combi feeding?

[SurpriseBub]

Is anyone here combination feeding? If so how have you done it? Do you breastfeed and then top up? Or do feeds that are only breastfeeding and then feeds that are only formula?


Thank you in advance!

 

[staralfur]

We combi-fed for about 7 weeks. I usually breastfed first and then did a top-up, but in the evenings I would often skip feeds and have my husband give her formula while I slept. Fair warning: skipping feeds is at best bad for your supply, at worst a fast track to mastitis. I got it three times in the 7 short weeks we combi-fed, so be careful if you're planning on replacing feeds with formula.

In the end I tried desperately to get back to EBF because I found combi-feeding to be the worst of both worlds.

Sorry to be a bummer, but realistically combi-feeding can get very complicated and compromise breastfeeding.

 

[caitlyn2009]

I combi-feed but only because my little one is a big eater and I cannot pump enough while at work to keep up. He drinks 3 bottles while at the sitter.. Formula, expressed milk, formula. He then gets breast milk in the evenings and weekends. Occasionally if we are out and about I will give home formula because I am not a huge fan on NIP although I do that occasionally as well. We started combi feeding around 4 months when he started wanting 6 ounce bottles instead of 4.

 

[SurpriseBub]

Thanks for the feedback ladies! Mastitis... Youch. i think the way forward for us is to have formula on hand, and just offer a formula bottle as and when, rather than work it into the daily schedule. I appreciate hearing your experiences!