mixing formula and breastmilk.

bossyfnp · May 2014

Looking to the future I had been wanting to BF until 6 month. BF has been going great. I think I like the idea of doing 1/2 BM 1/2 formula bottles only while at daycare but continue to take him to breast while at home. Does that have any risks? and if I choose to do this how much will he be taking I know that formula and BM differ in the compostion but will the amount be the same? He takes 4 oz right now

Guennie · May 2014

I have had to supplement from the beginning due to low supply and my baby always takes the same total amount no matter what percentage is bm or formula. I never mix them because I want to make sure if she ever doesn't finish she's still getting all of the bm. I feed the bm first then the formula. Mixing is fine though if that's what you want to do.

VitaLuna · May 2014

What is the reason for wanting to mix bottles? If it's due to low supply and you're pumping every 3-4 hrs at work, I agree with PPs to feed BM first, then formula until you get an idea of what LO is taking every time.

If you're wanting to supplement because you don't want to pump at work (or as much), keep in mind that can cause a supply hit on the days you are home with LO, since you're telling your body to make less milk.

bossyfnp · May 2014

Its been hard getting pumping sessions in at work. Luckily I've been able to get his daycare bottles with two sessions at work and then a motn pump. My goal was to breastfeed until 6m. It just feels like he's eating alot, which is normal I know, but I have a fear about keeping it up. I only work 3 days a week. I just heard some moms say that to get use to formula, they might mix it it breastmilk or for one bottle they do half formula half breastmilk. I was just interested in how it worked out.

harmonicbabe26 · May 2014

@bossyfnp‌ my DD had to get formula from the get go because I just was never able to make 100% and I typically either nursed/gave her pumped BM first, then had formula in another bottle. I was never able to pump enough for any one feed so I would have had to combine several pumps for a bottle. But if I just had a tiny amt of BM then I felt ok mixing because I knew she would take all of what I gave her. But that was just for convenience not to get her used to the taste.
She never had issues switching between BM and formula. She just wanted to eat.
Also never had issues with any sort of nipple confusion even though she was switching between boob and bottle from week 1. Not sure if I just got lucky or if sometimes people overblow this issue to scare others. I feel like if the baby is hungry he/she will take food in whatever form you offer.

Mcsweets · May 2014

I always have mixed formula and BM. Ironically it's because I didn't want them to get used to the BM taste since I knew they'd have to get formula as well. I have b/g twins only produce enough for 1 of them (if I'm lucky) and so they get at least 50% formula supplemented. I've never had a problem with them not finishing the bottle. I usually send about bottles of BM to daycare and she mixes the formula in there. BM/formula doesn't ever stay in our fridge for more than 24 hours lol.

I should add ... if I ever think they're still hungry I always do straight formula "just in case" they don't eat as much as they "think" they want.

Want a personalized experience?

mixing formula and breastmilk.

Re: mixing formula and breastmilk.

Choose Another Board

Search Boards