Breastfeeding doesn’t always go as planned, and many new moms quickly find themselves in an unsustainable cycle of pumping, bottle feeding, and nursing at the breast.
This is often referred to as triple feeding. I find that many families are quickly put on this schedule with no direction and no hope for it ending in the future. It’s often the quickest way to burnout and complete cessation of breastfeeding because it’s just too exhausting.
It involves a three-step cycle of breastfeeding, supplementing with pumped milk or formula and then pumping – often recommended for babies who struggle with latching or insufficient milk transfer.
While triple feeding can work fine for some, it’s undeniably demanding and exhausting. Unfortunately, many moms get put on this pathway without ever having the reasons why their baby is struggling looked into.
The purpose of triple feeding is to provide your baby with extra milk while still stimulating the breast to ensure adequate milk production. While it IS essential to promote the breast enough (which can be more difficult with supplemental feeds), there is room to discuss stimulation at other times.
As an IBCLC, I used to recommend this more than I do now – simply because I think there are better ways to navigate situations where triple feeding might be necessary. While I ultimately recommend working with an IBCLC (my team of virtual consultants would LOVE to help you – you can request a consult here), here are some options to consider as an alternative to triple feeding. You may also find my course, Fuss-Free Milk Supply, a good option if you are struggling with supply.
Always monitor your baby’s overall behavior, diaper output, and weight gain when dealing with breast milk intake issues.
1. Alternate Full Bottle Feeds and Breast Feeds
Rather than trying to give a small supplement at every feed, you can try and provide a few supplemental bottle feedings with a full supplement during the day. You would need to pump at about the same time (you could try pumping before to give that milk), but this might make it easier to focus on one method of feeding at a time.
I find that this is the best option for most families. It allows you to ensure your baby is getting enough and not too exhausted from the breast, while still offering the breast. If you do this, it’s important to paced bottle feed so your baby doesn’t get too used to the bottle. But it can be a good solution as you try and get better at the breast.
Some families will alternate every other feed – one as a triple feed, one as a bottle/pump session. Others choose 2-3 times a day where they want to practice breastfeeding and have the rest be bottle feeeds.
2. Supplemental Nursing System (SNS):
The SNS is a game-changer for many breastfeeding dyads. It involves using a thin tube attached to a bottle of expressed milk or formula taped to the breast. This allows your baby to receive supplemental milk while nursing, stimulating milk production and maintaining the breastfeeding bond.
The downsides to SNS feeding include:
- Can have a difficult learning curve
- Can feel foreign/awkward to some moms
- Most SNS systems out there can be a little glitchy
I find that if supplementing is going to be a long-term solution for a family, but they want to spend as much time at the breast as possible, this can be a great solution. I usually recommend one of these options:
- TOYANDA SNS
- Haakaa SNS (this has better reviews than many)
- Lactation Aid Set from Lactation Hub
3. Switch Feeding:
Switch feeding involves alternating breasts multiple times during a feeding session. This technique ensures that your baby receives both foremilk and hindmilk, promoting better satiety and nutrient absorption. This method can also elicit more letdowns per feeding session, which may help with milk supply.
Typically with switch feeding, I recommend switching to the other breast as soon as the baby starts to act fussy or fall asleep.
4. Hand Expression After Nursing:
After nursing, try hand expressing a little milk to encourage continued milk production and relieve any breast fullness. I usually recommend 3-5 minutes. This gentle stimulation can also help soften the breast for better latching during the next feeding.
5. Hand Expression Throughout the Day:
Incorporate random hand expression sessions throughout the day to boost milk supply and prevent engorgement. Even a few minutes of hand expression can significantly affect milk production.
6. Pump after some feeds:
Instead of adhering to a strict pumping schedule, pump occasionally after a feed where you supplement or whenever you have a moment. This flexible approach may help you to maintain milk supply without feeling tethered to the pump.
Focusing on pumping during the hours of 12 AM and 12 PM and then taking a break in the afternoon can be beneficial.
7. Parallel Pumping:
Instead of waiting to pump after you are done breastfeeding and bottle feeding, you can pump while you nurse on the other side. This could potentially look like this:
- Nurse on the right side
- Switch baby to the left; put pump on the right side
- Hand baby off to someone else after finished on the left side, pump on the left side
You can also alternate pumping just on one side, or even just nursing on one side while pumping on the other and giving the baby the supplement in the bottle.
While I don’t always recommend wearable pumps, they might be easier to use while paraell feeding since they don’t require as much equipment and fuss. I generally recommend the MomCozy M5 or or the Eufy S1 Pro. Just make sure you have the right sized flange!
8. Power Pumping:
Power pumping mimics cluster feeding and can be done in two ways:
10 (or 20) minutes on, 10 minutes off for an hour: This intense pumping session signals your body to ramp up milk production.
10 minutes at the top of the hour for three hours: Breaking up the power pumping session throughout the day can be more manageable for some mothers while still yielding similar results.
I find that wearable pumps can be helpful for power pumping.
Why Triple Feeding Can Be Difficult
Triple feeding is undeniably challenging for several reasons:
- Time-consuming: Constantly cycling between breastfeeding, supplementing, and pumping leaves little time for rest or other activities.
- Exhausting: The physical and emotional toll of round-the-clock feeding and pumping can be draining for parents.
- Isolating: Spending hours tethered to the pump or nursing chair can lead to feelings of isolation and frustration.
- Mental strain: Balancing the demands of triple feeding while caring for a newborn can take a toll on mental health, leading to stress and anxiety.
I want you to have the confidence to breastfeed for as long as YOU want without all the stress and guilt. That’s why Fuss-Free First Year is the ultimate solution to all those MOTN questions and frustrations where you don’t know where to turn. Be sure to join this fantastic community and resource today for more stress-free breastfeeding.
While triple feeding may be necessary for some breastfeeding journeys, it is essential to explore alternatives and strategies that prioritize both your baby’s nourishment and your own well-being.
Whether you opt for the SNS, switch feeding, or incorporate random hand expression, remember that there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Trust your instincts, seek support from lactation professionals, and be kind to yourself as you navigate this challenging but rewarding chapter of motherhood.
