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Top up feeds

Top up feeds are when you give your baby some formula milk alongside your breast milk.

If you want to continue breastfeeding but are worried your baby is not getting enough milk, speak to your midwife or health visitor. The NHS website has advice on how to tell if your baby is getting enough milk and tips on increasing milk supply.

Topping up with formula

Remember, topping up with formula means baby will breastfeed less often which will signal to your breasts to start producing less milk.

If topping up is temporary and you want to continue breastfeeding, expressing your breast milk will help maintain your milk supply.

However, if you want to reduce or stop breastfeeding, topping up with formula will allow you to do this gradually.

Breastfeeding Friend from Start for Life

The Breastfeeding Friend, a digital tool from Start for Life, has lots of useful information and expert advice to share with you – and because it's a digital tool, you can access it 24/7.

Help and support

For confidential breastfeeding information and support, call the National Breastfeeding Helpline on 0300 100 0212.

Lines are open 9:30am to 9:30pm every day.