Paced Bottle Feeding and 'Finishing at the Breast' for baby's having top up feeds

When bottles are used, paced bottle feeding is recommended. This method slows the flow, mimics breastfeeding, and helps prevent overfeeding. It also makes switching between breast and bottle smoother for the baby and ensures that the feeding process remains a calm, interactive experience rather than a race to finish the bottle.

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To try paced feeding:

1. Hold your baby in an upright, almost seated position rather than lying flat. This helps them control swallowing and reduces the risk of choking.

2. Hold the bottle horizontally, so the teat is only partly filled with milk. This means your baby has to suck to get the milk, rather than it flowing too quickly. There is no evidence to suggest air in the bottle will make your baby gassy. 

3. Touch the teat gently to your baby’s top lip and wait until they open their mouth wide, then let them draw the teat in.

4. Allow your baby to take a few sucks, and watch out for their cues. Slowing down may mean they need a break, and vigorously sucking again indicates they'd like it back. Be guided by your baby. 

5. If they turn their head away, or stop sucking, they may be telling you they’ve had enough. Don’t encourage them to finish the bottle if they don’t want to.

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Why it helps:

• It reduces the chance of overfeeding.

• It supports babies in learning to listen to their hunger and fullness cues.

• It can make mixed feeding (breast and bottle) easier, since the slower flow emulates breastfeeding more closely.

• It makes feeding calmer and more comfortable for your baby.

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Many parents look for ways to reduce the amount of formula their baby is receiving while maintaining or increasing breastfeeding. First infant formula may begin as a supplement, but once babies eagerly finish bottles, parents may worry their milk supply isn’t enough. This can create a cycle of offering more formula, which may gradually lower supply.

 

One helpful strategy is to give a small amount of formula at the start of a feed (the amount depending on the baby’s age), followed by breastfeeding. This reassures parents that their baby isn’t hungry while still encouraging milk production and flow. Over time, this approach can support supply and make it easier to reduce formula gradually.

 

This approach not only supports your milk supply but also helps to protect your oxytocin which plays a huge role in breastfeeding (without oxytocin, the milk wouldn’t be able to flow as easily, and breastfeeding would be much more difficult for both you and your baby). The feeding journey can become less stressful, and you can feel more in control of your choices. It’s also crucial to remember that breastfeeding is more than just about nourishment. It’s about emotional connection, comfort, and security for both you and your baby. Keeping the breastfeeding experience positive is key to encouraging your baby’s continued interest in the breast and promoting a healthy milk supply.

 

Ultimately, supporting both confidence and a positive feeding experience is central to managing the balance between breast and formula feeding.