Mixing formula and breast milk

I was at a conference recently and learned something that I thought 
I’d better pass on to you.  If you don’t have enough pumped breastmilk 
for an entire feeding and you need to supplement with infant formula I 
have an update for you.

First, mix up infant formula according the directions and place in a 
bottle.  Then either breastfeed or use pumped breast milk in a 
separate bottle.  When the baby has finished at the breast or the 
pumped milk, then offer a separate bottle with the infant formula.  I 
found out that when you mix the 2 together in one bottle, that there’s 
a concern that the nutrients aren’t absorbed as well as when they’re 
separated.

It is ok to feed breastmilk and formula, one right after the other, 
that doesn’t seem to make any difference in absorption.

By the way, since it’s summer, if you’re breastfeeding, remember to 
get lots and lots of fluids.  If you live in a very hot climate and 
you’re worried that your baby might be getting too hot, then talk to 
your pediatrician about whether you need to offer an extra few ounces 
of water to your baby.