Mixed feeding: combining breast milk and bottle feeding

Feeding in the first months of a baby's life is one of the most important aspects for their excellent development and growth. Therefore, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life.

However, there are situations where it may be difficult for the mother to feed her child naturally, so she will have to resort to other feeding methods, such as artificial feeding. This can be done exclusively, that is, with the bottle, or combined with breast milk, better known as mixed feeding.

So, if you are considering this feeding method but have doubts, then this article is for you. Below we will explain what it consists of so you can make the best decision.

What is mixed feeding?

Mixed feeding—also known as complementary feeding—is a type of feeding in which babies consume both breast milk and a bottle prepared with formula or other foods.

The goal of combining breast milk and formula during the early stages of the baby's life is to provide nutrients and calories in an easily digestible form, which in turn will help reduce possible nutritional deficiencies.

Why is this type of feeding usually chosen?

Although the vast majority of mothers prefer to breastfeed their babies, unfortunately, there are various situations that may prevent this type of feeding, leading parents to opt for mixed feeding.

Some of these circumstances are:

• Many mothers say: "My baby is hungry before three hours," which means that breast milk is not enough for the child. Therefore, many pediatricians choose to implement bottle feeding.
• The mother must return to work, so she will not be able to breastfeed the child.
• They will have to be separated for a long period due to illness, surgery, or travel.
• Parents do not want to carry out exclusive breastfeeding. They may not know how much milk a newborn takes, so they prefer to control the amounts and give the bottle on demand or every 3 hours.
• Mother's absence due to major reasons.
• The baby is in the 3-month bottle crisis, so they no longer ask for the breast or their feeding is chaotic.

Pros and cons of mixed feeding

The combination of breast milk and bottle feeding has various advantages. In fact, most parents choose this type of feeding attracted by its benefits. Some of these are:

• It provides babies with special needs the necessary nutrients.
• It allows the mother to rest.
• It is very beneficial for women, as it allows them to adapt to various circumstances, whether social, family, or work-related.
• Parents can also participate in feeding their babies.
• The mother and baby can continue to maintain the bond created through breastfeeding. 
• It forces the baby to develop early motor skills.
• It has been shown to improve babies’ cognitive development as well as their emotional and behavioral growth.

However, despite the benefits of mixed feeding, its implementation can also cause some risks, so it is necessary to consider them before making a decision. Some of its consequences are as follows:

• There is a possibility that the baby may reject one of the feeding methods, either breast milk or the bottle.
• Baby’s milk production is stimulated by the child’s sucking at the mother’s breast. Therefore, introducing the bottle may lead to the end of natural breastfeeding.

How should mixed feeding be done?

It can be difficult for the baby to adapt to this change. For this reason, it is important that when you start implementing it, you follow some recommendations that will help you carry out mixed feeding.

• Introduce the bottle gradually, preferably when your baby is happy and relaxed.
• Alternate one breastfeeding session with one formula feeding.
• If you are going back to work, start the transition well in advance, as this change takes time.
• Don’t force the baby to drink.
• When you bottle-feed, offer plenty of physical contact, talk to the baby, caress, and pamper them.  
• Allow other family members to feed the baby; this way, the baby will get used to other arms and won’t smell only breast milk.
• Use slow-flow bottles. This will help the baby not get used to feeding only from the breast.

What should you keep in mind?

To achieve successful mixed feeding, it is important to consider some tips that will be very helpful in carrying out this feeding method effectively. 

• First of all, it is vital that you consult your pediatrician, who will tell you the appropriate amount of milk for your baby and recommend a newborn formula suitable for your child.
• Look for the best bottles for mixed feeding on the market. This way, the baby will adapt more easily.
• The amount of formula you need to prepare will depend on how often the baby feeds.
• Choose a nipple suitable for your child’s age.
• Try to buy the best formula milk for mixed feeding. To do this, you will need to test different brands until you find the one that suits your baby.

Mixed feeding can be difficult to incorporate. However, with some supplies, it is possible to make the experience as positive as possible for both the baby and the caregiver. So don’t get frustrated if your baby doesn’t adapt to the change; with consistency and patience, you will succeed.