In plain words
Combination feeding means a baby gets both breast milk and formula, or both breast milk and pumped milk from a bottle. Some mothers combine feeding from the start, for medical reasons or because of how the baby is feeding. Others begin with breastfeeding alone and add formula later. Combination feeding can also change over time, with more formula or more breast milk as the weeks go on. It is a common way to feed, and it is not a failure. Your provider or a can help you plan a combination that fits your baby and your life, whatever you decide.
The deeper version
Combination feeding is the provision of breast milk together with infant formula or expressed milk from a bottle. may be medically indicated, as in documented inadequate intake with weight concerns, or elective, as in maternal return to work. The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine's protocol on supplementation (2017) describes how supplementary feeding should be indicated, documented, and tapered once the breastfeeding relationship is established. Each supplementary feed reduces the stimulus to milk production unless breast emptying is maintained with pumping, and this is the basis for and milk-supply planning. Studies comparing combination with exclusive breastfeeding show differences in duration and in some infant outcomes, mostly confounded by maternal and social factors. Decisions are made within a shared plan rather than a fixed rule.
Where it comes up
- Combo feeding: breast and formulaFeeding Your Baby
- Feeding choices and guiltFeeding Your Baby
- Feeding twins or multiplesFeeding Your Baby
What mothers here say about combination feeding
No one has posted under this term yet.
Sources
- Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine — Clinical Protocol #3: Hospital guidelines for supplementary feedings in the healthy term breastfed neonate, 2017
- La Leche League International — Combination feeding: information for families