Feeding doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing. Many families find that a mix of breastfeeding, pumped milk, and formula is what truly supports their baby’s growth and the family’s mental health. That’s combo feeding.
Why Parents Choose Combo Feeding
- To share feeds with a partner or support person
- To get a longer stretch of sleep at night
- To return to work or school with less pressure
- To reduce anxiety around milk supply
None of these reasons make you “less” of a breastfeeding parent. They make you a human being doing your best.
Common Ways to Structure Combo Feeding
Here are a few patterns I see often in practice:
- Mornings at the breast, evenings mixed: Nurse baby overnight and in the morning, then use a mix of bottles (pumped milk and/or formula) later in the day.
- One or two “anchor” nursing sessions: Keep a favorite feed — like first thing in the morning and bedtime — and bottles for the rest.
- Mostly breastfeeds with a “top-off” bottle: Baby nurses, then gets a small bottle when needed.
Protecting Your Milk Supply (If You Want To)
If maintaining some supply is important to you, try to replace any missed breastfeeds with a pump session when possible. It doesn’t have to be exact — we’re looking at overall patterns, not perfection.
Letting Go of Guilt
There’s a lot of noise online about the “right” way to feed a baby. The reality: the best feeding plan is one that nourishes your baby and is sustainable for you. That might be exclusive breastfeeding; it might not.
Your bond with your baby is not measured in ounces of breast milk. You are enough.