{"id":248708,"date":"2021-07-29T11:24:03","date_gmt":"2021-07-29T15:24:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.oviahealth.com\/?post_type=article&p=248708"},"modified":"2025-01-08T13:23:32","modified_gmt":"2025-01-08T18:23:32","slug":"combining-formula-and-breastfeeding","status":"publish","type":"article","link":"https:\/\/www.oviahealth.com\/guide\/248708\/combining-formula-and-breastfeeding\/","title":{"rendered":"Combining formula and breastfeeding"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

For something that\u2019s incredibly common, there isn\u2019t a lot of discussion around how to integrate breastfeeding with regular formula feeding. One reason might be that, for many families, the combination can feel so seamless that it may not need much discussion. Other families can have trouble finding the information that they need. Whether formula has come to you by choice or necessity, we are here to help demystify the combo-feeding process!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basics <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For the first few months, babies need about 24-32 ounces of formula in 24 hours. If you\u2019re combo feeding, they will likely drink less than these amounts. There is a lot of room for flexibility, which can make things confusing. You can directly breastfeed and then top up with formula, you can breastfeed with an at-breast supplementer, you can mix bottles if you\u2019re pumping, or you can breastfeed all day and do formula all night. There isn\u2019t a right and wrong way to do it \u2014 just what works best for you and your baby. And don\u2019t be afraid to experiment! As long as your baby is making enough diapers and growing steadily, you can try on some different methods of combo feeding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Supplementing because of low milk production<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes adding formula isn\u2019t a family\u2019s first choice, and there are a lot of emotions that come with this adjustment. Everything you\u2019re feeling is okay. If you\u2019re struggling with low milk production, breastfeeding has likely been time consuming and painful, which may have taken the joy of feeding away from you. Sometimes adding formula allows you to start fresh. Know that formula is an amazing medicine and food supply in so many ways. <\/p>\n\n\n\n


If you decide to continue to breastfeed in addition to formula feeding, any breastmilk you provide can still be beneficial for comfort and antibodies. If you\u2019d like more information, check out The Low Milk Supply Foundation.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Supplementing to share responsibility<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Some families introduce formula supplements after a period of full breastfeeding because they want to be able to share the responsibility for feeding with a partner, or if they\u2019re going back to work and don\u2019t plan to pump. For these families, it\u2019s a good idea to ease into supplementing one feed at a time, so the breastfeeding parent\u2019s body can start to lower milk production while, hopefully, avoiding painful engorgement, clogged ducts or mastitis. In these cases, it can also be helpful to introduce a bottle part-way through a feed the first few times. This will allow Baby to get some breastmilk before getting formula, so that by the time they get a bottle, they won\u2019t be quite so hungry and may be happier and more willing to try new things than they would if they were hungry and fussy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tips<\/h2>\n\n\n\n