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Breastfeeding and formula feeding

Breastfeeding and formula feeding

Breastmilk is important for your baby. However, some mums can struggle to keep up with their baby’s needs, and other mums aren’t sure that breastfeeding is right for them.

How to combine breastfeeding and formula feeding

Any breastmilk, no matter how much or how it is given, has benefits for you and your baby. If you cannot (or choose not to) give your baby just breastmilk, here are some suggestions to help you combine breastfeeding with formula feeding.

  • If you can, always breastfeed first before giving formula.
  • If you cannot express enough for a feed, you can combine breastmilk with formula in the same bottle.
  • Any breastmilk added to formula gives it a boost, even if it is only a few drops.
  • If you choose to give the whole feed by a bottle or supply line (whether it is all expressed breastmilk or combined with formula), you can still put your baby to the breast before or afterwards, this helps with your milk supply and you and your baby can enjoy this special time.
  • The more you express, or breastfeed, the more milk you will produce.
  • Your yellow Child Health Information booklet found in your baby’s red Personal Health Record contains information about safe formula feeding and expressing breastmilk.

When choosing a formula to supplement your breastfeeding, know that all brands must meet Australian standards so chose whichever is easy for you to get.

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when preparing formula.

For safety, always prepare only one bottle at a time. Remember the more formula that a baby has instead of breastmilk, the more it will affect your breastfeeding.

Related information

 

Licence
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Australia (CC BY 3.0)
Last updated
19 April 2013

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