Triple Feeding: Methods & Alternatives

Medically reviewed by Sandra Jennings-Curry, RN, MSN, IBCLC, CNL

If you’ve been told to “triple feed,” you might be feeling overwhelmed, confused, and exhausted. Triple feeding is a common, but temporary, strategy used when there are early challenges with breastfeeding or milk supply. Triple feeding is extremely demanding, especially in the early days of newborn life. But with the right support team, it becomes more manageable and most importantly, it’s a short-term plan, not a permanent routine.

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What is triple feeding?

Triple feeding is a short-term feeding plan typically recommended by a pediatrician or International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) to support babies who aren’t transferring enough milk directly from the breast. The process involves three steps repeated every few hours: nursing at the breast, even if the baby isn’t getting much milk; supplementing with pumped breast milk or formula; and pumping your breasts afterward to stimulate or protect your milk supply. The goal is to feed your baby while signaling your body to make more milk and working toward exclusive breastfeeding, if that is your goal. Families are often advised to triple feed due to low milk supply, ineffective latch, preterm birth, jaundice, or slow weight gain.

Example triple feeding schedule

Triple feeding usually happens every two to three hours, around the clock. After settling your baby and cleaning your pump parts, you might have roughly an hour or so before the cycle begins again. This routine is demanding and leaves little time to rest, which is why it’s intended to be a temporary, closely monitored plan.

Here’s what a single cycle might look like:

• 0:00 – Nurse baby at breast (10–20 minutes per side, depending on baby’s stamina)
• 0:30 – Offer a supplement (pumped milk or formula) using a bottle, cup, syringe, or at-breast supplementer
• 0:45 – Pump both breasts for 15–20 minutes
• 1:10 – Clean pump parts, store milk, settle baby
• 2:30 – Start again

Triple feeding is intensive and often allows for less than an hour of rest between cycles. For this reason, it is meant to be a short-term strategy, closely monitored by your healthcare team to ensure it remains effective, personalized, and worthwhile.

When to stop triple feeding

There isn’t a universal timeline to stop triple feeding, but it’s important to remember that triple feeding is not meant to last forever; it’s a bridge, not a destination. You may be able to stop triple feeding once your baby consistently latches well and transfers milk effectively, when their weight gain is appropriate for their age, and when your milk supply has increased or stabilized. Your pediatrician or IBCLC will guide you in determining the right time. If you’re unsure, scheduling a weighted feed with an IBCLC can help assess how much milk your baby is actually getting during nursing sessions and help you monitor progress.

How to wean off triple feeding

Weaning off triple feeding often happens gradually. Typically, you might start by cutting back on pumping sessions slowly, such as skipping one nighttime session or reducing how long you pump. At the same time, formula supplements are decreased gradually as your baby gains weight and your milk supply improves. 

The goal is to shift more feeding sessions to the breast while carefully monitoring your baby’s weight and diaper output. Comfort nursing, which means letting your baby suckle at the breast even when they’re not actively feeding, can support milk production and help maintain your bond with your baby during this transition.

Transitioning from triple feeding to exclusive breastfeeding

Once your baby is feeding well at the breast and your milk supply is firmly established, you can typically move toward exclusive breastfeeding. During this transition, using an at-breast supplementer can be especially helpful because it allows your baby to receive supplements while still nursing at the breast, reducing the risk of bottle preference. To make the transition smoother, try offering the breast first at every feeding and use paced bottle feeding techniques if bottle supplements are still necessary. Avoid sudden changes; going slow and paying close attention to your baby’s cues will make this shift easier for both of you.

Self-care while triple feeding

Triple feeding is hard work. It can feel like a full-time job with no breaks, and an emotional rollercoaster on top of that. To make it more manageable, it’s important to accept help whenever it’s offered– whether that’s with meals, cleaning, or diaper changes. Using a hands-free pumping bra can give you the chance to rest, eat, or simply take a moment for yourself while pumping. Prioritizing at least one long stretch of sleep, perhaps by having a partner or postpartum doula handle a bottle feeding overnight, can make a big difference. Remember, this is a temporary phase, and you deserve care and support, too.

“I usually tell my patients to try to make their pumping sessions a time for them to recharge. I tell them to make a pump station and call a friend, read  a book, watch  an episode of their favorite show. Anything to make it feel less tedious.” - Sandra Jennings Curry, IBCLC-RN

Alternatives to triple feeding

While triple feeding is one approach, it’s not the only option available. Depending on your situation, your care team might recommend:

• Nursing directly combined with pumping, but without supplemental milk/formula if your baby’s weight gain allows
• Supplementing without pumping may be appropriate if milk supply is not the primary concern
• Using an at-breast supplementer to avoid bottles and preserve baby’s preference for the breast
• Exclusive pumping may be advised if nursing simply isn’t working for you. 

Every feeding journey is unique and valid, and your care plan should be tailored to your family’s needs.The important thing is your baby’s health, hydration, and weight gain, as well as your own wellbeing. The most successful journeys are when parents are open to all methods of feeding.

Triple feeding and milk supply

One of the main goals of triple feeding is to boost milk production. Pumping after feeds helps stimulate supply, especially in the early weeks when milk production is highly influenced by hormones. To maximize output, it’s important to pump both breasts for 15-20 minutes, even if milk flow slows or stops before then. Using gentle breast massage while pumping can also help increase milk expression. Some parents find power pumping, short bursts of pumping over the course of an hour, beneficial when done once a day. Power pumping should be done under the guidance of a lactation consultant in order to ensure it is an appropriate next step and prevent an oversupply issue.

What is considered low milk supply?

True low milk supply is relatively uncommon but can be a real challenge for some parents. It’s typically defined as producing less milk than your baby needs for adequate growth, which is reflected in poor weight gain and fewer than six wet diapers and three to four dirty diapers per day after the first week of life. 

Milk supply may be affected by hormonal conditions such as PCOS or thyroid disorders, retained placenta tissue, infrequent nursing or pumping, or a poor latch and shallow sucking. An IBCLC can help identify the underlying cause and create a feeding plan tailored specifically for you and your baby.

Ways to increase milk supply

If you’re looking to boost your milk supply and reduce the need for supplementation, frequent milk removal is key. Nursing or pumping every two to three hours can encourage your body to produce more milk. Spending time skin-to-skin with your baby also promotes milk production by stimulating the hormones involved in lactation. 

Some parents consider herbal supplements or galactagogues, but it’s important to consult your healthcare provider before trying any of these. You can also try increasing milk supply through diet, such as these lactation-boosting snacks. 

Correcting your baby’s latch with the support of a lactation consultant can make a big difference, as can nighttime pumping, since the hormone prolactin, which supports milk production, is highest during the night. Patience is essential because supply increases typically take several days or weeks of consistent effort.

Triple feeding can feel like an endless cycle of nursing, pumping, and bottle washing, but it’s important to remember that it’s not forever. With the right support and guidance, many families reach their feeding goals, whether that means exclusive breastfeeding, combination feeding, or something else entirely. If you’re triple feeding, reach out to a pediatrician or IBCLC for personalized support, you deserve care, too.

Research sources and further reading

Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine. ABM Clinical Protocol #3: Supplementary Feedings in the Healthy Term Breastfed Neonate, Revised 2017‍

La Leche League Canada. Triple Feeding‍

The Bump How to Survive Triple Feeding With a Low Milk Supply (a wonderful first-person narrative of one parent’s experience with triple feeding!)