Mixed feeding (Breastmilk and Formula)

What is mixed feeding?

Mixed feeding means you give your baby both breastmilk and infant formula milk. 

Some parents choose mixed feeding. Other times, a health professional may suggest it for medical reasons. 

Most babies do not need both formula and breast milk to feel full. Breast milk gives your baby all the nutrition they need. If breast milk is not available for your baby, infant formula milk is the only other safe option for your baby. 

Before using infant formula milk, check for signs that your baby is getting enough milk.  If you are worried, talk to your child and family health nurse (CFHN) or family doctor. 

Read to learn about how to make more breastmilk

Reasons you may use mixed feeding

You might use mixed feeding if: 

• You have had difficulties with breastfeeding such as damaged nipples

• your breast milk supply is low

• your baby is not gaining enough weight

• you are returning to work and may need more flexibility. There is no reason why you can not continue to fully breastfeed  your baby, if that is what you choose to do.  

If you do not have enough breast milk for each feed, and you can not increase the amount of breastmilk you make, it is recommended to use infant formula milk that is cow's milk-based or donor breast milk, unless your Child and Family Health Nurse of family doctor tell you to do something different.

How to give mixed feeds 

There are different ways to give your baby extra milk: 

• Paced bottle feeding 

• Cup feeding 

• Spoon feeding 

• Use of a supply line or breastfeeding supplementer 

A health professional such as a Child and Family Health Nurse or your family doctor, can show you how to  safely use the spoon, cup or  paced bottlefeeding method. This will depend on: 

• your baby’s age 
• your feeding goals 
• how long you plan to use mixed feeding 
• safety for you and your baby

Ask your health professional how much milk to give your baby at each feed. Everyone’s situation is different.

Get help and support 

More information

Read about cup and supplement feeding

Using a supply line | Australian Breastfeeding Association

Donor breast milk banks