Newborn Feeding

Breastfeeding: It’s Not Always Instinctive

Breastfeeding is a beautiful way to feed and bond with your baby. It gives them all the nutrients they need and helps protect them from sickness. It’s also good for moms, helping with healing and lowering some health risks. But it’s not always easy, many moms struggle with pain, low milk supply, or latching. That’s okay. With the right support, it gets better. And remember, fed is best—whether it’s breast, bottle, or both.

Challenges:

• Low milk supply in the early days

• Poor latching causing nipple pain

• Baby falling asleep while feeding

Solutions:

• Stay hydrated, eat nutrient-rich meals, and nurse frequently to build supply.

• Consult a lactation specialist for hands-on latching support.

• Use hands-free breast pumps to help build supply efficiently.

🔗 Recommended hands-free breast pump

Pro Tip: Nipple shields can help babies who struggle to latch.

Bottle Feeding: A Real-Life Lifesaver for Parents

Bottle feeding can be a game-changer, whether you’re using formula or pumped breast milk. It’s not just about convenience—it can also help share the load. Dad, grandma, or anyone else can step in to feed the baby, giving mom a well-deserved break. But it’s not always smooth. Sometimes babies refuse the bottle, or you may worry about getting the right temperature. The key is patience. Try different bottles or nipples, and always follow your baby’s cues. Remember, fed is best. Whether breast, bottle, or both—what matters most is a happy, growing baby. And you’re doing great.

Challenges:

• Choosing the right bottle/nipple size

• Managing gas and colic

• Supplementing without guilt

Solutions:

• Use anti-colic bottles to reduce air intake

• Pace feeding to mimic breastfeeding flow.

• Remember: A fed baby is a healthy baby.

Combo Feeding: Balancing Breast and Bottle

Combo feeding, also known as mixed feeding, is when you combine breastfeeding and bottle-feeding—either with formula, pumped breast milk, or both. Many parents choose this approach for flexibility, convenience, or to share feeding responsibilities. It’s totally okay if exclusive breastfeeding doesn’t work for you. Some moms face low milk supply, busy schedules, or simply need a break - and that’s valid. Combo feeding can offer the best of both worlds: your baby still gets the benefits of breast milk, while you ease the pressure on yourself.

Start slow, watch for signs of nipple confusion, and find a rhythm that works for you and your baby. Whether it’s breast, bottle, or both - you’re doing great.

Challenges:

• Scheduling feeds between breast, bottle, and pumping

• Finding compatible formulas

Solutions:

• Establish a flexible feeding schedule.

• Use formulas that closely mimic breast milk.

"My son wouldn't latch for the first week. I cried every night. I eventually supplemented with formula while pumping, and it worked for us. Letting go of perfection saved my mental health".

Quick Tips

• Feed on demand.

• Look for hunger cues like rooting and sucking hands.

• Don't compare your feeding journey to others.

Conclusion

Feeding your baby is a journey unique to you. Whether by breast, bottle, or both, your love and care matter most.

Feeding your newborn is one of the most important and often challenging aspects of early parenting. Whether you’re breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, or doing a combination of both, the journey can feel overwhelming. Here, we cover real-life struggles and provide practical solutions to help you through this critical stage.