Triple feeding. You may not have heard the term before but it’s likely you, or someone you know, has triple fed. So, what exactly IS triple feeding? How does it work? And why do it? Read on to find out!

Put simply, ‘triple feeding’ is when you breastfeed, pump and bottle feed your bub either breastmilk or formula. This is sometimes also called ‘mixed feeding’, though mixed feeding may or may not include pumping. Many mums may find themselves triple feeding in the early days after their baby arrives, usually without even realising that that is what they are doing!

Whether a conscious or unconscious choice, mums often end up triple feeding for a couple of primary reasons.

The first? Issues or concerns with breastfeeding which has led them to need to supplement while still building their supply. These might include issues with getting baby to latch and feed effectively, nipple pain and/or damage, baby losing weight/struggling to gain weight after birth or needing a break from having bub on the breast while still needing to maintain supply.

The second mainly relates to mums who know they may have issues with supply or women who know they will need to pump and/or supplement due to things like returning to work or other lifestyle factors.

Many women find themselves triple feeding in the early postpartum days, especially with their first baby (me included!). Breastfeeding is a learnt skill and for some mum and bub pairs, it takes time to come together. Triple feeding means that bub is still getting fed and supply being built while mum is able to recover, heal and ultimately get the support needed to learn how to breastfeed effectively.

While triple or mixed feeding is sometimes seen as an easier option than breastfeeding, especially when breastfeeding is feeling really tough, triple feeding in particular comes with its own demands, chief amongst them? Time! New mums will find that their day is basically made up of feeding baby, changing baby, trying to get baby to sleep, before feeding again, and again, and again. Newborns feed A LOT in the early days and weeks. Trying to add in pumping sessions while also finding time to make up and sterilise bottle and store breast milk correctly, can be tough.

If you find you need to triple feed, putting together a routine can be super helpful. When you’re exhausted and sleep deprived, a routine that tells you what to do next, can make all the difference.

While each mum will find that certain timings work better for her than others, a rough guide might be:

• 2-3 x pumping sessions - Your pumping frequency will depend on why you need to triple feed. If you are hoping to boost your supply and/or supplement with breastmilk, then you may need to pump more often. Similarly, if you’re managing nipple pain or damage, you may need to offer more bottle feeds while you heal. If weight gain is a concern and formula has been advised, you may only be pumping to maintain your supply. A general rule of thumb with pumping if you’re choosing when to do it, is to go early. Your supply is highest in the early morning hours. Many mums also find that pumping straight after a feed is an easy way to incorporate it into their day and it’s also great for your supply. A hands-free, wearable breastpump can be a lifesaver as it can be easily popped on and left to do its thing while you get on with your day. You could also consider adding a pumping session if bub has a slightly longer sleep and you’re feeling extra full.
• 2-3 bottles per day - This is absolutely a personal choice with some mums needing more bottle feeds and others needing less. It’s important to speak with your caregiver or a lactation consultant to work out a solution that best suits your own individual needs and longer term plans. It is also super important to remember that breastfeeding works on supply and demand. If you are replacing a feed with a bottle then you will need to pump to ensure that your supply isn’t impacted.

Ensuring that you are able to rest as much as possible while triple feeding is also essential. Breastfeeding in itself takes a huge amount out of you. Add in pumping and the load increases even more. Making sure that you are eating and drinking enough is also key.

When things don’t go according to plan, especially with breastfeeding, it can lead to some complex emotions. Many women report feeling guilt, frustration and even failure when breastfeeding isn’t quite clicking. It’s important to acknowledge these feelings while also trying to remind yourself that breastfeeding is learnt and takes time. Many, many women find it incredibly tough in the beginning with their journey unfolding in a very different way to how they expected it to. Seek support from your caregivers, family, friends and other mums if and when you can. And, as someone who has been there, I can tell you that how your breastfeeding journey starts, does not dictate how it will continue to unfold.

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