When to start mixed feeding
Mixed feeding should not be considered until breast feeding is well established - as a guide, this is usually around six to eight weeks but some women will have to introduce a bottle earlier, in which case it is advised to avoid introduction until your baby is 3-4 weeks old. This is because it takes several weeks for your supply to build up and demand feeding an infant is the best way to ensure a good milk supply is established.
If feeding from a bottle is introduced before you've established breast feeding, you can reduce your milk production and your baby may develop a preference for bottle feeding and give up on breast feeding altogether.
Introducing a bottle after three months of age may be met with bottle refusal by some babies. While many of these babies can adjust after a period of time to taking a bottle, some may not and alternate means of feeding (i.e. cup) will be necessary. Most health care professionals agree however that overcoming bottle refusal is easier than the potential problems that can arise if a bottle is introduced too early.
Preparing to introduce formula
Introducing formula is a big decision both physically and emotionally. For some infants it can be difficult to introduce a bottle as they are used to being breast fed. Once babies are on formula and the change has been made, it can be difficult to reverse, particularly if breast milk is not being expressed to maintain supply. Make sure you have spoken with your health care professional about the decision to move from breast feeding to formula feeding first.
- If you wish to reduce breast feeding, the approach to weaning will be dependent on how old your baby is, whether you want to completely wean or mix feed your baby, and what your individual milk supply is like. Your health care professional is the best person to help suggest suitable approaches to weaning, or contact one of our experts. For an older baby, dropping one feed every few days or each week may help minimize breast discomfort. Hand expressing to alleviate breast fullness and discomfort associated with milk stasis should also be considered as this may help prevent breast engorgement or leaking.
- Your body will soon learn to stop producing breast milk at the time you choose to drop a feed from the breast and formula feed instead. For example, if this is at night, you'll begin to stop producing milk for this feed.
- Changing one feed at a time may give your breasts time to adjust to the reduced milk requirements and stop them becoming painful or engorged. If your breasts feel as if they're full or uncomfortable, you can express some milk - just enough to relieve the pressure. This is important to help reduce any risks associated with blocked ducts or engorgement.
- Some women may notice that their overall supply becomes affected with the introduction of formula feeds. In this instance putting the baby back onto the breast frequently and expressing following breastfeeds (in some cases up to eight times or more in 24 hours to increase a reduced supply) may be helpful in boosting your milk supply again. Other women will find that their body regulates around the formula feed and they still produce sufficient quantities of milk. The more reliant on formula feeds, the less your body will begin to produce. Once you've made the step it can be difficult to switch back.
- Think carefully about which feeds you'd like from the breast and which with the formula. Sticking to a regular routine will get your breasts used to producing the right supplies of milk at the right time. Just remember to go slowly and give your body time to adjust.
- If you have concerns about your supply contact one of our advisors or your health care professional who may be able to refer you to a lactation consultant.
It can take time to work out a mixed feeding routine that both you and your baby are comfortable with, so try to be patient. If you'd like some advice on mixed feeding speak to your health care professional, or give one of our team a call on 1800 438 500 or contact us on LiveChat.
