Top tips to consider

 

Long term breast milk 
production is set up in the first 
couple of weeks of life – the 
milk making cells are being 
‘switched-on’.

The hormone that produces 
breast milk is higher at night.

By giving more breast milk than 
formula milk, you are protecting 
your milk supply for the longer 
term. This makes it easier if you 
ever want to go back to 
exclusive breastfeeding.

It could take several weeks for you and your baby to feel happy and content with 
breastfeeding. You have been given this information as you have chosen to combine breast and bottle feeding (expressed breast milk or formula). This is sometimes called mixed or combination feeding.

Breast Milk

It is amazing you are continuing to give breast milk to your baby. Every drop, every feed makes a difference to the health of your baby and yourself; reducing infection, obesity, diabetes and cancer to name a few. Protective ingredients can only be found in breast milk so any breast milk your baby receives really does matter.

Expressing

Some mothers choose to express their breast milk. Please ask for help with breast pumps, expressing techniques and how to store breast milk.

Formula milk

Please make sure you understand how to clean and sterilise your equipment, prepare your feeds safely and bottle feed your baby responsively.

Help and Support

Breastfeeding should not hurt. 
Please ask for help from your Midwife, Health Visitor, Childrens Centre if you are experiencing pain. For the most up-to-date support numbers and groups in 
the local area, please return to the infant feeding webpage.

Breastfeeding is the healthiest way to feed your baby. If you decide not to breastfeed or to stop breastfeeding, it is possible to restart. Giving infant formula to a breastfed baby will reduce your milk supply. You do not need to eat any special foods while breastfeeding, but it is a good idea for you, just like everyone else, to eat a healthy diet.

To download a copy of the leaflet click here

Document ID: W65
ELHT/Maternity Services/
Baby Friendly Team/ Combining Breast and Bottle Feeding V2 
Issue: June 2023 Review: June 2026

Return to Infant feeding page