Tips for combination feeding (breast and formula)

[R1cciteddy]

Without giving my reasons... I'm combination feeding. Usually formula comes into play once in the evening and early morning. Worried I may be feeding baby too much with this approach?

Baby is always grumpy unless feeding or sleeping

Evenings are hurrendous with non stop crying that cannot be settled (last night was 4pm til 12am)

She's a dream at night and just wakes up for quick feeds then straight to sleep

Any ideas or tips would be appreciated!

I can't tell you if you are feeding too much. Have you had her weighed recently and was there a big jump in centiles that makes you think you are?

I began combi feeding in week 1. My HV referred me to a breastfeeding specialist who was a big help. Could you ask yours to do the same?

@R1cciteddy I combi fed due to tongue tie issues and I was advised by a lactation consultant to do a small top ups after every feed rather than a large bottle at some point during the day . However that was because I was aiming to lose the top up at some point. The other reason for doing a little and often in my situation was that we were not building a feeding deficit throughout the day.

Your situation may be different. Congrats on the baby!

How old is baby?

I combi fed from about 8 weeks I think ... not sure.

I did 2 bottles of formula (special CMPA stuff from 16 weeks when finally diagnosed) and did those at 10am and 3pm. All other feeds were breast.

I did that because formula upset my son, even the prescription one. Wasn't going to use it over night or before bed. Plus he fed to sleep so it was easier to breastfeed.

When we got into the swing of things I'd half fill the bottles with boiled water in the morning and put in the fridge. Then I'd add a shot of fresh boiled water when it was time for the powder. Sometimes though I'd do it fully as per instructions because I had the time to let it cool down.

I'll be 100% honest here and say I didn't enjoy combi feeding. I didn't do it with my second.

Depending on the age of baby, fussy evenings are very normal. Google witching hours. Both mine did it from about 3 weeks old to 12 weeks old. Every night between 7 and 9 pm they'd just scream.

It was easier to deal with once I was expecting it. Id make sure id eaten first and then just get comfy on the sofa with them and feed all evening.