Is it safe to mix formula with breastmilk if you don't express enough milk?

Question

If I have to mix, I mix fresh. I know that you cannot keep formula for more than a couple of hours.

I have no choice but to pump right now, as my baby has health concerns that do not allow me to breastfeed.

If you think it is safe to mix, or not safe to mix, what evidence can up show me to support your answer?

Answer 1

While there's nothing wrong with mixing breast milk and formula in the same container, it's not recommended simply because you don't want to waste a single drop of your precious breast milk. Formula from a bottle that your baby has drunk from must be discarded within an hour of preparation. Breast milk, on the other hand, will "keep," refrigerated, for a number of hours in a bottle that's been fed.

Answer 2

I know everyone is saying give your baby the breastmilk first, then give her another bottle afterwards. Do these people HAVE kids? That's way too much work for a mom with a newborn! You need to do things that will simplify your life, not make it more complicated. :o) Go ahead and mix it - I do it all the time. But everyone else is right, you can't store it that way. Breastmilk lasts a lot longer in the fridge than formula does anyway.

Best wishes!

Answer 3

My only issue with mixing it would be that you have each type of milk ready to use and then put them together in a bottle. What I mean is I wouldn't have a bottle with breast milk in it and then try to add water and formula to it. The concentration would be off.

I would think it's best to feed them separately just in case your little one has issues with the formula. If you mix them, you wouldn't know as quickly what is causing the problem. Many babies can only use one type of formula without tummy upset. Some babies can take any with no problem. But until you know that your little one can tolerate the formula I wouldn't mix them.

Answer 4

I think it is fine. Just don't reheat anything. Always just heat it up to feed it and then mix, but don't rehead breast milk more than once. (Don't microwave cause it zaps the nutrients)
I hope you are having an ok time pumping. It takes lots of time and effort. If you have to do it for a long time, rent a hospital one. They work wonderful!! And they do both sides at one time so you cut down on time.

Good luck, I hope your baby gets better and you succeed in the breast feeding thing. It's hard work, but very worth it!

Answer 5

It is safe, but a better option is to first feed your baby the brest milk, then the formula. That way your baby will get all of the best milk rather than some if it is mixed with the formula and he/she doesn't drink it all.

Answer 6

You can mix them together but dont store mixed...has to be used asap, best thing to do is like jlo said feed and follow with a bottle...but the baby will let you know by its feeding speed

Answer 7

Yep. When my supply started dwindling at 8.5 months, that's what I did. Try to make it mostly breastmilk the first several times. My youngest hated the taste of formula.

Answer 8

I'm not really sure, but you should consult your doctor to be on the safe side.

I would think that if you don't produce enough breastmilk, you should just implement with formula.

Answer 9

I'm a man, married and have been around many women who breast feed. Sometimes they alternate formula with breast feeding. But to mix breast milk with formula, I think it should be OK. Ask your pediatrician.

Answer 10

yes i did that with my son but i used the syringe that i'd put in his mouth while he was breastfeeding than when he was like 4 months old whan he started to feed on other things i stoped formula he's now 12 months old and he's still breastfeeding