What Is Triple Feeding—and Why Do Some Moms End Up Doing It?
If you're in the thick of newborn life and someone has recommended "triple feeding," you’re not alone—and you’re definitely not the first mom to feel overwhelmed by it.
What is it?
Triple feeding means doing three things, every time your baby eats:
Nursing at the breast
Pumping milk
Feeding the baby pumped milk (or donor milk/formula) by bottle
Why is it recommended to some families?
This plan is often suggested when:
Baby isn’t transferring enough milk at the breast
Baby has jaundice or low weight gain
Mom is working to increase her milk supply
There’s a concern about latch or suck strength
The Bottom Line:
Triple feeding can be a helpful short-term plan to protect your supply while making sure your baby gets enough to eat. In some cases, it’s exactly what’s needed to help you get back to exclusive breastfeeding. It gives baby the calories they need now—while giving you time to work on the root issue.
But here’s the most important thing: Triple feeding is not meant to be forever.
It’s exhausting. It’s time-consuming. And without a plan to scale back, it can burn out even the most motivated moms. That’s why you deserve a way out—and support to help you get there.
If triple feeding has been recommended to you, please reach out. Working with a lactation consultant (like us!) means you’ll get a personalized plan that’s realistic, gentle, and focused on weaning off triple feeding safely and successfully.
You don’t have to do this alone—and you don’t have to triple feed forever.
