Combination feeding, breastfeeding your baby directly as well as giving expressed milk by bottle, is a common, accepted practice. It does not cause organ damage or developmental delay. Many families use bottles of expressed milk so a partner can share feeds, or so the mother can be away from the baby for a time, while the baby still receives her milk.
Storing expressed milk safely
Expressed milk is safe when it is handled correctly. Following CDC storage guidance, freshly expressed milk keeps for about 4 hours at room temperature, up to 4 days in the fridge, and 6 to 12 months in the freezer. Label containers with the date and use the oldest milk first.
Never microwave breast milk: it heats unevenly, which can scald a baby, and it can damage nutrients. Warm milk gently in warm water instead. Any milk left in the bottle after a feed should be discarded within 1 to 2 hours.
Paced bottle feeding
Paced bottle feeding helps a breastfed baby control the flow. Hold your baby fairly upright, keep the bottle more horizontal, and pause during the feed, rather than feeding lying flat with a propped bottle. This reduces overfeeding and ear discomfort.
Introducing a bottle
Introducing a bottle is usually easier once breastfeeding is established. Some babies need practice, and trying different teat shapes can help. If you replace a breastfeed with a bottle, expressing at around that time helps maintain supply, because milk supply is driven by frequent, effective milk removal through feeding or pumping and a good latch.
If you are concerned about your milk supply or your baby’s growth, a doctor, midwife or lactation consultant can help.
This article is general information only and is not medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional for personal advice.