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Breastfeeding & combo feeding?
Penny found 20 sources
with relevant information
2 peer-reviewed research articles
2 professionally-backed sources
Breastfeeding and Combo Feeding: What to Know
Breastfeeding and combination (combo) feeding—using both breast milk and formula—are both common ways to feed a baby. Each approach has unique benefits and considerations, and many families use a mix of both at some point in their feeding journey.
Understanding the Basics
Breastfeeding provides unique health benefits for both baby and parent
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Breast milk contains antibodies, immune cells, and other bioactive components that help protect babies from infections and support healthy development.
Combination-Feeding Causes Differences in Aspects of Systemic and Mucosal Immune Cell Phenotypes and Functions Compared to Exclusive Sow-Rearing or Formula-Feeding in Piglets - PMCThe nutrient composition of the formula was previously described [21]. CF and CP piglets remained with sows (4–5 piglets per diet on each sow) for the first 5 day postpartum, then were rotated between nursing sows and formula feeding every 12 h. The litter size was maintained at 12–13 piglets per sow (day 1 to day 5) and 8–9 piglets per sow (day 6 to day 21). When the piglets were formula-fed, they were housed individually in metabolic cages at 25 °C with supplemental heat (30 to 32 °C) provided by radiant heaters suspended above the cages. To acclimate the piglets to be combination-fed, beginning on postnatal day 2, the piglets were placed in the cages for 1 h and the time was increased 1 h each day on day 3 and day 4.
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Exclusive breastfeeding is associated with lower rates of common childhood illnesses, such as diarrhea and ear infections, and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases later in life.
Combination-Feeding Causes Differences in Aspects of Systemic and Mucosal Immune Cell Phenotypes and Functions Compared to Exclusive Sow-Rearing or Formula-Feeding in Piglets - PMCThe nutrient composition of the formula was previously described [21]. CF and CP piglets remained with sows (4–5 piglets per diet on each sow) for the first 5 day postpartum, then were rotated between nursing sows and formula feeding every 12 h. The litter size was maintained at 12–13 piglets per sow (day 1 to day 5) and 8–9 piglets per sow (day 6 to day 21). When the piglets were formula-fed, they were housed individually in metabolic cages at 25 °C with supplemental heat (30 to 32 °C) provided by radiant heaters suspended above the cages. To acclimate the piglets to be combination-fed, beginning on postnatal day 2, the piglets were placed in the cages for 1 h and the time was increased 1 h each day on day 3 and day 4.
Combo feeding can offer flexibility and support family needs
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Combo feeding means giving both breast milk and formula. This approach is often chosen for reasons like returning to work, concerns about milk supply, or personal preference.
Combination Feeding and Maintaining Milk Supply | WIC Breastfeeding SupportWhat is combination feeding, how to use it, and how to keep making milk.How to combine breast and bottle feeding - NHSFind tips on combining breastfeeding and bottle feeding (mixed feeding), including how to introduce a bottle to a breastfed baby.Read full articleSource: nhs.uk
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The more breast milk a baby receives, the greater the health benefits, even if formula is also used.
Combination Feeding and Maintaining Milk Supply | WIC Breastfeeding SupportWhat is combination feeding, how to use it, and how to keep making milk.
Key Considerations for Combo Feeding
Milk supply and feeding patterns
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Introducing formula can reduce the amount of breast milk produced if breastfeeding or pumping sessions are skipped or reduced. Regular breastfeeding or pumping (about 8–12 times a day, especially in the early weeks) helps maintain milk supply.
Combination Feeding and Maintaining Milk Supply | WIC Breastfeeding SupportWhat is combination feeding, how to use it, and how to keep making milk.How to combine breast and bottle feeding - NHSFind tips on combining breastfeeding and bottle feeding (mixed feeding), including how to introduce a bottle to a breastfed baby.Read full articleSource: nhs.uk
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Babies may need time to adjust to both breast and bottle, as the sucking technique is different for each.
