Types of feeding

The Couple to Couple League uses the following terms to define the four types of baby feeding. All of these terms were defined by experts in the field of lactation, and their use is important because universal categorization is critical to any discussion and analysis of breastfeeding.

Exclusive breastfeeding is defined as nursing whenever the baby indicates a desire (day or night) during his first six months of life. The baby derives all of his nutrition from the breast, and he receives no bottles or early solids. The baby stays near his mother so that he can nurse and pacify at the breast on his own schedule; he does not regularly use a pacifier. CCL promotes exclusive breastfeeding.

Continued breastfeeding is defined as nursing beyond six months, whether or not other foods and liquids are added to complement breast milk. The baby still nurses and pacifies at the breast on his own schedule, but will usually indicate a desire for table foods. CCL promotes continued breastfeeding.

Mixed breastfeeding means that along with breast milk, a mother will provide supplemental foods or liquids before six months of age. Mothers who provide 100 percent of infant nutrition through pumped breast milk are also considered mixed breastfeeders because suckling provides more nipple stimulation than pumping, leading to increased milk synthesis.

Formula feeding means that a baby is fed with a bottle and receives only formula, ranging from cow’s milk to specialty formulas.

While there is no “moral value” attached to the type of feeding a family chooses for their baby, CCL promotes exclusive and continued breastfeeding because that is what is recommended for infants by most health and medical associations, including the World Health Organization, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and others.