BREASTFEEDING WITH CONFIDENCE | Pregnancy Tips, Postpartum Wellness, Milk Supply, Tongue Tie, Latch Pain

Top tips for getting a deeper latch when breastfeeding to reduce latching pain, increase milk transfer, and establish a strong milk supply. Resources: FREE: Breastfeeding Plan Template for *Pregnant Moms* - DOWNLOAD NOW Confident Mama Breastfeeding Academy Featuring Latching with Confidence - CLICK HERE Get Breastfeeding Help! - BOOK HERE Favorite Products NEEDED. Nutritional Support (Bioavailable Supplements, Hydration & More)** Motherlove Herbals (Save 15%!)** Thank you to RESTORATIVE ROOTS for sponsoring this episode of the Breastfeeding with Confidence Podcast. Learn more about how RESTORATIVE ROOTS can help you thrive now: restorativeroots.com

Is Breastfeeding Birth Control? Understanding Fertility While Breastfeeding Many mothers are told two completely opposite things after having a baby: “Breastfeeding prevents pregnancy.” —or— “You can get pregnant anytime while breastfeeding.” So what’s the truth? In this episode of the Breastfeeding with Confidence Podcast, we explore one of the most common postpartum questions: Can you get pregnant while breastfeeding? The answer lies somewhere in the middle. Breastfeeding can suppress ovulation in many women, but it is not guaranteed birth control. Understanding how fertility returns during breastfeeding can help mothers make informed decisions about family planning, natural birth spacing, and postpartum health. As discussed in this episode, breastfeeding in a healthy woman often suppresses ovulation, but that is not always the case, which is why recognizing the return of fertility signs is so important. RESOURCES: Get the FREE 5 Mistakes that Sabotage Breastfeeding Guide FREE Breastfeeding Plan Template Book Breastfeeding Prep Call Work with Whole Mission Work with Jaimie Zaki email jaimiezaki@littlebearlactation.com NEEDED. Nutritional Support (Bioavailable Supplements, Hydration & More)** Motherlove Herbals (Save 15%!)** Thank you to RESTORATIVE ROOTS for sponsoring this episode of the Breastfeeding with Confidence Podcast. Learn more about how RESTORATIVE ROOTS can help you thrive now: restorativeroots.com

Don’t put “breastfeeding” on your birth plan. I know that sounds controversial, but if you are pregnant and planning to exclusively breastfeed, this might be the most important mindset shift you make. Most moms are told to choose a baby friendly hospital, request skin-to-skin, and write “no formula unless medically necessary.” But when feeding challenges show up in the hospital, many still end up supplementing because they were never prepared for what actually happens in those first hours and days. In this episode, we talk about why traditional breastfeeding prep often falls short and why avoiding unnecessary formula requires a completely different approach. You will learn why breastfeeding is not just a newborn care topic, but something that begins during pregnancy and is shaped by your birth experience and early postpartum decisions. We unpack the biggest gap in breastfeeding education, the difference between safety-focused hospital care and strategic breastfeeding support, and why early feeding challenges like cluster feeding, sleepy babies, and latch struggles are often misunderstood. If you want to protect your milk supply, confidently advocate for your goals, and walk into birth with a clear plan instead of just a wish list, this episode will change the way you think about breastfeeding prep. To go deeper and create your own strategy, learn more about the Avoiding Formula in the Hospital workshop using the link in the show notes. Because breastfeeding is not about luck. It is about preparation. RESOURCES: Get the FREE 5 Mistakes that Sabotage Breastfeeding Guide Confident Mama Breastfeeding Academy (featuring Avoiding Formula Workshop) - CLICK HERE Concierge Breastfeeding Support: https://www.littlebearlactation.com/breastfeeding-help NEEDED. Nutritional Support (Bioavailable Supplements, Hydration & More)** Motherlove Herbals (Save 15%!)** Thank you to RESTORATIVE ROOTS for sponsoring this episode of the Breastfeeding with Confidence Podcast. Learn more about how RESTORATIVE ROOTS can help you thrive now: restorativeroots.com Topics Covered: breastfeeding prep during pregnancy how to prepare for breastfeeding before birth what to put on a breastfeeding birth plan breastfeeding birth plan strategy how to avoid formula in the hospital avoiding unnecessary formula after birth exclusive breastfeeding in the hospital how to advocate for breastfeeding in the hospital baby friendly hospital breastfeeding myths does baby friendly hospital mean no formula protecting milk supply in the first 72 hours what to do if baby will not latch in the hospital cluster feeding vs low milk supply normal newborn feeding behavior explained sleepy newborn not feeding enough fussy baby breastfeeding in early days early latch problems and solutions how to protect breastfeeding after a difficult birth preventing breastfeeding struggles from the start why breastfeeding fails in the first week how to build milk supply after birth hand expression before milk comes in how to respond when formula is suggested how to know if baby needs formula hospital supplementation and breastfeeding newborn weight loss and breastfeeding blood sugar concerns and breastfeeding breastfeeding confidence before birth partner support for breastfeeding success breastfeeding education for first time moms