How to combine breast and bottle feeding - NHSFind tips on combining breastfeeding and bottle feeding (mixed feeding), including how to introduce a bottle to a breastfed baby.Read full articleSource: nhs.uk
Health outcomes and immune development
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Research suggests that combo-fed babies have different patterns of immune development and gut bacteria compared to exclusively breastfed or exclusively formula-fed babies. They may not receive all the protective benefits of exclusive breastfeeding, but still benefit from any amount of breast milk.
Combination-Feeding Causes Differences in Aspects of Systemic and Mucosal Immune Cell Phenotypes and Functions Compared to Exclusive Sow-Rearing or Formula-Feeding in Piglets - PMCThe nutrient composition of the formula was previously described [21]. CF and CP piglets remained with sows (4–5 piglets per diet on each sow) for the first 5 day postpartum, then were rotated between nursing sows and formula feeding every 12 h. The litter size was maintained at 12–13 piglets per sow (day 1 to day 5) and 8–9 piglets per sow (day 6 to day 21). When the piglets were formula-fed, they were housed individually in metabolic cages at 25 °C with supplemental heat (30 to 32 °C) provided by radiant heaters suspended above the cages. To acclimate the piglets to be combination-fed, beginning on postnatal day 2, the piglets were placed in the cages for 1 h and the time was increased 1 h each day on day 3 and day 4.
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Combo feeding is very common, especially by 6 months of age.
Combination-Feeding Causes Differences in Aspects of Systemic and Mucosal Immune Cell Phenotypes and Functions Compared to Exclusive Sow-Rearing or Formula-Feeding in Piglets - PMCThe nutrient composition of the formula was previously described [21]. CF and CP piglets remained with sows (4–5 piglets per diet on each sow) for the first 5 day postpartum, then were rotated between nursing sows and formula feeding every 12 h. The litter size was maintained at 12–13 piglets per sow (day 1 to day 5) and 8–9 piglets per sow (day 6 to day 21). When the piglets were formula-fed, they were housed individually in metabolic cages at 25 °C with supplemental heat (30 to 32 °C) provided by radiant heaters suspended above the cages. To acclimate the piglets to be combination-fed, beginning on postnatal day 2, the piglets were placed in the cages for 1 h and the time was increased 1 h each day on day 3 and day 4.
Breastfeeding duration and challenges
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Combo feeding is linked to a higher chance of stopping breastfeeding earlier, especially if formula is introduced due to concerns about milk supply or practical reasons. Early lactation support from specialists can help parents continue breastfeeding if that’s their goal.
Does planning to mixed feed undermine breastfeeding? - PMCPlanned mixed feeding and use of formula for practical reasons is strongly independently associated with cessation, suggesting that mixed feeding does indeed lead to secondary lactation failure, or simply a lower overall commitment to breastfeeding. Stamatia Michalopoulou undertook the analyses ...
Making the Right Choice for Your Family
Personalized feeding decisions
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Every family’s situation is unique. Combo feeding can be a practical solution that allows babies to receive the benefits of breast milk while accommodating family needs and circumstances.
Combination Feeding and Maintaining Milk Supply | WIC Breastfeeding SupportWhat is combination feeding, how to use it, and how to keep making milk.How to combine breast and bottle feeding - NHSFind tips on combining breastfeeding and bottle feeding (mixed feeding), including how to introduce a bottle to a breastfed baby.Read full articleSource: nhs.uk
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If you’re considering combo feeding, talking with your baby’s doctor or a lactation consultant can help you find the best approach for your goals and address any concerns about milk supply or feeding transitions.
Combination Feeding and Maintaining Milk Supply | WIC Breastfeeding SupportWhat is combination feeding, how to use it, and how to keep making milk.How to combine breast and bottle feeding - NHSFind tips on combining breastfeeding and bottle feeding (mixed feeding), including how to introduce a bottle to a breastfed baby.Read full articleSource: nhs.uk
What This Means for You
Both breastfeeding and combo feeding are valid ways to nourish your baby. Exclusive breastfeeding offers the most health benefits, but any amount of breast milk is beneficial. Combo feeding can provide flexibility and support for families facing challenges or needing to supplement. If maintaining milk supply is important to you, regular breastfeeding or pumping is key. Support from healthcare providers or lactation consultants can make a big difference in navigating feeding choices and overcoming challenges.
