Breastfeeding Moms Are Mixing Formula & Breast Milk-Should You?

Struggling with low milk supply and sleepless nights, new mothers often find breastfeeding both rewarding and exhausting. The constant worry about baby’s nutrition, latching issues, and painful nursing sessions make them question if they was doing enough.

On the other hand, breastfeeding is both rewarding and challenging. Mothers greatly cherish the bonding experience. However, others face low milk supply, exhaustion, or demand upon returning to work. In such a case, combination of breast milk with formula is usually the solution at hand, better known as combo feeding. So, is this safe? How do you correctly mix your breast milk with your baby's formula? Let me tell you about everything there's to know so that you're able to maximize your baby's nutrition, just making things more manageable for yourself.

Why Some Moms Make the Decision To Mix Breast Milk and Formula

Some mothers mix breast milk and formula based on personal choice. The reasons for doing so are numerous, but the most common include the following:

• Some mothers do not have enough milk to fully feed their baby.
• Pumping regularly at work is not always possible, so supplementing with formula is convenient.
• Breastfeeding twins or more is very exhausting, and formula can help fill in the gaps.
• Some mothers find that formula feeding at night helps their babies sleep longer.
• Gradual introduction of formula can help a baby get accustomed to the new taste and consistency.

Is it Safe to Mix Breast Milk and Formula in the Same Bottle?

Yes, you can mix breast milk and formula in the same bottle as long as you prepare it according to proper guidelines. Both the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, but they acknowledge that supplementing with formula is sometimes necessary.

The antibodies, proteins, and essential nutrients in breast milk are tailored for your baby. Formula, on the other hand, offers a steady and predictable source of nutrition. Mixing them gives you the chance to benefit most from both.

Pros and Cons of Mixing Breast Milk and Formula

Pros

Mixing the two can be done directly in one bottle and can cut down the number of feedings as well as bottle cleaning.

Infants take in all the immunity-boosting benefits of breast milk.

The other caregivers can feed him/her to give her the needed break.

It is easy for the mother to return to work without abrupt weaning.

Cons

Breast milk lasts as long as four hours at room temperature, but once mixed with formula, it should be consumed within two hours.

Some babies may take time to digest formula.

If the formula is not mixed properly, the balance will be disturbed when it comes to nutrition.

How to Safely Mix Breast Milk and Formula

To make sure your baby receives the proper nutrition without any forms of adverse health effects, one can follow this step:

Step 1: Prepare the Formula Correctly

Never use breast milk in place of water when mixing the formula. This will establish an unsafe calibration of nutrients, which is dangerous for your baby. Use the following strategy:

- Always observe the instructions from the manufacturer on the container.

- Measure out the amount of water first and then the amount of formula.

- Mix well or shake to dissolve it properly.

Step 2: Add Breast Milk

After preparing the formula, you can add expressed breast milk to the bottle. Ensure that:

- The breast milk is safely stored (freshly pumped, refrigerated, or thawed from frozen).

- The mixture is consumed within two hours at room temperature or within 24 hours if refrigerated.

Step 3: Serve Immediately or Store Safely

- If your baby starts drinking the bottle but doesn’t finish, discard the remaining milk within one hour.

- Do not reheat mixed bottles, as this can alter the nutrients in breast milk.

To minimize waste, some experts recommend offering breast milk first. If your baby is still hungry, follow up with a separate bottle of formula. This method ensures that none of your hard-earned breast milk goes to waste.

If you decide to mix breast milk and formula, it’s important to listen to your baby and your body. Start slowly by introducing formula gradually to monitor how your baby reacts and ensure a smooth transition. Using the right bottles can make a big difference—some nipples and bottle designs mimic breastfeeding, helping babies adjust more easily. There are several points a breastfeeding mom should keep in mind: she needs to take good care of her health and hydration system in order to maintain proper milk supplies, and in case of any medical information a baby has, it is always best to consult a pediatrician because every infant is different and requires a specific feeding plan.

Breast milk and formula do not necessarily have to be an either-or proposition. When you want to solely breastfeed or supplement your baby with formula, the most important thing is that the baby's on time, healthy, and happy. If combo feeding makes life easier while also ensuring that your baby is well-nourished, then it is a valid and beneficial choice.

How to Safely Prepare Baby Formula With Water Opens a new window. American Academy of Pediatrics, 2022

Infant Formula Preparation and Storage Opens a new window. CDC. 2022

Questions & Answers for Consumers Concerning Infant Formula Opens a new window. FDA. 2022