🤱 The difference between exclusive and mixed breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is a wonderful adventure, but every mother lives the experience in her own way. While some choose to breastfeed exclusively, others opt for mixed feeding. Both choices are perfectly valid, and each has its advantages. This article explains the differences and helps you find the option that suits you best.

1. Exclusive breastfeeding: 100% breast-feeding

Exclusive breastfeeding means that your baby is fed solely with your milk, without the use of bottles. According to WHO recommendations, exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first six months of your baby's life, as it offers ideal nutrition and a strong bond with your little one. Exclusive breastfeeding promotes good immunity, optimal growth and reduces the risk of allergies.

However, there can also be a few challenges: frequent feedings, fatigue, the need for constant availability and the pressure of not being able to take a break. For some moms, it can be a little exhausting.

2. Mixed breastfeeding: between breast and bottle

Mixed breastfeeding involves giving your baby both breast milk and bottles of infant milk. This method allows you to share feeding responsibilities with other family members, while continuing to offer the benefits of breast milk. Mixed breastfeeding can also be a solution for mothers who are unable to breastfeed continuously, while maintaining breastfeeding.

The main advantage? Flexibility! Other people can feed baby, and you can save time to rest. The drawback? You need to manage your lactation carefully, so as not to risk a drop in breast milk production.

3. Can you switch from one to the other?

Yes, it's perfectly possible to switch from exclusive to mixed breastfeeding, or vice versa. It's important to do it gently and to monitor your baby's response and your body. If you choose to switch to mixed feeding, start by introducing a bottle of infant milk at a time of day when you're not too tired, and observe how your baby reacts. On the other hand, if you want to return to exclusive breastfeeding, you may need to increase the frequency of feeds to stimulate your milk production.

4. Choose according to your needs, without pressure

Exclusive or mixed breastfeeding is neither better nor worse, it's just a question of preference and needs. It's essential to make a choice that suits you, without outside pressure. Sometimes moms feel social or family pressure to breastfeed exclusively. But the important thing is to listen to your body and your baby's, and find a balance that makes you both feel good.

Conclusion:

Breastfeeding is above all a story of love and complicity between you and your baby. It doesn't matter whether you choose exclusive or mixed breastfeeding, the most important thing is that you are serene with your choice. At 23MaiParis, we're here to support you in this wonderful adventure, with kindness and respect for your journey.