Is baby formula really the key to marriage equality? That’s the provocative claim behind a recent New York Times article—and in this episode of the Breastfeeding With Confidence Podcast, Jaimie (IBCLC, mom of five) sits down with her husband Sebastian to unpack why that headline isn’t just misleading… it’s dangerous. Because when we frame formula feeding as the solution to an unequal marriage, we quietly teach families that breastfeeding is the problem—instead of asking the deeper question: 👉 If a marriage feels lopsided after a baby arrives, is feeding really the cause—or just where the cracks show up? Topics Covered in This Episode The New York Times headline “The Secret to Marriage Equality Is Formula” and why it’s problematic Equality vs sameness in marriage and parenting Why breastfeeding often becomes the scapegoat for deeper relationship issues How media narratives subtly undermine breastfeeding and femininity Formula as a tool vs formula as a cultural solution The myth that combo feeding information is “sparse” How inconsistent supplementation impacts milk supply (biology vs opinion) Why “fed is best” rhetoric often avoids root-cause problem solving A father’s perspective on feeling “left out” during breastfeeding What real support from dads actually looks like (without feeding) Why bonding is not dependent on putting milk in a baby’s mouth Breastfeeding as a short season vs marriage as the foundation How cultural normalization shapes parental expectations and decisions RESOURCES & PRODUCT RECOMMENDATIONS FREE 5 Breastfeeding Mistakes to Avoid Confident Mama Breastfeeding Academy Book a Virtual Lactation Consultant For Doulas seeking advanced lactation education & expert curated breastfeeding support frameworks, check out Breastfeeding Beyond the Birth Plan Here: https://www.littlebearlactation.com/birthworkers/lactation-education-for-doulas NEEDED. Nutritional Support (Bioavailable Supplements, Hydration & More) SAVE 20% ON YOUR FIRST ORDER!!!! Topics Covered: breastfeeding and marriage, formula vs breastfeeding, marriage equality and parenting, equality vs sameness in marriage, breastfeeding support for couples, fathers and breastfeeding roles, feeling left out as a dad, breastfeeding misinformation, combo feeding and milk supply, fed is best narrative, media influence on infant feeding, breastfeeding and femininity, partner support during breastfeeding, postpartum relationship dynamics, breastfeeding education gaps

Should you wake a sleeping baby to breastfeed — or is “never wake a sleeping baby” actually hurting your milk supply? This is one of the most confusing and anxiety-producing questions new parents ask, especially in the early weeks of breastfeeding. One person tells you to let your baby sleep as long as they want. Another warns that if you don’t wake every 2–3 hours, your milk supply will tank. So which advice is actually correct? In this episode of The Breastfeeding with Confidence Podcast, we break down when waking a sleeping baby to nurse is necessary, when it’s optional, and when it can actually backfire. You’ll learn how a newborn’s age, weight gain, feeding effectiveness, and overall patterns matter far more than the clock. We also talk about why long stretches of sleep can sometimes signal that feeding is hard — not that everything is going great. If you’re wondering how long a newborn can sleep between feeds, whether you should wake a sleepy baby at night, or how sleep affects milk supply, this episode will give you clarity without fear-based rules. You’ll walk away with a simple framework to help you make confident, informed decisions — while still trusting your instincts and protecting your breastfeeding relationship. 🎧 Perfect for pregnant moms and new parents navigating night feeds, milk supply concerns, and conflicting advice. RESOURCES RESOURCES: Get the FREE 5 Mistakes that Sabotage Breastfeeding Guide Baby Prep: Avoiding Unnecessary Formula Workshop Breastfeeding Solutions: Breastfeeding Success Guide Bundle Concierge Breastfeeding Support: https://www.littlebearlactation.com/breastfeeding-help For Doulas seeking advanced lactation education & expert curated breastfeeding support frameworks, check out Breastfeeding Beyond the Birth Plan Here: https://www.littlebearlactation.com/birthworkers/lactation-education-for-doulas NEEDED. Nutritional Support (Bioavailable Supplements, Hydration & More)** Motherlove Herbals (Save 15%!)** Thank you to RESTORATIVE ROOTS for sponsoring this episode of the Breastfeeding with Confidence Podcast. Learn more about how RESTORATIVE ROOTS can help you thrive now: restorativeroots.com * Topics Covered: infant sleep patterns, newborn sleep, should I wake baby to sleep, protecting milk supply, jaundice baby tips, never wake a sleeping baby **If you purchase from links above, Little Bear Lactation may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. These proceeds help keep the Breastfeeding with Confidence Podcast in production, providing free education and support for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.

