What No One Tells You About Triple Feeding (And How to Survive It)

“I didn’t know I’d spend most of maternity leave hooked up to a pump and/or washing pump parts.”

If you’re in the nurse–pump–bottle cycle, you know what I mean. Maybe you were told to triple feed after a tough delivery, NICU stay, slow weight gain, or a latching issue. Maybe no one explained how long it would last or how to make it work without burning out.

That’s triple feeding:
🤱🏽 Nurse your baby
🌀 Pump your milk
🍼 Bottle feed

It’s meant to be a temporary plan. But for most parents, it turns into a full-time job with no clear end and no real support.

Why It's So Hard

Triple feeding takes 2–3x longer than normal feeding. That means less time to rest, recover, or just hold your baby. And if you’re tracking every feed, every bottle, and every pump session? That mental load is crushing.

The worst part? Most of us feel like we’re doing something wrong. Like it’s our fault breastfeeding isn’t “just working.”

But here’s the truth: triple feeding is hard because it is hard. You’re not failing, you’re working harder than anyone should have to.

3 Tips to Survive Triple Feeding

1. Let go of perfection.

You won’t follow the plan perfectly. That’s okay. Your baby needs love, nutrition, and a parent who’s not running on empty.

2. Skip one pump overnight.

If your baby sleeps a stretch, you can too. One skipped pump won’t ruin your supply and the extra rest might help you feel better the next day.

3. Know the exit strategy.

Triple feeding is a tool, not a forever plan. You deserve support in deciding when and how to scale back without guilt.