What is combination feeding?

You may have heard the term, combination feeding. Usually this refers to mums who feed from the breast for some feeds and from a bottle for other feeds (whether breastmilk or formula milk). However, some mums can refer to it as bottle feeding and switching between breastmilk and formula milk. This is a less common usage though.

Why do people talk about combination feeding?

It’s a common subject usually in regards to the following two circumstances:

1. When mums are feeding breastmilk from the breast and then via a bottle, a baby has to get used to the difference between accepting milk through your breast and the teat of a bottle which may feel different. The goal here is for the baby to accept being fed via both breast and bottle.
2. When a mum decides to stop exclusively feeding from the breast and wants to move the baby on to using a bottle for all their feeds (often by formula milk).

The challenge of getting your baby to use a bottle if they are used to feeding from the breast is usually termed ‘acceptance’. If this is you, our bottle feeding hints and tips are worth a read. 

Are there advantages to using a baby bottle?

Whichever of the above options you choose, using a bottle to deliver breastmilk or formula has some benefits. This includes:

• You know exactly how much milk your baby has had.
• You do not need to be present each time the baby has to be fed – bottle feeding allows others to share the feeding, allowing you to take a break or go back to work at the appropriate time.
• Bottle feeding also helps dad to get involved and bond with their baby too. Although there’s lots of other ways dad can get involved.

But of course breastfeeding is a unique experience. So ultimately whether you choose to feed from the breast, from a bottle or combination feed, the choice is yours to make. Just be sure to decide what’s right for you and your family. 

Bottle feeding hints and tips

How do I prepare a bottle of formula milk?