By Leva

It’s most breastfeeding moms’ goal to be able to provide all the nourishment their little one needs from latching at the breast alone, but like many things in life, the ideal plan isn’t what always comes to fruition. Some moms that have been around the breastfeeding block before are familiar with the term “triple feeding,” and most let out groans of displeasure when they hear it.  It’s no secret that adding extra steps to the feeding routine can be a monumental amount of work.  So what is supplementing anyway, and how can it be used to your benefit?  

What is Supplementation? 

In the world of lactation, we use the term supplementation when we are talking about adding extra volume in the form of mom’s own expressed milk, donor milk, or formula to the feeding routine.  This is done if there is any concern that your baby is not meeting their nutritional needs from direct latching, but it is also sometimes done based on the parent’s preference.  This extra volume can be given by bottle or special feeding tools such as a supplemental nursing system.  

Since a woman’s milk supply is based on a supply-demand system, we generally recommend a triple-feeding plan when a baby requires supplementation.  The three steps are:

1. Breastfeed the baby directly at the breast

2. Pump both breasts for 15 minutes 

3. Offer supplemental volumes to your baby by bottle

Pumping is added to the routine so that the body continues to produce that extra volume that your baby requires.  Since babies generally eat every 2-3 hours, you can imagine that performing these extra steps 8-12 times a day can really add up.  

What are the Benefits of Supplementation?

The primary benefit of supplementation is that you can still continue a breastfeeding journey even if you have a low milk supply, your baby is not gaining weight fast enough, they aren’t latching well, or either of you has medical concerns.  Many babies that spend their first few weeks/months of life in the NICU will be supplemented as they grow and become effective at latching at the breast.  Supplementation can be used as a training tool for breastfeeding, inspiring babies to feed while latched as they learn to suck and swallow.  

Since breastfeeding is a skill that takes time and practice to establish, choosing to supplement as an alternative to giving up on breastfeeding altogether serves as a bridge to help you achieve your goals while being sure your baby is getting what they need nutritionally.  

Offering milk to your baby in forms other than directly latching helps other family members be involved in this special bonding process.  This is why some parents choose to do a combination of breast and bottle feeding right from the start- so that mom doesn’t have to be the only one involved in baby’s feeding routine.  It’s important to know that in choosing a combination feeding plan, you will have to breastfeed or pump at each feeding session to ensure that you maintain a good supply - you cannot only feed your baby formula. 

How Long Do You Supplement?

We generally like to think of supplementation or triple feeding as a short-term plan to help you achieve an attainable pattern for the long term.  Supplementation is sometimes just utilized in the first few days of baby’s life before colostrum turns into mature milk.  It also can be used if there is a milk supply issue, and the extra pumping will help get things on track in a week or two.  However, some families choose a supplemental feeding plan for the long term and modify it to fit their needs. 

No need to fear the words “triple feed” or “supplementation” if your baby’s healthcare provider recommends it!  Even if you find yourself in a feeding routine that differs from your original plan, try to think of it as a tool to help your baby stay healthy and for you to achieve your goals.  Things don’t have to be all or nothing in the world of breastfeeding, and the plan can always change to fit what’s best for you and your family.  Check out some real-life success stories with supplementation here.