What is combi-feeding?

Combi feeding, supplementing and topping up are when you use both breastfeeding and bottle feeding methods for your baby, in combination together. Some people will decide to combi-feed from the start, but most introduce formula alongside breastfeeding by supplementing one breastfeed for a bottle feed or by offering formula after a breastfeed, called topping up.

There are lots of reasons why someone may chose to supplement, and there are some reasons when you may be asked to supplement by a health care professional, see our FAQ page for more on this. Supplemental feeding maybe for a short period, before returning to exclusive breastfeeding, it maybe a transitional pathway to exclusive formula feeding or it maybe a road to long term combination feeding. It is important to note that none of these paths are set in stone and feeding your baby may involve a B road in order to get you where you want to be.

It is fair to say that some people get a little twitchy about supplementing. There is often a lot of emphasis put on the mothers milk supply. Indeed as we talk about in getting off to a good start, milk supply is primarily driven by regular suckling and removal of milk from the breast. But for the vast majority, introducing a supplemental feed will work well in helping you reach your ultimate feeding destination.

As combi-feeding is a mixed method, you might find useful information on our Breast and Formula and Expressing pages.