Many parents who want to make sure their baby gets the nutrients they need often use mixed feeding, which is a combination of breastfeeding and formula feeding. Renowned pediatrician Dr. Komarovsky provides helpful guidance on how to handle mixed feeding in a way that promotes the mother’s and baby’s health.
Dr. Komarovsky stresses that there is no need to be afraid of or feel bad about mixed feeding. Combining breast milk with formula can be done successfully with the right approach, regardless of the reason—low milk supply, going back to work, or just personal preference.
We’ll go over Dr. Komarovsky’s main advice and suggestions for introducing mixed feeding in this article, along with common mistakes to avoid and things parents should remember to make this transition easy and comfortable for both the mother and the child.
- Is it necessary to fight for breast milk
- On the harm of mixed feeding
- Types
- Video on the topic
- Artificial feeding – Dr. Komarovsky"s School
- Breastfeeding and mixed feeding
- Breastfeeding. Baby food in the first months of life. Dr. Komarovsky | Question to the doctor
- Dr. Komarovsky on mixed feeding
- Why does a breastfed baby rarely poop? – Dr. Komarovsky
- Lactase deficiency: and goat"s milk is ok? | Dr. Komarovsky
Is it necessary to fight for breast milk
A mother may exhibit insufficient lactation for a variety of reasons, such as a hormonal imbalance or a neuropsychological condition. Usually, the primary reason is the second one. The vicious cycle ends when the mother runs out of milk and starts to blame herself for not being able to provide the child with the nutrition he needs for healthy growth. The woman is under continual stress, which negatively impacts the processes involved in lactation.
Naturally, a baby needs breast milk, but Evgeny Komarovsky asserts that a typical, healthy, and happy mother is just as vital to him. Therefore, there is no reason to continue mixed feeding if there is barely enough milk for one feeding out of five; instead, you can switch to artificial feeding. Ultimately, if the amount of mother’s milk in the baby’s diet does not surpass one-fifth of its total volume, it essentially has no impact on health, so you can safely refuse it.
The second choice is to alter your perspective on the issue.
You can leave things as they are if the mother ceases berating herself for not producing enough milk, begins to gently express or breastfeed at least once a day, and uses formula for the remaining feedings (assuming this works for the father, the mother, and the child).
If the amount of mother’s milk is more than what can be consumed in one feeding, mixed feeding is the best option. For instance, if breast milk makes up half of the daily diet, or slightly less. A portion of natural food in the diet of thirty percent per day can also be deemed to be quite reasonable.
For parents who are unable to breastfeed their child exclusively, mixed feeding can be a practical and healthful option, according to Dr. Komarovsky. He stresses that it is safe to combine breastfeeding and formula to make sure babies continue to receive the nutrition they require for healthy growth and development. Reminding parents that their baby’s comfort and well-being come first, Komarovsky advises them not to feel bad if they have to start using formula.
On the harm of mixed feeding
It was thought until recently—and some medical reference books still support this belief—that giving a child mixed breast milk and another product during mixed feeding would be harmful. In the words of some medical professionals, it’s a "ecological catastrophe for the child’s body." In an attempt to comfort mothers who do not have enough of their own milk, Evgeny Komarovsky is rushing. He claims that every effort has been made to reduce this harm by the contemporary industry that makes baby food and formulas. And it’s been successful.
As a result, the majority of milk formulas on the market today (we’re talking about modified formulas) are composed as nearly as possible like breast milk.
While the formula cannot completely replace a mother’s milk, it is still preferable to giving the child cow’s or goat’s milk, which are foreign substances to his body.
Types
Contrary to its name, mixed feeding shouldn’t be disorganized. It must also be correctly arranged.
The two primary forms of mixed feeding are sequential and alternate.
When feeding sporadically, the mother will give one feeding that is entirely natural and one or more subsequent feedings that are artificial. Sequential feeding allows the baby to nurse until the milk runs out. If the baby cries, reaches for the breast, smacks his lips, or makes other obvious signs of distress and demands to continue the "banquet," he will then be given a certain amount of formula to keep him from becoming hungry. It’s crucial not to give the infant too much food.
Weighing the baby both before and after feeding will help you determine exactly how much formula he needs for additional feedings.
The mother has the option to select one or more types. A lot depends on the quantity of milk—whether it is sufficient for the full feeding—as well as other factors, like the woman’s ability to express herself frequently. It is no secret that when a mother must leave for work during the day, mixed feeding is frequently chosen. The best feeding schedule is thought to be every other time: 6 a.m. formula, 9 a.m. nursing, 12 a.m. formula, and so on.
| Aspect | Dr. Komarovsky"s View |
| Definition | Mixed feeding combines breast milk with formula or other foods. |
| Benefits | Provides a balance of nutrients, helps in situations where breastfeeding alone isn"t sufficient. |
| Challenges | Can cause confusion for the baby between breast and bottle, and may impact milk supply. |
| Recommendations | Introduce mixed feeding gradually, ensure proper techniques to avoid nipple confusion. |
| Timing | Usually recommended around 4-6 months, depending on the baby"s development and health. |
For many families, mixed feeding can be a workable solution that combines the advantages of formula and breastfeeding. Rather than strictly adhering to any set of rules, Dr. Komarovsky highlights that it’s important to listen to your baby’s needs and make adjustments as needed.
Given that each child is unique, parents should approach feeding with compassion and flexibility. Whether because of problems with the supply of milk or lifestyle decisions, mixed feeding can provide a well-rounded strategy that guarantees the baby receives the right nourishment.
The baby’s health and well-being are ultimately the most important factors. Parents should not worry about feeding decisions, says Dr. Komarovsky; instead, what matters is providing a loving environment in which the infant and parents feel supported and at ease.
