Has anyone ever heard of mixing formula with breastmilk or have done it?? Is it easier and healthier for the baby?

If you are going to use formula, it’s best to follow the instructions on the package. That’s the healthiest way to use formula.

Breastmilk on its own is super fatty. If you need to up the fat content in your breastmilk you need to eat more foods with healthy fats

Yeah, don't do that. Unless your baby is having difficulties gaining and keeping weight it could just cause an issue with hard stool. Breastmilk had more than enough goodies in it.

I currently do that, but there are several factors into the 'why' of it. My son in now almost 3 months old, but was a preemie. Spent almost all of his life in the NICU, and they were adding 1 tsp of Nutramigen to my breastmilk to up the calorie content, as he was small. He needs the extra calories so he can get big enough, soon enough for his impending heart surgery in 3-5 months. So medically, there is reason to do just that for my son. The powdered formula goes directly into my breastmilk, stir it up, DO NOT HEAT, then feed. (Heat up the breastmilk if refrigerated/frozen, then add the formula and mix together. Heating formula isn't good though. That's why most formula users either use room temperature water or warm the water then add the formula.)

@mynamesnotzelda thank you!

@njbsquared, I wouldn't say that's in issue. The next size up in 3 months. As long as he is having good output. 💚

@mynamesnotzelda see that's what I thought but granted my son is almost 2 months and still in newborn stuff. Idk if that's a problem.

@yayacarrington okay gotcha. I definitely want to breastfeed my son if possible until he's 1. First I have to make it to six months but if I can't give him enough to gain weight I'd feel like I failed him.

@njbsquared, gaining weight at all is a win. 💚

@mynamesnotzelda yeah he is not losing weight he is just gaining slowly.

I breastfed for a total of 4.7 years between all 3. It was a commitment but totally worth it. I did use a supplemental nursing system with my first baby until I got the hang of it. He was jaundiced and needed the extra formula to flush his system.

If you are going to use formula, it’s best to follow the instructions on the package. That’s the healthiest way to use formula.

Breastmilk on its own is super fatty. If you need to up the fat content in your breastmilk you need to eat more foods with healthy fats

@njbsquared, he alnternates every feed. but i also pump bc i work full time!

@yayacarrington really?!?! Okay for sure thank you!! I will change that tomorrow.

Yeah, don't do that. Unless your baby is having difficulties gaining and keeping weight it could just cause an issue with hard stool. Breastmilk had more than enough goodies in it.

I would be looking for a new pediatrician asap. That seems like really bad advice.

@boymamachronicles does your son nurse on both breast? My son only nurses on the left breast. I have nerve damage in my right one so he can't nurse on that one so I just pump.

@yayacarrington that's what was recommended by the pediatrician.

@yayacarrington how long were you able to breastfeed for with your 3?

Oh no! I would definitely NOT do that!

@njbsquared, well my son at 2m only had breast milk, he pooped like every 5-6 days and was about 9lb. when my doc had concern, i told them give us some time to get more progress. and now we are 7m EBF

It's not easier or healthier, but you can do it. I didn't mix them together, but there were occasions when I had to supplement with formula. Whether it comes from breastmilk or formula, baby getting enough food is the most important thing.

Edit: Do not add formula to breastmilk without mixing the formula with water first!

@mynamesnotzelda mixing the powder into the breastmilk instead of water.

@boymamachronicles he's not pooping everyday but he pees a lot and his weight is 8-14.

Do you mean doing half breastmilk and half formula or mixing the powder into the breastmilk instead of water?

@njbsquared, hmm, is he eating and pooping well? what's he weigh?

@boymamachronicles my pediatrician recommended it because my son is not "gaining weight like they want" so they wanted me to try formula with him that way first.

i heard it's possible! but i've heard you shouldn't do it too 🤭