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Mixed or combination feeding is when you choose to breastfeed sometimes and give formula at other times.
No matter how you decide to feed your baby responsive feeding is recommended whether breast or bottle feeding.
The health advantages for you and baby are higher if you exclusively breastfeed, however any breastfeeding is beneficial to both you and your baby.
If you choose to mix feed, ideally breast feed initially in the first few days or weeks to stimulate your milk production before introducing formula. This gives your body the greatest opportunity to initiate your milk supply and helps ensure milk supply in the longer term.
You may decide to use a mix of breastmilk and formula milk if you’re worried about not producing enough milk yourself. If you’re in this situation, this page on low milk supply has tips to help, and you could also have a chat with your midwife or health visitor or go to a breastfeeding group.
Exclusive breastfeeding is great for you both, but any breast milk benefits baby so be proud of the lovely baby you have made and any milk you make. Any breastfeeding is better than none, you’re doing just fine!
If you want your partner to feed your baby, or you need to leave them for a while, you could try expressing your breast milk.
If you have any questions you can ask your midwife, health visitor or family nurse for advice.