#  Different Ways to Feed Your Baby 

 

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Every family feeds their baby in the way that works best for them. Some parents breastfeed, some use formula, and others do a mix of both. Whatever you choose, you can keep your baby healthy and growing with the right care and support.

## Exclusive Breastfeeding

You only feed breast milk—no formula.

**Key Points**

- Start feeding early and often.
- Keep breastfeeding even when your baby starts solid foods.
- You can [hand-express milk](/bump-beyond/newborn-care/feeding-your-baby/colostrum-breast-milk-hand-expression "Bump & Beyond: Collecting Breast Milk (Colostrum): Prenatal Hand Expression | Boston Medical Center (bmc.org)") onto a spoon in the early days to help your baby get colostrum and support [latching](/bump-beyond/newborn-care/feeding-your-baby/how-breastfeed-and-get-good-latch "Bump & Beyond: How to Breastfeed and Get a Good Latch | Boston Medical Center (bmc.org)").
- Babies may eat often at first, then settle into a rhythm.
- Babies may wake up often to feed but sometimes sleep for longer stretches.
- Breastfed babies usually eat eight to 12 times a day for about 30 minutes at a time.
- Your care team can teach you how to know if your baby is getting enough milk.

## Bottlefeeding with Pumped Breast Milk

You teach your baby to take a bottle with your milk.

**Key Points**

- Use a breast pump for about 10 minutes after a morning feeding to save milk for bottle practice.
- Start bottle practice about three weeks after birth, once breastfeeding is going well.
- Save extra milk if you plan to return to work or have someone else feed your baby.
- You can use donor milk if you need to give your baby extra milk for any reason.

## Exclusive Pumping

You feed your baby your own breast milk by pumping and putting it in a bottle.

**Key Points**

- This is ideal for parents who find breastfeeding difficult at first, have had a hospital stay that made it hard to start breastfeeding, or prefer to pump.
- Begin with hand expression and [skin-to-skin contact](/bump-beyond/labor-and-birth/hospital-baby/first-moments "Bump & Beyond: The First Moments: Skin-to-Skin, Bonding, and Breastfeeding | Boston Medical Center (bmc.org)") right after birth—this helps your body start making milk.
- Use a double electric pump every two to three hours for about 15 minutes to build a supply.
- After a few days, you can pump every four hours at night.
- If your baby is healthy and full-term, keep pump parts clean by storing them in a clean container in the fridge during the day and washing them at night.
- Try power pumping (pump 10 minutes, rest 10 minutes, and repeat for one hour) to boost milk supply.
- If your breasts feel overly full or you make too much milk, talk to your provider or a [lactation specialist](/bump-beyond/newborn-care/feeding-your-baby/get-help-breastfeeding "Bump & Beyond: Get Help with Breastfeeding | Boston Medical Center (bmc.org)").

## Mixed Feeding (Breast Milk and Formula)

You feed some breast milk and some formula.

**Key Points**

- Many families choose to feed both breast milk and formula at different times.
- Babies usually take formula easily because it tastes sweet.
- Feeding often at the breast early on helps build your milk supply.
- You may choose to give formula later in the day when your milk supply is lower.
- Once breastfeeding is going well, you can decide how to combine bottles and breastfeeding in a way that fits your family.

## Exclusive Formula Feeding

You feed only formula.

**Key Points:**

- Formula bottles are available at the hospital—you don’t need to bring your own.
- Your doctor or WIC can help you choose a formula for your baby.
- Your pediatrician will tell you how much and how often to feed.
- Always follow the directions on the formula can to prepare bottles safely.
- Wash bottles and nipples carefully after every use.
- Babies sometimes drink more from a bottle than they need because sucking feels good. After a feeding, a pacifier can help if your baby still wants to suck.

### If You Want to Stop Your Milk Supply

Your body will still try to make milk after birth. To help it stop:

- Wear a tight sports bra or chest binder.
- Avoid touching your nipples, even in the shower.
- Use ice packs or cold cabbage leaves on your chest.
- Take ibuprofen if needed.
- Drink peppermint tea or suck on mint candies.
- If your breasts or chest feel very painful, contact your provider—they can help with medicine to dry up milk faster.

## Ways to Feed Your Baby: Quick Facts!

Feeding Method

What It Means

Key Tips

Exclusive BreastfeedingFeeding only breast milk—no formula- Start early and often
- Baby eats eight to 12 times a day
- You can pump milk for bottle practice
- Nurses and doctors will help you know if the baby is getting enough

Mixed Feeding (Breast Milk + Formula)Feeding both breast milk and formula- You can start any time
- Feeding often at the breast helps build milk supply
- Formula can be helpful if you need a more flexible schedule

Exclusive PumpingPumping milk, then feeding it only by bottle- Pump every 3–4 hours for 15 minutes
- “Power pumping” can boost your milk supply
- Skin-to-skin time still helps milk production
- Keep your pump parts clean!

Exclusive Formula FeedingFeeding baby only formula (not milk)- Formula bottles are ready at the hospital
- Follow your doctor’s plan for feeding
- Use a tight bra/chest binder and cold packs to stop milk if needed
- Clean bottles carefully!

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