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Peer-Reviewed Research
Published, peer-reviewed scientific studies from journals or databases.
1
Combination-Feeding Causes Differences in Aspects of Systemic and Mucosal Immune Cell Phenotypes and Functions Compared to Exclusive Sow-Rearing or Formula-Feeding in Piglets - PMC
The nutrient composition of the formula was previously described [21]. CF and CP piglets remained with sows (4–5 piglets per diet on each sow) for the first 5 day postpartum, then were rotated between nursing sows and formula feeding every 12 h. The litter size was maintained at 12–13 piglets per sow (day 1 to day 5) and 8–9 piglets per sow (day 6 to day 21). When the piglets were formula-fed, they were housed individually in metabolic cages at 25 °C with supplemental heat (30 to 32 °C) provided by radiant heaters suspended above the cages. To acclimate the piglets to be combination-fed, beginning on postnatal day 2, the piglets were placed in the cages for 1 h and the time was increased 1 h each day on day 3 and day 4.
4
Does planning to mixed feed undermine breastfeeding? - PMC
Planned mixed feeding and use of formula for practical reasons is strongly independently associated with cessation, suggesting that mixed feeding does indeed lead to secondary lactation failure, or simply a lower overall commitment to breastfeeding. Stamatia Michalopoulou undertook the analyses ...
Breastfeeding Determinants in Healthy Term Newborns - PMC
The factors found to be favoring ... no use of pacifier, rooming in practice, and breastfeeding on demand. Factors acting negatively on breastfeeding were advanced maternal age, non-spontaneous delivery, perception of low milk supply, mastitis, and nipple fissures....
Breastfeeding: crucially important, but increasingly challenged in a market-driven world - The Lancet
Breastmilk comprises nutritive and non-nutritive bioactives (eg, hormones, immune factors, oligosaccharides, and live microbes) that collectively and through complex interactions with each other—and with the biological, social, and psychological states of both mother and infant during breastfeeding—have a crucial role in healthy infant growth and development.2,3 Consequently, the composition of breastmilk changes during each feeding episode and as the infant develops over time, and in response to the physical and emotional state of the mother–child dyad. That the interactions and outcomes of breastfeeding cannot be artificially replicated is clear from past and new evidence.
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Source:
The Lancet
Relationship of Maternal Age to Breast Milk Volume and Composition | SpringerLink
He speculated that milk yield is “dependent on the amount of functional tissue in the breasts,” which may decrease with age due to “disuse atrophy.” He suggested that lactational capacity is greatest before age 20, and declines thereafter.
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Source:
SpringerLink
Impact of breastfeeding interventions among United States minority women on breastfeeding outcomes: a systematic review | International Journal for Equity in Health | Full Text
A constellation of short and long-term ... Breastfed compared to non-breastfed infants have lower rates of infectious diseases, childhood obesity, and improved cognitive outcomes [4,5,6]. Additionally, BF protects mothers against breast ...
Breastfeeding During Pregnancy: A Systematic Review of the Literature - PMC
There are mothers who breastfeed throughout their second pregnancy. This practice is known as breastfeeding during pregnancy (BDP) (9-10). In this case, mothers have to decide about weaning their breastfed child or continue breastfeeding (11-12). In either Europe or the United States, mothers do not frequently engage in this practice (9).
Breastfeeding and Health Outcomes for the Mother-Infant Dyad - PMC
Worldwide, breastfeeding saves the lives of infants and reduces their disease burden. Breastfeeding also reduces the disease burden for mothers. This article examines who chooses to breastfeed and for how long in the American context. It also ...
Breast‐feeding During Pregnancy and the Risk of Miscarriage - PMC
Breast‐feeding rates and durations have been increasing among U.S. women in recent decades. As a result, women may be more likely to practice breast‐feeding during pregnancy (BDP), which has been hypothesized to increase the risk of miscarriage, yet ...
