Mixed feeding is also a way of feeding, if it can be arranged scientifically, it can also bring win-win results.
Principles of mixed feeding
1. Breastfeeding is stable.
The premise of mixed feeding is that breastfeeding is stable enough. Generally speaking, the time is 6-8 weeks, but for some women, bottled feeding needs to be advanced in order to miss the transition period of 3-4 weeks.
2. Step by step.
If bottled feeding is based on stable breastfeeding, then you will gradually reduce the production of breast milk, infants will gradually become accustomed to bottled feeding, and eventually you can give up breastfeeding.
3. Avoid special stages.
If bottled feeding is introduced into babies at 3 months of age, it is highly likely that we will encounter their refusal period. Most babies can eventually adapt to bottle feeding, but some can’t, which means that feeding methods must be changed, such as cup feeding. Most pediatricians agree with this approach, but it is not so easy to overcome the babies’ refusal period and to solve the potential problems arising from the early introduction of bottled feeding.
Questions & Answers
Q1: Will breast milk supply change with mixed feeding?
A: If you use infant formula, you will find that the amount of breast milk produced will decrease accordingly. If you want to maintain your breast milk output, squeeze out the extra breast milk at regular feeding times. If you find that the supply of breast milk has decreased, try squeezing breast milk more frequently, which can stimulate the breast to restore breast milk production.
Q2: What if the baby eats less after bottle feeding?
A: Some babies form their own unique feeding patterns, which means that they only eat a small amount of fluid every meal. However, this also brings a problem that feeding needs to be done frequently, about every two hours. Although this is not harmful to the baby, the mother needs to ensure that the baby’s total intake within 24 hours is adequate.
Q3: Why do babies sleep poorly after mixed feeding?
A: Feeding is closely related to sleep. If the baby has sleep problems, there must be a slip in the feeding link. Once the baby does not sleep soundly, it means that the baby’s existing feeding methods are inappropriate, or the milk amount is inadequate, or the feeding posture produces a sense of fatigue. Mothers should check their feeding methods in time to make their babies feel comfortable.
Q4: How to deal with baby’s hatred of pacifiers?
A: The shape of the pacifier and nipple is roughly the same, but sensitive babies will still find the difference between the two and refuse to use the pacifier. In this case, the mother can try a variety of different pacifiers, so that the baby can choose his favorite shape. In addition, preheating the pacifier before use will make the baby feel better.
Q5: How do you know that mixed feeding is suitable for babies?
A: Babies’ health is largely reflected by their weight gain. If the baby’s weight continues to increase steadily, then overall, the baby’s feeding situation is good, at least the baby’s nutritional needs have been met.
