Error: This is required. Error: Not a valid value. Mixed feeding is when a baby is fed formula as well as breastmilk. Most Australian women would prefer to exclusively breastfeed and 9 out of 10 women start off breastfeeding their newborn. However, for some women, breastfeeding doesn't work out the way they think it will. Mixed feeding involves giving your baby formula and:. Although exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months is the ideal start for your baby, there are reasons why a mother may consider mixed feeding.
These include:. Sometimes breastfeeding can be difficult for the mother or baby. Problems they could face include:. It is your choice whether you move to mixed feeding — and any breastfeeding you have managed to do for your baby is a success. It's important to know, however, that you can receive help with many of the above issues and this could allow you to continue or return to exclusive breastfeeding. It's possible you might feel that you are not supplying enough breastmilk for your baby.
This can often be resolved by finding out whether you actually do have a low supply and if so, by taking steps to increase the amount of breastmilk you are producing. Low breastmilk supply may be temporary and many mothers are able to build up their supply so it's enough for their baby.
While doing this, they may decide to feed their baby donor milk, or mixed feed them with formula. A small percentage of women, however, have a low supply of milk because they don't have enough milk-producing breast tissue. This may be due to a previous breast reduction or surgery or other medical condition. If they can still produce some breastmilk, these mothers may choose to feed their baby both breastmilk and formula. A parent who is considering mixed feeding may be worried that their baby is losing or not gaining enough weight.
All babies grow differently and their weight may change at different times. Your baby record book may have a growth chart that can help you assess and follow your baby's growth. Sometimes a lower baby weight is nothing to be concerned about, or it lasts for a short period of time due to a temporary milk supply issue or problem feeding.
Alternatively, your baby could be sick, have a medical condition or be sensitive to something you are eating. A baby may benefit from mixed feeding if they were born very prematurely earlier than 32 weeks , have a very low birth weight less than 1, g or are very sick.
Some women may consider mixed feeding because they are uncomfortable breastfeeding in a public place , or because they are returning to work. Although some mothers successfully combine breastfeeding with returning to work , others may prefer not to. It's important to know that many breastfeeding or weight gain issues can be resolved and that help is available to you.
You will need to get your supply up by focusing on breastfeeding for a while wherever you can. While your supply is still low you might have to give your baby formula while you focus on getting your supply up by pumping. Once you have a steady supply you can combi-feed from there if you want to.
Speak to your midwife, health visitor or a public health nurse for more advice and guidance on how to safely go about this, but we have supplied some tips below:. At around six months the amount of milk your baby needs will gradually reduce as they start weaning. As your baby grows and you go through the different stages of weaning , the amount of milk they need will reduce.
We recommend that you speak to your healthcare professional when deciding on your choice of feeding your baby. Professional guidance should also be sought on the preparation for and maintenance of breastfeeding. If you do choose to breastfeed, it's important to eat a healthy, balanced diet. Infant formula is intended to replace breast milk when mothers choose not to breastfeed or if for some reason they are unable to do so.
A decision not to breastfeed, or to introduce partial bottle-feeding, will reduce the supply of breast milk. If for any reason you choose not to breastfeed, do remember that such a decision can be difficult to reverse.
Breast milk production The more you breastfeed, the higher the amount of milk you'll produce. Information: The importance of breastfeeding. Feeding in early weeks Sometimes, mothers breastfeed with the desire to give their baby both breast and formula feeds.
Challenges of formula feeding If you plan to combination feed, it may take time for your baby to adjust to feeding from both the bottle and the breast. Breast milk supply When you begin giving formula to your baby, they will take less of your milk.
Digestion Because formula milk is not as digestible as breast milk, your baby may experience more digestive discomfort and wind. Breastfeeding issues Possible breastfeeding challenges such as sore nipples may develop.
Information: Sore nipples Engorgement while breastfeeding Expressing breast milk. Things to consider when formula feeding When considering formula feeding, be aware of: the type of feed for babies the cost of using formula the safety of the local water supply the equipment you will need.
Important It is important to safely prepare your baby's formula feed. Information: Preparing baby formula Bottle-feeding. Paced bottle-feeding When bottle-feeding your baby, it's important to pace the feed. Paced bottle-feeding is a great way for the baby and carer to get used to bottle feeding. Hold the bottle almost level and offer the teat in the same way you would the breast. Tickle the top lip and allow the baby to take the teat into their mouth and suck.
Tilt the bottle slightly towards the baby and when they pause, tilt the bottle down to allow the baby to rest for a moment. Repeat until the baby has taken the full feed. Watch a video on how to give a paced bottle feed below. Please accept Youtube cookies to view this content. Manage cookie preferences. Getting help Breastfeeding can take time and patience to learn.
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