There are two things I definitely know about parenting:

First, you can never quite be certain how things might turn out. It doesn’t matter how flawlessly we execute on the sage advice from our favorite Instagram moms regarding sleep, feeding, discipline or education–there are just some things we can’t control.

Second, it’s that AND is an operative word. Babyled weaning AND purées… Montessori learning AND a tricked-out playhouse… Breastfeeding AND formula feeding!?

In my first few months of breastfeeding my first daughter, the thought of feeding her formula was unbearable to me. I wholeheartedly believe in the benefits of breastfeeding for moms and babies, and cherish the experience of nurturing my babies that way–which is 100% corny, I know.

But a pandemic, a layoff, a miscarriage, a D&C, and a set of teeth later, my supply was toast and I struggled to pump what my daughter needed for daycare during the days. I was exhausted in my body, mind and soul. At 9 months, I decided I would breastfeed in the morning and at night, stop worrying about what I pumped during the work day and supplement the rest with formula. It would be the first decision I made as a mom to benefit me, and I’m so grateful I did.

The less milk I produced, the more energy I had. The more energy I had, the more I was able to take care of me. The more I was able to take care of me, the more I was able to be the mom I wanted to be.

I thought the first time I gave my daughter a bottle of formula I’d cry or be overcome with guilt. Instead, I felt the loving, snuggly joy of feeding come rushing back to me. I got the same rush of oxytocin I remembered from the short time that breastfeeding came easily to us in the newborn stage. Because I chose to combo feed, I was ultimately able to continue breastfeeding until 13 months.

While I hope things go differently with my breastfeeding and pumping journey this time around, I’m so glad I have the perspective I do now after having such a positive combo feeding experience.

If you’re struggling with supply, energy or just want a little extra flexibility in your days, here’s how we did combo feeding starting at 9 months. We still fed every 2-3 hours, and included 3 meals and 2 snacks during the day. Your schedule might look a little differently based on the age of your baby, your lifestyle or how much you choose to supplement with formula.

I am also absolutely not a doctor or nutritionist, just a mom with some friendly advice, so be sure to consult with your pediatrician or lactation consultant if you don’t want to go rogue like we did.

Sample Combo Feeding Schedule With Solids

6am - breastfeed and snuggle in bed for 10-20 minutes before starting the day.

7am - Breakfast

9am - 5 oz. formula (we used HIPP Stage 2, but this time I have a couple of cans of Bobbie formula in the event we choose to supplement or switch completely)

9:30am - Snack

11am - Lunch

12pm - 5 oz. formula

3pm - 5 oz. formula

3:30pm - Snack

5:30-6pm - Dinner

7pm - Bedtime breastfeeding