Mixed Up: Combination Feeding by Choice or Necessity

I’ve never read a book quite like it, both in terms of content and how the author speaks to you. Combination feeding is such a grey area of infant feeding that’s rarely discussed, or seen as a temporary thing that needs to stop. But it’s a valid and important way for many parents to be able to feed their babies. Information around it is scarce - until this book which compiles all the information together and brings new suggestions, views and feelings to the table.The book comes across in true Lucy style, supportive, kind, gentle, reassuring, evidence based and non judgemental. Reading it is like you’re sat in a room with her having a conversation which is an incredible skill to hold.What I find really touching and important about this book is that various paragraphs are shaded grey and Lucy explains at the beginning that these parts may be difficult to read and to skip them if you would find that helpful.The book is designed to be flicked through where you can access just the parts that apply to you which is refreshing by and makes for a light read to gain all the information you need and deserve to have,It’s been so beautifully thought out and protects readers from the difficult emotions that can come with combination feeding whilst giving balanced, unwavering and non judgemental support.It’s a pleasure to finally have a book of this topic on our shelves.

I haven't finished reading this book yet but I couldn't resist leaving a review already. If you are a healthcare professional, pregnant, have a baby or even just want to read more about infant feeding and you only read 1 book about it I really recommend it being this one! This book is incredibly informative and considerate of every reason why parents may combination feed, what that might look at, possible alternatives, possible problems and ways to make it SUSTAINABLE. Even in the deep dark corners of the Internet it feels impossible to find information on how to successfully combination feed in a way that is sustainable and Lucy more than reaches that goal. More than that though, Lucy thinks about the emotional impact of infant feeding in every aspect and brings this into play in her recommendations and really highlights how valid it is to think about the family as a whole in your infant feeding choices.I combination feed due to necessity and I was concerned that this book may trigger an unwanted emotional response, but Lucy really has thought of it all and she has highlighted and clearly labelled sections which she thinks may be particularly emotional. The whole book is really clearly labelled as well so that you can pick and choose the sections you wish to read or wish to avoid.I have come into contact with LOTS of healthcare professionals and I'm sad to say that none of them have provided the support that I needed to be able to continue to combination feed, or really the right support to reduce the formula top ups. In addition to that hardly any of them also took my feelings and mental health into consideration. I really really wish that all of those professionals read this book, and I wish I read this when I was pregnant so that I was aware of potential challenges but ALSO potential solutions.

Useful for parents & professionalsThis book is written in really approachable language and I love how it's designed to be picked up and put down for quick chunks of encouragement and information.I enjoyed the way Lucy combines real parent stories (I felt seen), with the research and intersectionality. It was a quick, refreshing read.It feels like she's just warming up, what's next Lucy?Professionals:It can be hard to know how to support parents about feeding, this book addresses the space in between the common binary narrative surrounding infant feeding.Of particular note - the section on the components of human milk, concisely explaining what each bit is for, will make a spectacular revision tool for supporters, lactation professionals and health care workers alike.

This book is phenomenal. My only criticism is I wish I'd got this information sooner. My breastfeeding journey has not gone as I'd hoped and we introduced bottles after 2 months due to tongue tie, slow weight gain and general exhaustion / depression on my side. Every day I worry that our breastfeeding is deteriorating but this book has given me the confidence to manage combi feeding more effectively and be safe in the knowledge that I am doing the best I can for our baby. Thank you Lucy you've managed to make a complicated and intricately emotional topic useful and accessible.

So lucky to get hold of this before the official launch date (22nd)Well done Lucy - a much needed & well written book on the importance of combination feeding, whether you come to it by choice or necessity!

This book takes a difficult subject and makes it accessible to everyone. The author balances the realities of formula gently and compassionately - it was like recieving a hug from a close friend. The information in here will allow so many people to continue breastfeeding while also bottle feeding. The parts that might be difficult to read are shaded so they can be avoided, which is a nice touch, and adds to the sense throughout that the author has your best interests at heart.

As an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant the majority of my clients are combination feeding their babies. There is so little information out there about this option. It does not have to be all or nothing. Any amount of breast milk is good for baby. But info on how to continue long term is rarely available.

This beautifully written non biast book is just what combi feeding families need. It covers the benefits of breastfeeding and the benefits of combination feeding. It talks a little about the risks of introducing formula, but in an informative non preachy way, allowing parents to make informed choices about how to feed their babyI will be recommending this to any feeding parents who may find them on the path of combi feeding by choice or necessity.