Mixed Feeding: Why It’s Complicated (and How to Find Your Way Through It)
When it comes to feeding your baby, most of us imagine it will look one way: breastfeeding all the time or bottles all the time.
But the truth is, many families end up somewhere in between—what’s often called mixed feeding or combo feeding. That might mean breastfeeding during the day and formula at night, pumping at work and using formula when you’re home, or any other version that works for your family.
And let’s be honest: it’s complicated.
Why Families Choose Mixed Feeding
There are so many reasons parents end up mixed feeding:
Low milk supply that makes full breastfeeding feel impossible
Pain or medical issues that make nursing unsustainable
Returning to work and not wanting (or being able) to pump full-time
Mental health needs, where taking the pressure off exclusive breastfeeding is healthier for both parent and baby
Sleep and shared caregiving, where partners help with feeds overnight
Sometimes it’s a plan from the beginning, and sometimes it’s a choice made in the thick of exhaustion, stress, or unexpected challenges.
The Upsides of Mixed Feeding
There are real benefits:
Your baby is still receiving breastmilk, with all its immune and nutritional benefits.
Formula can offer flexibility and relief when breastfeeding alone feels overwhelming.
Parents often get a chance to breathe—which is so important for mental health.
For many families, mixed feeding is the sweet spot that makes feeding sustainable.
The Challenges of Mixed Feeding
And yet—it’s not always straightforward.
Your milk supply may decrease when formula is added, especially if feedings are skipped without pumping.
Babies can sometimes get used to the faster flow of bottles and become fussy at the breast.
Parents may feel guilt, shame, or judgment—both for using formula and for continuing to breastfeed.
That push-pull is real. You might feel relieved one moment and conflicted the next.
You Don’t Have to Figure It Out Alone
This is where support makes such a difference. Mixed feeding is not “one size fits all.” The right plan depends on your body, your baby, and your circumstances.
That’s why I created the Beyond Birth Blueprint and all our Feeding Content. Inside, we walk through:
How to protect your milk supply while combo feeding
How to introduce bottles in a way that supports breastfeeding
What to expect from your baby’s digestion, sleep, and growth
How to release guilt and find confidence in the feeding plan that works best for your family
Because feeding your baby isn’t about following rigid rules—it’s about finding a rhythm that allows both you and your baby to thrive.
So if you’re mixed feeding, or even just considering it, please know: you’re not failing. You’re feeding your baby. You’re making thoughtful choices in a world where support can be hard to find.
And you don’t have to do it alone. Come join us in the Beyond Birth Blueprint Membership, or just start with our the Breast/Bottle feeding Class—you’ll get the tools and the reassurance you need to make feeding feel a whole lot simpler.
Reach out for a free consult with me to see what the best move is for you. <3 971-351-2714
Love,
Emily
