Breastfeeding vs Formula

There are many reasons why women do not want or are unable to breastfeed exclusively. There are women who simply cannot breastfeed at all, or who are temporarily unable to breastfeed. This can be due to anatomical causes, hormonal reasons, or complaints caused by breastfeeding. Fortunately, there are excellent pre-formula products available today, allowing mothers to breastfeed and bottle feed at the same time. How can you get the best of both worlds?

Six helpful facts about mixed feeding:

1. Breastfeeding exclusively

It is recommended that you only start mixed feeding once breastfeeding is well-established. The timing can vary between individuals, but is generally around 6-8 weeks.

2. Controlling milk production

One challenge when switching between breastfeeding and bottle feeding can be controlling or maintaining breast milk production. Supply is ultimately regulated by demand, i.e., latching your baby on (or expressing) less means less milk. It is therefore important to breastfeed your baby regularly, even when mixed feeding, or to express between feeds.

3. Complementing a meal by bottle feeding

If you are bottle-feeding your baby because you are afraid that it will not be satisfied by breast milk alone, the following rule applies: always breastfeed first and only then offer a bottle.

4. Regularity

A regular routine is optimal for the child and breast in order to establish a rhythm with milk production and digestion. Most babies thrive on recurring rituals and routines.

5. Formula / milk powder

Pre-formula is most similar in composition to breast milk and is therefore the first choice for mixed feeding. Just like "original" milk, pre-powder contains only lactose as a source of carbohydrate. "Stage 1" milk powder (first infant formula) can be used earlier, in the same way as pre-milk. However, in addition to lactose it also contains starch or maltodextrin. Follow-on milk ("stage 2" milk), which is recommended from the age of 6 months at the earliest1, also contains other forms of sugar or carbohydrates. From a purely nutritional point of view, it is not necessary to switch to follow-on milk, although it can be more satisfying (however, this effect is also produced by solids once they have been introduced). The advantage of pre-milk is that you can give it as you would breast milk – on demand.

6. Teats / equipment

Select a nipple/teat with the lowest possible flow rate. This prevents the pre-milk from flowing out of the bottle too quickly. The baby must exert a little effort to suck milk from the bottle, just like at the breast. This avoids unintentional weaning due to the bottle being "more comfortable".