather use bottles from birth, it may not be a suitable alternative.
Finding the right rhythm
The first few weeks, it can be challenging for a woman to find the right rhythm.
- How often should I breastfeed?
- How many bottles per day should I plan for?
- Is baby eating enough, or still hungry?
- Does giving bottles risk affecting my milk supply?
These are all questions that often worry new parents, especially with a first baby or first breastfeeding experience.
Waiting for lactation to be established before giving bottles
Ideally, you should not offer bottles during the first few weeks, to give your milk supply time to become well-established. Introducing bottles too early can hinder your goal of establishing mixed or partial breastfeeding.
The risk of nipple confusion
Mixed feeding sometimes raises concerns—one in particular being nipple confusion between breast and bottle.
- Might my baby turn away from breastfeeding or refuse bottles?
- Could mealtimes become a struggle and lead to a stressful situation?
This broad topic fortunately comes with solutions and is covered in detail in another blog article, which you can find HERE.
Exclusive Pumping: For mothers who want to give breastmilk without breastfeeding
Exclusive pumping is the practice of expressing milk using a special device, which can be rented from pharmacies, to give to your baby instead of formula. In this way, the mother can continue to provide breast milk without having to be physically present, allowing someone else to bottle-feed the baby.
Is mixed feeding tiring?
Some women sometimes wonder if breastfeeding is tiring. On the other hand, others hesitate to use bottles, finding that prep and cleaning times at night deprive them of more sleep! To protect your sleep as much as possible, it’s essential to choose a bottle that will help you save time:
- easy to take apart,
- dishwasher safe,
- and well accepted by your baby.
Overall, exclusive breastfeeding is not more tiring than bottle-feeding. Night awakenings may be more frequent when exclusively breastfeeding, as breast milk is absorbed and digested more quickly than formula.
Did you know? 💡
A breastfeeding mother will achieve deeper and more restorative sleep than a mother feeding with bottles. Nature is well-designed: the body, influenced by the hormone prolactin, receives a signal to more quickly enter deep sleep phases. This phase helps the body recover physically.
Does mixed feeding allow for on-demand feeding?
On-demand feeding is the act of putting baby to the breast whenever they show signs of hunger or the need for comfort. Most of the time, this process is very quick! Even the clothing industry has adapted by designing lingerie especially for breastfeeding situations, making nursing easier and faster.
With mixed feeding, your baby will sometimes need to wait whenever you choose to give a bottle, as you prepare formula, warm it, and get ready to feed. So, in these situations, it isn’t really possible to have on-demand feeding.
These few minutes of waiting can be stressful if your baby cries; it’s important not to rush and risk falling while carrying your child.
After all, crying is the only way babies communicate in their first months of life! Instinct drives them to cry out as soon as they’re hungry. When parents are exhausted, it’s tempting to give the breast to respond faster to their needs. Quick response is one of the big benefits of on-demand breastfeeding!
How to organize your mixed feeding routine?
If you opt for mixed feeding, you’ll need to alternate between breastfeeding and preparing bottles. Try to be consistent and regular each day.
Example:
- Breastfeed upon waking and during the morning,
- bottle at noon,
- Breastfeed in the afternoon before nap time,
- bottle at snack time,
- Breastfeed before bedtime,
- if needed, one or two bottles at night.
This way, your baby will get used to a defined routine and will be less likely to feel anxious. Keeping the same schedule is also helpful for your own body, which will learn to produce milk regularly at the right times.
Mixed feeding requires a certain level of discipline and strong organization, otherwise your milk supply can become unpredictable and may upset more sensitive babies.
In summary
- Mixed feeding is an interesting alternative for women who want to combine breastfeeding and bottle feeding…
- Not more tiring than exclusive breastfeeding or bottle feeding, mixed feeding does require a certain level of discipline.
- Especially with mixed feeding, it’s important to choose a bottle similar in shape and texture to the breast to maximize your chances of success!
