I am returning to work soon, and find it difficult to express breast milk. How can I combine breast and bottle feeding?
Click here to visit our Breastfeeding section for help and advice. It is possible to combine breastfeeding and formula but by increasing the number of bottle feeds that you are giving your baby, your will reduce your milk supply. By expressing your breast milk using a hand or electric pump, you will maintain a good supply for your baby, even at the most hungriest times. You can store your expressed breast milk in the fridge for up to 24 hours and freezer for up to 3 months. We suggest that you discuss this with your Health Visitor regarding offering baby complementary feeds of formula, as if you decide to introduce formula, you will need to change over gradually to give both your baby and your body the chance to adapt and adjust. Your health visitor will also be able to advise you on the volume to offer your baby.
Related Questions
- Why a bottle feeding culture makes breast feeding more difficult Why has breast feeding become so full of problems for many women?
- Should I express milk (massage milk on nipple area) before using Mothermates™ Hydrogel Breast Feeding Pads?
- Is pumping breast milk into bottle the same as breast feeding?