How to Escape the Triple Feeding Cycle and Get Your Life Back

If you’re stuck in a triple feeding cycle, I don’t need to tell you how exhausting and unsustainable it is. Between feeding your baby at the breast, supplementing with a bottle, and then pumping to increase or maintain supply, you’ve probably found yourself with barely 30 minutes to catch your breath before doing it all over again. Triple feeding can leave you feeling like you’re running a never-ending marathon—especially if you’re a working mom trying to balance your job with feeding your baby.

In this post, I’ll share practical tips on how to escape the triple feeding cycle and regain some sanity. And if you’re looking for personalized help through this, I’ve got a coaching program that might be just what you need. But for now, let’s break this down.

(This post was originally a video. Check it out, here.)

What is Triple Feeding?

Triple feeding is a short-term plan designed to boost milk production while ensuring your baby is getting enough to eat. It typically includes three parts:

1. Breastfeeding: You start by feeding your baby at the breast, even if they’re not getting a full meal.
2. Bottle Feeding: You then supplement with either expressed breast milk or formula to ensure they’re full.
3. Pumping: Finally, you pump or hand express after feeding to maintain or increase your milk supply.

Sounds like a lot? It is! Triple feeding is extremely time-consuming and exhausting. It’s often prescribed in situations where:

• A premature baby needs extra help feeding at the breast.
• Your baby is struggling with breastfeeding skills and isn’t getting enough milk.
• You have low milk supply and are trying to increase it.

Triple Feeding Survival Tips

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s dive into some actionable tips to help you survive this intense feeding routine.

1. Have a Plan to Get Out of Triple Feeding

Triple feeding is not meant to last forever. It’s essential to have a plan for when and how to stop. Start by understanding why you’re triple feeding in the first place. Is it low supply? Poor feeding skills? Both?

If the issue is low supply, focus on frequent and effective milk removal to increase production. If the problem is related to your baby’s feeding skills, work closely with a lactation consultant (IBCLC) to help improve their latch and milk transfer. The goal is to stop triple feeding as soon as it’s safe to do so, which is usually when your baby can take in enough milk directly from the breast.

2. Pump Efficiently

Since you’re pumping on top of breastfeeding and bottle feeding, it’s important to make every minute count. Work on optimizing your pump sessions:

• Use the right flange size.
• Set up your pump in a convenient spot so it’s easy to access.
• Make sure your settings are optimized for effective milk removal.

Even squeezing in short 5-minute pump sessions throughout the day can help keep your milk supply up. And don’t forget—you can use milk from the previous pumping session for the next feeding, so you don’t feel the pressure to pump immediately after feeding.

3. Get Help with Pumping Logistics

Triple feeding requires a lot of coordination. Reduce the workload by having extra pump parts on hand so you don’t need to wash them after every session. Even better, ask a partner or caregiver to take over washing bottles and pump parts for you. Delegate what you can so you can focus on feeding your baby and caring for yourself.

4. Lower Your Expectations

Triple feeding takes up a lot of time. Adjust your expectations for what you can realistically accomplish during this phase of your life. It’s okay to let some tasks slide or ask for help. If you’re a working mom, focus on the essentials and be kind to yourself.

5. Flexible Pumping

While it’s crucial to pump frequently, don’t be rigid with your pumping schedule. Your baby’s needs come first, and sometimes that means pushing a pumping session back a little bit to soothe them. Be mindful of striking a balance between consistent milk removal and keeping your sanity intact.

6. Supplement with Formula if Needed

If you’re struggling to pump enough milk, it’s okay to supplement with formula. Progress is progress. Feeding your baby a mix of breast milk and formula can help ease the pressure, giving you the time and energy to focus on increasing your supply slowly.

Getting Baby Back to the Breast

If your goal is to eventually move back to exclusive breastfeeding, here are some strategies to help get your baby feeding directly from the breast.

1. Offer Supplements Wisely

Use bottles in a way that supports breastfeeding by practicing paced feeding, which mimics the slower flow of milk from the breast. Alternatively, you can try cup feeding or syringe feeding for younger babies to avoid nipple confusion.

2. Experiment with Timing

You can either offer the breast first and then top off with a bottle, or start with a small amount of milk in a bottle to calm your baby before transitioning them to the breast. Experiment and see what works best for your baby.

3. Hands-On Techniques

While breastfeeding, use breast compressions to help your baby get more milk. You can also try switching sides multiple times to keep your milk flowing and maintain your baby’s interest in nursing.

4. Non-Feeding Practice

Encourage your baby to spend more time at the breast by offering extra “snacks” between feedings or skin-to-skin contact. This low-pressure practice can make your baby more comfortable with breastfeeding and help improve their skills.

5. Reduce Supplements Gradually

As your baby becomes more efficient at breastfeeding, work with a lactation consultant to gradually reduce the amount of supplementation. Monitor their weight gain, diaper output, and behavior to ensure they’re getting enough to eat.

Surviving Triple Feeding

Triple feeding can be a grueling experience, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Here are a few final tips to help you survive:

• Ask for Help: Don’t hesitate to delegate tasks like washing bottles, cooking meals, or taking care of other household chores. You’re already doing the hard work of feeding your baby, and there’s no shame in asking for help.
  
• Have Clear Goals: It’s important to know why you’re triple feeding and what success looks like. Set clear, achievable goals and regularly assess whether you’re making progress.
  
• Do Your Best, Not Perfection: Give yourself grace. It’s okay if you don’t hit every pumping session exactly on time or if you need to supplement with formula. Doing your best is enough.

If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of how to move forward, reach out for support. Whether it’s a lactation consultant, a pediatrician, or a pumping expert, having someone in your corner can make a world of difference.

If you need help navigating the complexities of triple feeding, balancing breastfeeding with work, or creating a sustainable pumping routine, I’m here to help. Feel free to apply to our coaching program, and let’s work together to make this journey more manageable.

Good luck and happy pumping!