about The breast feeding and formula milk - #10189
Is it ok to feed breast milk and formula milk by mixing them together and what are the measurements for a 3rd month baby and if any problems occurs in future what are they.is it ok to increase day by day
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Doctors’ responses
Hello Aakifa, You’re doing a great job caring for your little one. I’ll address your concerns one by one:
1. Sleep pattern
At 2 months, babies often sleep 14–17 hours/day in stretches of 2–4 hours.
It is normal for some babies to be “sleepy” and wake mainly for feeds. As long as she is waking up for feeds (even if drowsy) and is gaining weight, it is usually fine.
Many babies don’t cry loudly for milk — some give subtle cues (like finger sucking, lip smacking, restlessness). That’s absolutely normal.
2. Feeding with cleft palate
Babies with cleft palate often tire easily while sucking, and may take longer to feed. Specialized bottles (like Haberman feeder or cleft-adapted nipples) help reduce effort and improve intake.
Since she is on formula, make sure preparation is correct (not over- or under-diluted).
Try small, frequent feeds (every 2–3 hours), even if she doesn’t cry for them.
3. Weight gain
Most important marker is steady weight gain. If her doctor says weight needs to increase more for surgery, discuss with your pediatrician about:
Ensuring she’s getting enough formula volume per day (usually ~150 ml/kg/day at this age).
Fortifying formula (sometimes done in cleft cases to boost calories — but only under pediatrician’s supervision).
Checking for any feeding difficulties like milk leakage from nose or frequent cough during feeds.
4. What you can do now
Continue waking and feeding every 2–3 hours.
Monitor wet diapers (at least 6–8/day) as a sign she’s feeding well.
Regularly track weight on growth chart with your pediatrician.
Ask about referral to a cleft team (pediatrician + surgeon + feeding specialist) for holistic care.
🚨 When to seek medical review Poor weight gain despite regular feeds. Baby becomes too lethargic (hard to wake for feeds). Persistent cough, choking, or milk through nose. Fewer than 6 wet diapers/day.
Hello Tejasri,
1. Mixing breast milk and formula
It is not recommended to mix breast milk and formula in the same bottle.
Reason: if baby does not finish the feed, the leftover breast milk gets wasted. Also, mixing increases the risk of bacterial contamination.
The correct way is: offer breast milk first, and if the baby still seems hungry, then give formula separately.
2. How much milk at 3 months
A 3-month-old usually needs about 150 ml per kg per day (total of breast milk + formula combined).
Example: if baby weighs 5 kg → ~750 ml total in 24 hours, divided into 6–8 feeds.
The exact requirement varies — some babies take a little more, some a little less.
Always prepare formula as per the instructions on the pack (usually 1 scoop per 30 ml water, but this depends on the brand).
3. Future problems if mixed or overfed
Mixing breast milk and formula does not cause long-term health issues, but it may reduce feeding efficiency and waste breast milk.
Overfeeding formula can cause gas, colic, regurgitation, constipation, or excessive weight gain.
Breastfeeding should be encouraged as much as possible since it protects against infections and allergies.
4. Is it ok to increase gradually?
Yes, as your baby grows, the amount per feed and per day will increase.
Growth and weight gain are the best indicators that your baby is getting enough milk.
Mixing breast milk and formula is possible, though it’s generally recommended to offer them separately. Each feeding method offers distinct benefits, and maintaining their separation can help ensure your baby receives full nutritional advantages from breast milk while still supplementing with formula as needed. If you’re considering combining them in the same bottle, keep in mind it may dilute the benefits of breast milk slightly. For a 3-month-old baby, the feeding amounts can vary depending on their weight, growth, and appetite, but typically, they might need around 4 to 6 ounces per feeding every 3 to 4 hours. There’s no precise formula for mixing, but if you decide to combine, ensure the total volume meets your baby’s needs.
Potential issues from mixing may include changes in digestion, as some babies might tolerate one better than the other. Breast milk provides antibodies and benefits that formula does not, and mixing them could lead to slight nutrient dilution. When it comes to increasing the quantity, do it gradually based on the baby’s hunger cues and growth patterns. Watch for signs of overfeeding, like spit-ups or discomfort, and adjust as necessary. Babies vary; some naturally increase intake, so avoid rigid increases every day.
If you have specific concerns or notice changes in your baby’s health or feeding patterns, it’s essential to consult a pediatrician. They can offer personalized advice for feeding strategies best suited to your baby while keeping growth and health in focus. Remember, balancing feeding is crucial to ensure optimal nutrition and health development.
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