Combining breastfeeding and bottle feeding, also known as complementary or combination feeding, is a great technique practiced by mothers who need to get back to work while helping them breastfeed longer at the same time. Here are some tips to help you be successful.
Breastfeed exclusively for a month
Breastfeed your baby for 3 weeks or until he is 1 month old before introducing formula to increase your milk supply and make sure your baby is nursing well. Lactation specialists recommend this so that an occasional bottle doesn’t disrupt the routine too much and prevents nipple confusion.
get prepared
Your baby can be a picky eater when it comes to bottles and nipples, so you may need to experiment a bit before you find out which ones you like best. The most popular options are BPA-free angled bottles with flat sides that allow for easier gripping and flat, slow-flow nipples that mimic the shape of a mother’s breast.
Ask for help
Your baby will most likely be hesitant to take a bottle at first, especially if you’re the one feeding him, as he may associate your smell with breast milk. To make this transition smoother, ask someone else to offer the bottle: her spouse, mother, or aunt. Once your little one gets used to drinking milk from the bottle, you can take charge again.
try a different position
Another tip is to hold your baby in a different position than your normal nursing position. Instead of holding your baby with his face level with her breast, position him against her forehead so that he is facing away from you. This will serve as a signal for bottle time.
take it easy
Do not substitute the breast with a bottle right away. Gradually supplement. For example, you can eliminate one particular feeding per day and then breastfeed as usual at all other times. When you notice that you are not “full” during that time, you can withdraw another feeding. This will also help your breast adjust while still having a good milk supply.
Correct time
Timing is very important when combining breastfeeding and formula feeding. Choose a time to introduce those first bottles when your baby is hungry but not hungry, such as during the second feeding of the day. When your little one is in a good mood, they will most likely accept what you feed them.
separate the milk
Some mothers say that it is okay to combine breast milk with formula. But according to lactation experts, it’s not a good idea to mix the two. Why? Because you may end up wasting your effort expressing breastmilk if your baby can’t finish the bottle. Instead, offer your baby expressed breast milk first, and if your baby is still hungry, offer a bottle of formula.
Last but not least, the best thing you can do when combining breastfeeding and bottle feeding is to relax. It may take a bit of time to get right, but try not to sweat too much. Keep practicing and sooner or later you will be an expert in supplementation.
