Why my baby never seems full after breastfeeding but s/he does after formula feeding?

If you're a parent who is combining breast and formula feeding, one question might be quietly worrying you:

"Why my baby never seems full after breastfeeding but s/he does after formula feeding?"

You’re not alone in asking this. In fact, this is one of the most common concerns we hear at Cradle Care from loving, attentive parents doing their absolute best. And while there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, understanding the dynamics of mixed feeding can offer some much-needed peace of mind.

In this blog we discuss why your baby might seem less satisfied after breastfeeding—and what you can do to make feeding feel more nourishing, confident, and calm.

Mixed feeding: What it is and why parents choose to do it

Mixed feeding refers to combining breast milk with formula feeding. Many parents choose this approach due to:

• A low breast milk supply

• Medical concerns or medication use

• The return to work and needing flexibility

• Wanting to involve partners in feeding

• Preference or convenience

It can be a beautiful, balanced solution that gives your baby the best of both worlds. But it also presents its own emotional and practical challenges—especially when a baby appears to “prefer” formula.

Why breastfeeding alone might not feel satisfying (for baby or you)

If your baby drinks at the breast for an hour and still seems unsettled, but quickly relaxes after a bottle, there could be several reasons behind this behaviour. And none of them mean you're doing something wrong.

1. Breast milk flow can be slower

Unlike the steady stream from a bottle, the flow of milk from the breast can vary significantly depending on let-down, time of day, or your baby’s drinking technique. Some babies get frustrated when they have to work harder for their feed—especially if they’ve already experienced the ease of a bottle.

Tip: Try breast compressions during feeds to help milk flow more steadily.

2. Formula digests more slowly

Formula is designed to be filling. It takes longer to break down in your baby’s tummy compared to breast milk, so it can create a longer-lasting feeling of fullness. Breast milk, while rich in nutrients and immunological benefits, digests faster—often leading to more frequent hunger cues.

It’s not that breast milk is less satisfying—it’s just digested differently.

3. Your baby may be comfort latching

Not all time at the breast is about hunger. Babies often latch for comfort, especially when overtired, overstimulated, or simply needing closeness. It’s entirely normal for them to seek out the breast as a safe place—even if they’re not feeding efficiently.

At Cradle Care, we encourage new parents to think of feeding as more than just “input.” It’s also about comfort, bonding, and reassurance.

4. Feeding technique and latch

If your baby isn’t latching deeply or effectively, they may spend a long time at the breast with minimal milk transfer. This can lead to prolonged feeds that leave the baby unsatisfied and you exhausted.

Common causes include:

• A shallow latch

• Tongue or lip ties

• Flat or inverted nipples

• Sleepy or distracted feeding

Consulting a lactation specialist can be helpful if you're unsure about your baby's latch.

5. Milk supply may need support

Your baby’s hunger cues can sometimes reflect a temporary mismatch between what they need and what your body is currently producing—especially in the early days. Stress, fatigue, and interrupted sleep can also influence supply.

Remember: mixed feeding doesn’t mean your breast milk is “not enough”—it may just need a little support to meet demand.

Emotional weight: When feeding feels like a test

We often see professional parents putting a lot of pressure on themselves when it comes to feeding. You're used to problem-solving and achieving outcomes—so when breastfeeding feels uncertain or out of your control, it can feel personal.

Let’s be clear: needing to supplement with formula does not mean failure. It means you are responsive. You are providing. You are doing an incredible job.

At Cradle Care, our postnatal care philosophy is rooted in compassion, realism, and gentleness—for your baby, and for you.

What you can do: Gentle adjustments and reassurance

Here are some supportive steps you can take if you're navigating mixed feeding and noticing this pattern:

✅ Monitor nappies and weight

Wet nappies (at least 6–8 per day) and steady weight gain are the gold standards for knowing a baby is getting enough, regardless of whether feeds come from breast or bottle.

✅ Try “Paced bottle feeding”

When giving formula, use a slow-flow teat and hold the bottle horizontally. This mimics the flow of breastfeeding, helping prevent babies from developing a strong preference for the faster, easier bottle.

✅ Breastfeed before bottle feeds

Start each feed with the breast, when the baby is most alert and motivated. Then top up with formula if needed. This helps encourage breast milk supply and keeps babies familiar with both feeding styles.

✅ Boost supply if desired

If you’d like to increase your milk supply, consider:

• Regular pumping

• Skin-to-skin contact

• Herbal supplements (always check with a healthcare provider)

• More frequent feeding or expressing

Cradle Care postnatal carers can also help you establish a gentle, supportive routine that promotes both bonding and supply-building.

Mixed feeding and bonding: You’re still creating magic

It’s easy to get caught in the comparison trap—wondering if exclusive breastfeeding would be better, or if full formula feeding would be simpler. But mixed feeding is its own form of responsive, adaptable parenting. It reflects a deep attentiveness to your baby’s needs, your body’s rhythms, and your family’s circumstances.

Whether you feed from the breast or the bottle, you’re still:

• Locking eyes

• Holding your baby close

• Responding to their cues

• Offering warmth, comfort, and love

That’s the core of postnatal care—not just what goes in, but what surrounds the feed.

A word from Cradle Care

At Cradle Care, we understand the quiet complexities of the newborn period—the 3am feeds, the second-guessing, the joy laced with fatigue. Our postnatal care services are designed to support you practically and emotionally during this time, whether you’re breastfeeding, formula feeding, or both.

Our trained carers work gently in your home, helping you build confidence, recover from birth, and bond with your baby. And if feeding is feeling confusing or fraught, you don't need to figure it out alone. We're here to walk with you.

You are enough

Feeding isn’t just about millilitres or minutes. It’s about meeting needs—your baby's and your own. If your newborn is mixed-fed and settles more easily with formula, that doesn’t diminish your breastfeeding efforts. It just means your baby is showing you how to help them feel full, safe, and loved.

Listen to that.

You’re already doing it.