Determinants of Exclusive Breastfeeding and Mixed Feeding Among Mothers of Infants in Dubai and Sharjah, United Arab Emirates - PMC
Similarly, researchers from different countries in Europe have found that breastfeeding practices do not meet the WHO and UNICEF recommendations (19). They pointed out that exclusive breastfeeding practices in different countries in Europe do not meet the 2025 World Health Assembly's Global Target for Nutrition to increase the rate to at least 50% (20). As for the UAE, mixed feeding, complimentary food, and fluid additions have been introduced in the first month of life in the UAE (21).
Evidence Summary - Breastfeeding Programs and Policies ...
In reproductive physiology, lactation ... (AHRQ) review by Ip and colleagues concluded that breastfeeding was associated with reduced maternal type 2 diabetes, breast cancer and ovarian cancer, but not fractures.2 For other outcomes (e.g., postpartum depression), the authors concluded ...
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Source:
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Maternal age has more pronounced effect on breast milk retinol and β-carotene content than maternal dietary pattern - ScienceDirect
The composition of breast milk could be influenced by a number of factors, such as geographic area, stage of lactation, sociodemographic characteristics of mothers, and maternal diet. Among these factors, the effect of MA on breast milk composition and quality is one of the most interesting research targets, but still not studied sufficiently. Recent studies reported that colostrum fat and carbohydrate content in mature milk are higher in older than in younger breastfeeding mothers.
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Source:
sciencedirect.com
Clinical Guidelines & Professional Sources
Clinical recommendations from government, public health organizations, or professional medical provider associations.
2
Combination Feeding and Maintaining Milk Supply | WIC Breastfeeding Support
What is combination feeding, how to use it, and how to keep making milk.
3
How to combine breast and bottle feeding - NHS
Find tips on combining breastfeeding and bottle feeding (mixed feeding), including how to introduce a bottle to a breastfed baby.
Read full article
Source:
nhs.uk
Pregnant and Considering Breastfeeding? | Breastfeeding | CDC
Don't wait until after you have given birth to learn how to help your baby latch, how often to breastfeed, or how to increase your milk supply.
Combination Feeding: The Breast + Bottle Feeding Model | Enfamil
Combination feeding, also known ... more breaks between feedings, and as a backup plan for times when breastfeeding isn’t feasible. Enfamil Optimum, our closest infant formula to breastmilk, is one of our most popular choices among parents who combo feed....
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Source:
Enfamil
Medical & Academic Institutions
Information from hospitals, research institutions, or academic medical centers known for clinical expertise and research contributions.
What are the signs of pregnancy while breastfeeding? | Vinmec
You may start to feel thirsty more often, and this is common when breastfeeding because your baby will consume a large portion of the fluids you take in. But if you are pregnant while breastfeeding, your thirst may increase because your baby will also need fluids and will draw them out of your body. ... Fatigue is one of the common symptoms of pregnancy while breastfeeding.
Can breastfeeding really prevent pregnancy? - Harvard Health
However, that's not the full story. How well breastfeeding works as a form of birth control depends on several factors. Experts recommend waiting 18 months or more between pregnancies.
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Source:
Harvard Health
Can I breastfeed during pregnancy? | Your Pregnancy Matters | UT Southwestern Medical Center
In a high-risk pregnancy, the oxytocin release that accompanies nipple stimulation during breastfeeding can increase uterine activity, which could potentially affect the pregnancy. Every woman’s body reacts a little differently to breastfeeding. I can’t quantify what the risk is of continuing to breastfeed in the setting of these complications.
5 Tips For Breastfeeding While Pregnant | Nest Collaborative
Expecting a new baby while still breastfeeding? Discover 5 essential tips for safely continuing your breastfeeding journey during pregnancy, including milk supply, colostrum benefits, and tandem nursing. Get expert advice and support from Nest Collaborative.
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Source:
Nest Collaborative
General Health & Web Sources
Publicly available health-related articles from non-peer-reviewed sources. These may reference research or clinical guidelines, but are not primary sources.
Uncategorized Sources
Information from sources that have not yet been categorized.