Mixed feeding

Some mums find themselves mixed feeding after offering top-up formula feeds. Others choose to replace certain feeds of the day with formula. 

Some mums successfully combine breastfeeding and formula feeding for many months. However, others may struggle to keep their milk supply up. The more formula your baby takes, the less milk your breasts will make.  

If you want to feed your baby formula but are concerned how it might affect your milk supply, there are some things you can do. Breastfeeding more frequently and offering the breast before formula are two ways you can increase your milk supply. Your child health nurse or lactation consultant can help you work out how much formula to offer to avoid your supply dropping further.   

• Breastfeed your baby from both sides before offering a formula top-up.  
• You can even offer both breasts again after a short break, before a top-up formula feed.
• Offer only small top-ups if you are concerned about keeping up your supply.   
• Use paced bottle-feeding techniques to avoid over-feeding formula to your baby.
• Many babies come to prefer drinking from a bottle than taking milk from the breast. This can lead to your baby not wanting to feed from your breast. This can be a very upsetting experience for a mum who wants to keep some breastfeeding going.  

• Know how much breastfeeding you need to do to keep your supply going.
• Be consistent with the feed you are replacing and the amount of formula you are offering your baby.
• If your baby seems hungry at other times, offer more breastfeeds.
• Use paced bottle feeding techniques to avoid your baby preferring to feed from a bottle. 

ABA provides information free from commercial influence.

ABA supports you  

Regardless of whether you are breastfeeding, using formula or both, we support you to make decisions which are right for your baby and your family, based on reliable information.

If you are disappointed about your feeding decisions or worried about how feeding is going now, it is important to find a supportive person to share your feelings with. ABA counsellors on the Breastfeeding Helpline can help reassure you that you can have a close bond with your baby however you are feeding them.  

© Australian Breastfeeding Association June 2025