Combination Feeding: Because Supported Is Best

There is no single “right” way to feed a baby - only the way that works best for your family. Combination feeding, whether it’s breastfeeding or chest-feeding alongside bottle feeding, or pumping alongside formula, is a valid, healthy, and deeply nurturing feeding journey.

Families choose combination feeding for countless reasons:

• Flexibility

• Shared caregiving

• Return-to-work planning

• Medical needs

• Mental health considerations

• Sleep protection

• Or simply because it feels right

No parent should ever feel pressured to choose one feeding method over another. You deserve support for the feeding path that aligns with your lifestyle, your baby’s needs, and your well-being.

And here’s the truth: you don’t have to choose between bonding and your feeding goals. With the right guidance, you can have both.

Combination Feeding Is Not a “Plan B” — It’s a Valid, Intentional Feeding Choice

For too long, combination feeding has been seen as something to “fall back on” if exclusive feeding doesn’t work out. But in reality, it is often a thoughtful, intentional approach that many families rely on from the beginning.

Choosing a mixed feeding approach doesn’t diminish connection, nutrition, or bonding. In fact, it often enhances the feeding journey by:

• Reducing stress

• Allowing partners to participate

• Providing rest for the birthing parent

• Supporting mental health

• Making feeding more sustainable long-term

Your feeding decisions matter — and so does your mental health. A plan that leaves you overwhelmed, exhausted, or anxious is not sustainable, and it’s not necessary. Supported parents feed better, feel better, and babies thrive when their caregivers thrive.

How Our Team Supports Successful Combination Feeding

Combination feeding can be beautiful — and it can come with questions. Our lactation consultants help you find a rhythm that supports your goals, your supply (if desired), and your baby’s development.

We provide guidance on:

✨ Protecting milk supply

If you want to maintain or boost milk supply while bottle feeding or supplementing, we’ll help create a personalized plan that aligns with your lifestyle.

✨ Introducing bottles at the right time and pace

Timing matters. So does flow rate, nipple shape, and pacing technique. We help you introduce bottles without causing latch issues or preference shifts.

✨ Choosing bottles that support your baby’s skills

Our team helps you select bottle systems that match your baby’s suck strength, oral motor patterns, and flow needs.

✨ Practicing paced bottle feeding

This method supports digestion, reduces reflux, prevents overfeeding, and protects the feeding relationship.

✨ Creating a predictable, manageable feed–pump routine

Whether you work, stay home, exclusively pump part-time, or mix everything together — we help design schedules that feel realistic.

✨ Preventing common combination-feeding challenges

Including:

• Bottle flow mismatch

• Bottle preference

• Oversupply or undersupply

• Nipple confusion (really “flow preference”)

• Overfeeding

• Pumping discomfort or inefficiency

You never have to navigate these questions alone.

A Judgment-Free Approach to Feeding

Every family's feeding journey is different. Every baby is different. Every parent’s needs are different.

You deserve:

• Compassion

• Practical guidance

• Evidence-based support

• Zero judgment

Whether you breastfeed, chest-feed, pump, formula feed, or do all of the above — your feeding choices deserve respect. Supported families make empowered, confident choices, and our team is here to help you feel steady at every step.

Feeding Isn’t All-or-Nothing

Your feeding journey is personal. It evolves. It responds to your baby’s growth, your lifestyle, your health, and your goals.

Combination feeding is:

• Valid

• Flexible

• Empowering

• Nourishing

• Sustainable

And above all — it’s a beautiful way to feed your baby with love.

If you’re considering combination feeding or already on that path, we’re here with you every step of the way. 💛
Let our team guide you with clarity, confidence, and the compassionate support your family deserves.