Mixed breastfeeding: how many feedings and bottles per day?

Mixed breastfeeding is a practice chosen by future mothers who are reluctant to exclusively breastfeed their baby. This Supply Mode allows baby to be breastfed, but also bottle-fed with infant milk. For many, mixed breastfeeding is an ideal in-between, but setting up this mode of breastfeeding is not always easy for some new mothers. As Isabelle Cloutier, lactation consultant IBCL (the certification of the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners) explains “there are a lot of fantasies around mixed breastfeeding and often a huge gap between what women want and reality.” What are the pros and cons of mixed breastfeeding? How many feedings and bottles per day? Which milk to choose? Elements of answers with our expert.

What is mixed breastfeeding?

“Mixed breastfeeding consists of introduce a method of feeding other than the breast, the child then receives infant formula“, explains Isabelle Cloutier.

Attention however, reminds the specialist, do not confuse with the breast pump. “It is the presence of infant milk on a regular basis in the child’s diet that makes one speak of mixed breastfeeding.. If the child receives bottles of breast milk, we will rather speak of breast-feeding, which is a neologism.

How many feedings and bottles per day with mixed breastfeeding?

In the case of mixed breastfeeding, there is no specific number of feeds and bottles to give a baby per day. There are several configurations. Sometimes, we complete directly with a bottle of infant milk after the feed or the bottle replaces a feed. “You have to observe the rhythm of the child and respect his physiology“, comments the specialist.

To maintain lactation, especially the first few weeksthe young mother must express her milk very regularly, at least twice a day every day. “It is necessary to keep as many feedings as possible to avoid a compression of the lactation. It is also important to maintain night feedingsbecause the production of prolactin is higher at night”, she advises. A large majority of women who have chosen mixed breastfeeding adopt this rhythm: breastfeeding in the morning, bottle feeding at noon and afternoon, breastfeeding in the evening and feedings at will at night.

“You have to observe the rhythm of the child and respect his physiology.”

Which infant milk to choose with mixed breastfeeding?

“To minimize the risk of allergies, the ideal is to choose one hypoallergenic milk“, recommends the lactation consultant. Young parents can discuss this issue with their pediatrician who will be able to direct them to the most suitable milk according to their baby’s needs.

Can we set up mixed breastfeeding from birth?

In fact, nothing stands in the way of setting up a mixed breastfeeding from birth. But introducing bottles of infant milk when breastfeeding has not yet been established presents a risk major: that of see lactation dry up very quickly and therefore lead to early weaning and not desired.

Ideally, the expert recommends ofwait at least 4 to 6 weeksthe time for lactation to take place, but also for baby to be effective at the breast.

Why choose mixed breastfeeding?

Young mothers choose mixed breastfeeding for several reasons. In the context of her work, Isabelle Cloutier frequently observes that the women who turn to mixed breastfeeding are very often the ones who are not helped enough. “There are obviously all kinds of contexts. But for example, a woman who is going to have sore nipples or difficulty in establishing breastfeeding should be able to take advice from a lactation consultant in order to identify the problem.she points out. Mixed breastfeeding should not be a choice out of spite because a problem has occurred and could not be resolved.

The issue of Going back to work is also taken into account in the choice of mixed breastfeeding. But in parallel, the reason most often cited is that of the father’s involvement. A lure, for the lactation consultant. “Often women say they want the father to be involved. But this is nothing miraculous. An erased man will remain so… mixed breastfeeding or not”. It is also up to the young mother to let the father find and take her place. “He can’t breastfeed, but he can do a lot of things. Rocking, bathing, but also simply taking part in sharing household chores or meals to support your partner“, she details.

What are the pros and cons of mixed breastfeeding?

Choosing mixed breastfeeding has several advantages and disadvantages.

Benefits of Mixed Breastfeeding

The reality of the world of work and the reduced duration of maternity leave complicate the lives of women. Mixed breastfeeding can be lifesaving for moms returning to work very soon after the birth of their child or have time-consuming activities. THE maintaining exclusive breastfeeding can indeed be difficult in these conditions. “This can really save breastfeeding in some cases, as long as feedings and lactations are maintained“, observes Isabelle Cloutier.

Mixed breastfeeding obviously allows more freedom, since a third person can give baby a bottle. While her partner takes care of the baby’s meal, the woman can take the opportunity to take time for herself.

Disadvantages of Mixed Breastfeeding

“The main risk is that of breast-pacifier confusion“, indicates Isabelle Cloutier. With the bottle, the milk flows much more quickly and easily, and the child can then lose interest in breastfeeding, which requires more effort.

Moreover, “I‘mixed breastfeeding can also prevent the baby from suckling well at the breast, but above all induce early weaning“, adds the specialist. It is therefore important for women to keep this data in mind before taking the plunge.

Thanks to Isabelle Cloutier, IBCLC lactation consultant.