Which Way to Feed?

You can't really anticipate what your infant feeding experience will be like or what resources you’ll need until you’re in the experience after your baby has arrived. When it comes to breastfeeding versus formula feeding versus combination feeding, the most important thing to remember is that there is no “right” way to feed your baby.

Any of these options can be the right one but the choice comes down to what works for you and your family, from birth or down the line, depending on your own personal situation.

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is a wonderful choice for many moms and their families. You are ahead of the game if you educate yourself on the benefits of breastfeeding, how to get started, and how to handle any special circumstances you might encounter. Studies have shown that breastfeeding has many health benefits and is a powerful bonding tool between mother and baby, but it also requires time and support.

It's not necessarily a simple decision for someone to decide whether or not to breastfeed. There can be a number of circumstances that make exclusive breastfeeding difficult or even impossible for some families, including factors like low milk supply, sleep deprivation, exhaustion, or mental health issues.

Keep in mind that breastfeeding is a “learned skill” between mom and baby. It’s helpful to have some support or education from a lactation educator or doula to help make sure you get off to a good start and ensure a healthy milk supply as your little one grows!

Bottle Feeding

There’s a lot of pressure today to exclusively breastfeed; however, this may not be the right decision for you, your baby, and your family. You can still create a healthy bond with your baby from birth when formula feeding. This decision can give you more freedom, rest, and sleep-filled nights.

For those who can't breastfeed or who decide not to, infant formula is a healthy alternative and choosing the right formula will give your baby the nutrients they need to grow and thrive. Some worry that if they don't breastfeed, they won't bond with their baby. But the truth is, loving parents will always create a special bond with their babies. Remember the feeding process is a great time to strengthen that bond no matter how you choose to feed your baby.

There are other wonderful ways to ensure healthy baby bonding including practicing “skin-to-skin” from birth, contact napping and babywearing. And again, there’s no right answer between breastfeeding versus formula.

Combination or Supplemental Feeding

Giving your child formula in addition to breastfeeding is called “combination” or “supplemental” feeding. Many families choose this method for many reasons, whether out of necessity (e.g. low breast milk supply) convenience, or simply personal choice. Supplementing with bottles simply means adding a bottle after you’ve breastfed — to make sure your baby has had a full feed — or in place of breastfeeding, giving mom a break and her partner an ability to participate in the feeding experience. You can supplement with pumped breast milk or formula.

Why would someone choose combination or supplemental feeding?

• Low milk supply: Your child may not be getting enough milk from exclusive breastfeeding to meet their nutritional needs. Combination feeding can help ensure healthy weight gain.
• Sleep deprivation: Supplementing allows you to rest and recover properly in the early weeks.
• Emphasis on sharing: Feeding can be a family affair, allowing your partner to bond with the baby.
• A simple break: When mom is well, baby is well. Taking breaks supports both your mental and physical health.
• Improving baby’s sleep: “Top up” bottle feeds after breastfeeding can help your baby sleep longer at night.
• Just ‘cause: Sometimes, it simply works best for your family—and that’s reason enough.

Making Your Choice Between Breastfeeding and Formula

The choice between breastfeeding and formula feeding is a deeply personal one. It's a decision to be made with careful consideration of your unique circumstances, resources, and preferences. Whether you choose to breastfeed, formula feed, or use a combination of both, know that each method has its own benefits and challenges.

The most important thing is that your baby is nourished, loved, and cared for. There is no one-size-fits-all answer. Every family is different, and what works best for one may not work for another. If formula feeding is part of your plan, you can take our baby formula quiz to help guide your choice and use our store locator to find baby formula near you.