Understanding Infant Nutrition and Combo Feeding in the First Year
Tune in to the full episode, or dive into the key takeaways from this conversation:
Mother bottle feeding her infant
Introduction: The Critical First Year of Nutrition
The first year of your baby's life represents the most rapid period of growth and development they'll ever experience. As Dr. Devon explains in our latest Mysha Conversation, babies typically double their birth weight by 4-6 months and triple it by their first birthday—a growth rate that requires optimal nutrition to support both physical development and rapidly forming neural connections.
But for many parents, especially first-time mothers, the pressure to make "perfect" feeding decisions can be overwhelming. This conversation cuts through the noise to provide clear, judgment-free guidance on breastfeeding, formula feeding, and the increasingly common practice of combination feeding.
Understanding Your Baby's Nutritional Needs
The Science of Infant Development
Dr. Devon highlights a fascinating insight that many parents don't realize: by just six weeks of age, babies can recognize the quality of nutrition they're receiving and adjust their intake accordingly. This early nutritional intelligence explains why babies may appear to have different feeding patterns—they're communicating their needs based on the nutritional content of what they're consuming.
"They've already started to say, I didn't get as much as I needed on that feed. I need more now. Or they can say, I got plenty in that feed. I'm good for a little bit," explains Dr. Devon.
Beyond "Breast is Best"
While breast milk provides unique biological properties, Dr. Devon emphasizes that modern formulas can adequately support healthy growth and development. The conversation moves beyond the often-divisive "breast is best" messaging to acknowledge that formula is a valuable option that can relieve parental stress while providing complete nutrition.
"From a nutritional and growth and development perspective, formula is very safe and very good for babies," Dr. Devon shares, adding that parents "don't need to feel guilty about it."
Combo Feeding: The Reality for Most Families
What is Combo Feeding?
Combination feeding—providing both breast milk and formula—offers flexibility for many families. Dr. Devon reveals that by six months of life, approximately 75% of babies receive formula in some capacity, whether exclusively or in combination with breast milk.
Benefits of a Combined Approach
The discussion highlights several advantages to combo feeding:
Allowing other family members to participate in feeding and bonding
Creating schedule flexibility for the breastfeeding parent
Relieving stress about milk supply concerns
Potentially improving overall family wellbeing
Dr. Devon notes that introducing formula may actually support breastfeeding success for some parents by reducing stress—an important factor in milk production. "Sometimes even just that break to sleep for four hours tonight, or to take care of yourself, is going to boost your milk supply," she explains.
Making Informed Formula Choices
Key Ingredients to Look For
When selecting a formula, Dr. Devon recommends focusing on three key components:
Carbohydrates: Look for lactose, the natural sugar found in breast milk that babies are programmed to digest.
Proteins: Seek formulas containing breast milk proteins like alpha-lactalbumin, which support easy digestion and provide essential amino acids.
Fats: Consider formulas with whole milk fat, which contains natural healthy fats and can reduce the need for added vegetable oils like palm oil (which may cause constipation).
ByHeart's Innovative Approach
As ByHeart's Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Devon shares insights into their formula development process, which combines intact proteins found in breast milk with partially broken-down proteins to create a product that's both nutritionally complete and gentle on developing digestive systems.
What sets ByHeart apart is their commitment to scientific validation—they conducted a 311-baby clinical trial to demonstrate their formula's effects on digestion, growth, and comfort, publishing their results in a peer-reviewed medical journal.
Practical Guidance for Parents Using Formula
Introducing Formula
For parents transitioning from exclusive breastfeeding, Dr. Devon suggests:
Waiting until milk supply is established (typically a couple of weeks postpartum)
Introducing bottles in comfortable, familiar environments
Using slower-flow nipples initially to mimic breastfeeding
Being patient, as most babies can adapt to both feeding methods
Mixing Breast Milk and Formula
When combining breast milk and formula, Dr. Devon emphasizes the importance of proper preparation:
Always prepare formula according to package instructions first
Then mix the prepared formula with breast milk
Start with small amounts and gradually increase as needed
Conclusion: Trust Your Instincts
Perhaps the most powerful message from this conversation is Dr. Devon's reminder to trust yourself: "I have never had a parent be wrong when they can block out all the noise and just breathe for a moment and say, trust your instincts."
The goal isn't perfect feeding—it's nourishing your baby while maintaining your wellbeing. As Lauren simply puts it: "Your job is to feed your baby. Do that part. The way you do that needs to work for you and your family.”
Listen to the full conversation with Dr. Devon for more insights on infant nutrition, formula selection, and finding confidence in your feeding choices.
Interested in ByHeart’s formula? Use code MYSHA20 for 20% off.
Resources and References:
ByHeart's Formula Information ByHeart's clinical research and ingredient philosophy
American Academy of Pediatrics AAP guidelines on combining breast and formula feeding
