Many families I support are working towards increasing the amount of breastfeeding while still using some bottle feeds. You may hear this described as “triple feeding”—breastfeeding, expressing and topping up with formula from a bottle.
It can be incredibly effective at gaining weight, removing jaundice… but it can also feel intense and overwhelming when trying to protect the milk supply and maintain breastfeeding too.
The most important thing to know is:
This is a short-term plan, not a long-term way of feeding.
Best practice is to use it to protect your baby’s weight gain while building your milk supply and your baby’s feeding skills.
What Does This Look Like?
A typical feed might look like:
- Start at the breast
- Offer some of the bottle (keep it small amounts)
- Return to the breast
- Finish with the remainder of the bottle (as needed)
- End back at the breast for comfort and sleep
This allows your baby to:
- Practise breastfeeding skills
- Associate the breast with comfort and fullness
- Gradually increase the amount they take directly from you
My Top 10 tips for supporting this transition
1. Keep it flexible
Feeds don’t have to look perfect. Mixing breast and bottle within a feed is completely normal during this stage. It is often a way of maintaining good weight gain, protecting the milk supply and learning the skill of breastfeeding.
2. Skin to skin is your foundation
Just like with many breastfeeding transitions, skin-to-skin contact helps regulate your baby and stimulates feeding instincts. It also puts you in a position ready to feed your baby if they show feeding cues!
3. Focus on calm, comfortable feeds
Your environment matters. Try to boost your oxytocin levels:
- Lean back into the sofa or bed
- Use cushions to fully support your body
- Soften your shoulders and jaw
- Remember to breathe!
A relaxed body supports milk flow and helps your baby feel safe and organised.
4. Explore different feeding positions
Different positions can make a big difference while you’re both learning. There are a variety you can put in your ‘tool kit’. Some work well when out and about, some are better during the night! Find what works best for you and your baby.
- Laid-back: encourages a deeper, more instinctive latch
- Cross cradle: helpful for guiding and supporting
- Rugby hold: useful for some babies
- Side-lying: great for rest and recovery
You can even start in one position and move to another during the same feed.
5. Support the latch
Techniques like:
- Shaping the breast
- Using the “flipple” technique
…can help your baby achieve a wider gape and deeper latch, making breastfeeding more effective.
Access qualified support if you need it!
6. Be patient- this is a big learning curve
Breastfeeding is natural, but it is also a skill for both you and your baby. This transition takes time, and progress is rarely linear.
7. Try breast compressions
Gently compressing your breast during a feed can help increase the flow of milk, keeping your baby engaged and actively feeding for longer. This can be especially helpful for babies who are used to the faster flow of a bottle.
8. Practice Paced bottle feeding
Using a paced approach when giving bottles can help slow the flow down, making it more similar to breastfeeding.
This supports your baby to:
- Stay in control of the feed
- Avoid developing a preference for faster bottle flow
- Transition more easily back to the breast
9. Consider a Supplementary Nursing Systems (SNS)
In some cases—particularly with younger or smaller babies—an SNS may be used.
This allows your baby to receive additional milk at the breast, supporting both weight gain and breastfeeding skills at the same time.
10. Remember any time at the breast counts!
Even if your baby is not taking large volumes yet, any suckling at the breast is progress.
This time helps to:
- Build your milk supply
- Strengthen your baby’s feeding skills
Support your hormones (this matters!)
Breastfeeding and expressing rely heavily on oxytocin (your “love hormone”). This is one thing you can heavily influence
You can support this by:
- Gentle breast massage
- Warmth
- Music or calming sounds
- Aromatherapy
- Creating a calm, safe space
Your wellbeing matters too:
- Are you eating and drinking enough?
- Are you getting moments of rest?
- Who is caring for you while you care for your baby?
Looking at the bigger picture..
If feeding has been challenging, there is often a reason.
This might include:
- Feeding mechanics or positioning
- Milk supply challenges
- Oral function (including tongue restriction)
Ongoing support from a qualified practitioner can make a significant difference as you move through this stage.
Emotional support matters too..
This stage can feel relentless. You are not alone in finding it hard. Remember it is a short term plan to get baby back on the breast. In the meantime- Find your tribe!
I always encourage families to:
- Attend local baby or feeding groups
- Connect with other parents
- Access breastfeeding support services
Being around others who understand can make a huge difference.
Remember..
I want to reassure you that I bring my full care, skill, and attention to every family I support. While we always hope for quick improvements, each baby’s feeding journey is unique.
You are doing really well.
You are a great mother, and your baby is doing their best too.
This phase won’t last forever—and I’m here to support you through it.