If there’s one thing I’ve learned in all my years as a lactation consultant, it’s that every family’s feeding journey is unique.
And if you’re one of the mums who has found herself breastfeeding, expressing, and supplementing with a bottle, you’re not alone. You’re triple feeding!
This method can be pretty demanding, but – good news! – it’s often only a temporary strategy, used to combat certain breastfeeding hurdles.
Let’s explore what triple feeding is, why it happens, and how to make it more manageable.
What is triple feeding?
The clue’s in the name! Triple feeding is a temporary strategy that includes three ways to feed your baby in its first precious few weeks of life.
There’s no sugarcoating it: triple feeding is hard work but the upshot is that it should only be used in the short-term. (Think 1- 2 weeks.)
Triple feeding includes three steps…
- Breastfeeding your baby
- Pumping or hand-expressing milk
- Feeding your baby with expressed milk or formula via bottle
Who is triple feeding recommended for?
Does every baby need triple feeding? Is it something you should consider? These are just some of the questions you might have.
Generally, it’s a solution for…
- Sleepy babies not feeding effectively
- Babies with excessive weight loss
- Low milk supply concerns
- Late preterm or medically fragile babies needing additional calories
Why do some mothers triple feed?
Good question! Most mums begin triple feeding after discovering their baby’s excessive weight loss, often in the early days after birth.
Baby weight loss may be caused by…
- Baby not latching correctly
- Baby too sleepy and poor suck
- Maternal issues such as postpartum haemorrhage or pre-eclampsia
How to make triple feeding work for you
The biggest question on your lips, whether you’re considering triple feeding or have already started and are finding it tough, is probably how to make it work for you.
It can be hard going, but here are four steps to make it a little easier for you…
1. Keep your baby fed
Ensuring your baby is fed is priority number one. To help with that you can try…
- Paced bottle feeding: Slow the feeding process to mimic breastfeeding flow and prevent the baby from becoming confused.
- Alternative feeding methods: Use a supplemental nursing system, cup, or spoon if a bottle isn’t ideal and the volumes needed are lower.
- Calm your baby with some milk by bottle before breastfeeding: A small amount of milk can soothe a fussy baby. This is called “finish at the breast”
2. Protect your milk supply
Triple feeding can feel like a bit of a round-the-clock thing.
You might feel like you are feeding more often than you are not, and for that reason maintaining or increasing your milk supply is essential. Here’s how:
- Frequent breastfeeding: Offer your breast often, and keep an eye out for deep, rhythmic sucking and audible swallows.
- Effective pumping: Use techniques like hands-on pumping to maximise milk output.
- Hand expression: Combine with pumping to stimulate milk production.
- Galactagogues: You can discuss with a lactation consultant (like me) whether herbs or medications may support your supply.
(Btw, there’s more info on how triple feeding affects your milk supply below!)
3. Address the root cause
If your baby has feeding difficulties, it’s a good idea to do some investigative work to find out what’s going on.
There are a few possible causes, such as…
- Maternal factors: Hormonal issues, previous breast surgery, or low glandular tissue such as Insufficient glandular tissue can all have an impact
- Infant factors: Poor latch, tongue-tie, or medical conditions
- Early missteps: Infrequent feeding or improper latch in the first few days
The good news? An experienced lactation consultant can help uncover and address these issues. Click here to book a lactation consultation so you can figure out what’s going on.
4. Transition back to breastfeeding
Triple feeding can completely dominate a mother's life in the postpartum period and even get in the way of her being able to enjoy and bond with her baby.
Triple feeding is rarely sustainable long-term. (Hopefully, that’s something that comes as a relief!)
During Covid, many mums found themselves triple feeding for months because they didn’t have the support to transfer to full breastfeeding.
Thankfully, you should be able to transition back to breastfeeding after a couple of weeks. Here are my top tips for doing exactly that…
- Gradually reduce formula or expressed milk supplements while monitoring your baby’s weight and output
- Adjust pumping sessions to allow more milk to remain in the breast
- Celebrate small wins, like eliminating one bottle feed at a time
Ready to ditch the pump and get back to full-time breastfeeding snuggles?
Triple feeding schedule
Everyone’s triple feeding schedule will look a little different. How you feed will be based on your baby’s needs and your own routine, after all.
But to give you a rough guide, a common triple feeding schedule might look something like this in the early weeks…
- Breastfeed: Offer both breasts trying to keep your baby actively feeding. If your baby is not latching or falling asleep very soon – try giving some of the bottle (around 20-30mls) then try again.
- Bottle feed: Supplement with 30-60mls of expressed milk or formula or the volumes that were advised by your doctor or midwife.
- Pump: Use a high-quality electric pump immediately after feeding. Pump both sides at the same time. Stop when the milk flow slows down or after 15 minutes.
Aim to complete the schedule in 1 hour. If you have spare time do skin to skin with your baby.
This cycle often repeats every 2–3 hours, meaning you’re feeding, supplementing, and pumping around the clock.
Yep, it can be pretty intense, but don’t forget, this routine is usually short-term.
Does triple feeding increase supply?
This is a question I hear a lot in my work as a lactation consultant. And the answer is (drumroll, please), yes, triple feeding can help boost milk supply.
Regular stimulation of the breast through breastfeeding and pumping signals your body to produce more milk.
Key factors for increasing supply while triple feeding include:
- Ensuring proper latch and milk transfer during breastfeeding.
- Using a hospital-grade pump and practising hands-on techniques.
- Staying hydrated, well-nourished, and rested (as much as possible).
Setting realistic expectations when triple feeding
Triple feeding can be physically and emotionally exhausting, so please go easy on yourself!
Set time limits and seek professional support to review your plan regularly.
If breastfeeding doesn’t unfold as you’d planned, please know that every drop of breastmilk matters, and any feeding method that works for you and your family is valid.
Remember: Breastfeeding is more than just nutrition…
It’s about connection and love.
Whether you transition to exclusive breastfeeding or decide to combination feed, every drop of breastmilk your baby gets is beneficial.
Get support
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, the best thing you can do is reach out to a lactation consultant. I promise you, you’re not alone in this!
