How to Supplement Breast Milk with Formula

If you are nursing exclusively, you may be wondering if it is ok to supplement your breast milk with infant formula. Mixing formula with breast milk can provide your baby with additional liquid nourishment, and there are many reasons why moms may consider this option. Let’s dive into learning how to supplement with formula more efficiently below.

Supplement breast milk with formula

Supplementing is a combination feeding method that involves alternating breastfeeding with formula feeding by introducing formula into baby’s diet. Some common reasons you may want to supplement breast milk with formula include:

• You are going back to work
• You have a low milk supply
• Your partner would like to participate in feeding
• Your doctor recommends it

If you’re getting started and wondering how to supplement breast milk with formula, experts and lactation consultants suggest feeding your baby pumped breast milk first and then following up with a bottle of formula if he or she is still hungry. 

If you decide to supplement with formula and are concerned about making a warm formula bottle quickly for your baby, consider the Baby Brezza Formula Pro Advanced Baby Formula Dispenser. It automatically prepares a warm infant formula bottle instantly. With the press of a button, this award-winning must-have for moms automatically mixes, heats, and dispenses formula to the ideal consistency and temperature. The Formula Pro Advanced comforts your little one fast when he or she is crying and hungry. Read what this mom from Houston, Texas, had to say about preparing bottles of formula with the Formula Pro Advanced:

Such a time saver!

The Brezza has significantly cut down on the wait time to feed our son which saves us a great deal of angst when he's already flipped to hangry mode. Makes life so much easier!

Can you mix breast milk and formula in the same bottle?

According to the medical experts at Verywellfamily, mixing breast milk and formula is possible, but there are a couple of issues to keep in mind in combining formula feeds and breastfeeding:

Correct measuring is essential for safety – Infant formula is made to provide your baby with a set amount of nutrients and calories for a specific amount of water. Adding liquid formula or powdered formula before mixing with breast milk or water alters the balance of nutrients and water. This imbalance can lead to an over-concentration of nutrients, which can put stress on your baby’s immature kidneys. Avoid this situation by preparing the formula according to directions first, and then adding the breast milk. 

If you’re looking for an easy way to mix breastmilk and formula, Baby Brezza offers a super convenient product for this as well — the One Step Formula Mixer. It’s the first motorized formula mixing pitcher that you can operate hands-free. It will mix your prepared formula and breast milk perfectly, no hand cranking necessary. When you’re not using it with breast milk, you can prepare and store up to 28 oz of formula at a time. The unique mixing wand mixes formula quickly without air bubbles or clumping. The One Step Formula Mixer will save you so much time, and is not just for formula — use it for shakes and mixed drinks, too! That’s plenty of versatility for about $20. 

If you mix breast milk with formula, you could be wasting some of your “liquid gold”. - If your baby doesn’t finish the bottle, your liquid gold could be wasted. The Enfamil website states that partially consumed prepared formula should be discarded within one hour. 

Warming Breastmilk and Formula

Another great tool to have is a bottle warmer that can safely warm both formula and breastmilk. Many bottle warmers don’t maintain the nutrients in breastmilk, due to overwarming or hot spots. The Baby Brezza AirSwirl Bottle Warmer is the first of its kind on the market. It’s a waterless bottle warmer that gently swirls the bottle as it warms, keeping the formula or breastmilk moving to avoid any hot spots.

Best Practices for Transitioning to Combination Feeding

Supplementing with formula can take time. Here are some tips to make the process smoother:

• Start Gradually: Replace one feeding session at a time with formula to allow your baby’s digestive system to adjust.
• Choose the Right Formula: Consult your pediatrician to determine the best type of formula for your baby’s needs.
• Monitor Your Baby’s Response: Keep an eye out for signs of formula intolerance, such as gas, diarrhea, or fussiness.
• Maintain Breastfeeding Routines: Continue breastfeeding or pumping regularly to maintain your milk supply if desired.

Mixing Breastmilk and Formula: What You Need to Know

Mixing breastmilk and formula in the same bottle can be convenient, but it’s important to follow these guidelines to ensure safety and nutrition:

• Prepare Formula Separately: Always mix formula with water according to the manufacturer’s instructions before combining it with breast milk.
• Avoid Waste: If your baby doesn’t finish a mixed bottle, the breast milk may go to waste. Consider offering breast milk first, then formula separately if needed.
• Storage Tips: Use mixed bottles immediately or store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, as recommended for prepared formula.

FAQs

1. Can you switch between breast milk and formula during a feeding session?

Yes, you can switch between breast milk and formula in the same feeding session. Offer breast milk first to ensure your baby gets its nutritional benefits, then top off with formula if your baby is still hungry.

2. Will supplementing with formula affect my milk supply?

Supplementing can reduce your milk supply if you nurse or pump less often. To maintain supply, continue breastfeeding or pumping regularly and monitor your milk production.

Whether you are breastfeeding, formula feeding, or supplementing with formula, take solace in the fact that you are providing your baby the nutrition he or she needs to grow and thrive. Feeding time offers special and intimate moments to bond and cuddle with your little one.