Can you breastfeed after breast cancer—even after a double mastectomy? In this powerful and deeply personal episode of the Breastfeeding With Confidence Podcast, I’m joined by my friend Emily, a birth worker and breast cancer survivor, to talk honestly about what breastfeeding can look like after cancer—and how a Supplemental Nursing System (SNS) made it possible for her to nurse her babies at the breast. This conversation challenges the idea that breastfeeding is only about milk production. We talk about bonding, healing, hormones, and why breastfeeding still counts even when it doesn’t look the way you expected. If you’re a breast cancer survivor, supporting one, or working with mothers navigating complex breastfeeding situations, this episode is for you. And if you don't have breast cancer? This episode is still helpful for moms supplementing for low milk supply! In This Episode, We Cover: Can you breastfeed after breast cancer or a double mastectomy? What a Supplemental Nursing System (SNS) is and how it works Using an SNS with low or no milk supply Why breastfeeding is about more than milk Emotional healing and closure after cancer through nursing How long an SNS can be used Practical tips for using a Supplemental Nursing System successfully Why breastfeeding after cancer still “counts” RESOURCES & PRODUCT RECOMMENDATIONS FREE 5 Breastfeeding Mistakes to Avoid Confident Mama Breastfeeding Academy Supplementing for Breastfeeding Moms Mini Course Book a Virtual Lactation Consultant For Doulas seeking advanced lactation education & expert curated breastfeeding support frameworks, check out Breastfeeding Beyond the Birth Plan Here: https://www.littlebearlactation.com/birthworkers/lactation-education-for-doulas NEEDED. Nutritional Support (Bioavailable Supplements, Hydration & More) SAVE 20% ON YOUR FIRST ORDER!!!! Thank you to RESTORATIVE ROOTS for sponsoring this episode of the Breastfeeding with Confidence Podcast. Learn more about how RESTORATIVE ROOTS can help you thrive now: restorativeroots.com

Did your lactation consultant, postpartum nurse, midwife, or pediatrician tell you your baby has a "good latch" so the breastfeeding pain you're experiencing is probably "normal" and you'll just have to wait for it to disappear? What if I told you it doesn't matter what your baby's latch LOOKS like, if you're in pain? In this episode of the Breastfeeding With Confidence Podcast, Jaimie Zaki, IBCLC (Lactation Consultant) and mom of 5, discusses what a good latch looks like, what a good latch FEELS like, and how to determine the root cause of painful breastfeeding. Jaimie discusses oral function examinations, solutions for managing breastfeeding pain, and shares on-demand breastfeeding resources so you can transform your story today. If you're ready to get answers and implement real solutions for breastfeeding pain, you're in the right place. RESOURCES & PRODUCT RECOMMENDATIONS FREE 5 Breastfeeding Mistakes to Avoid Confident Mama Breastfeeding Academy Supplementing for Breastfeeding Moms Mini Course Book a Virtual Lactation Consultant For Doulas seeking advanced lactation education & expert curated breastfeeding support frameworks, check out Breastfeeding Beyond the Birth Plan Here: https://www.littlebearlactation.com/birthworkers/lactation-education-for-doulas NEEDED. Nutritional Support (Bioavailable Supplements, Hydration & More) SAVE 20% ON YOUR FIRST ORDER!!!! Thank you to RESTORATIVE ROOTS for sponsoring this episode of the Breastfeeding with Confidence Podcast. Learn more about how RESTORATIVE ROOTS can help you thrive now: restorativeroots.com

You’re Not Broken, You’re Postpartum: Redefining “Normal” in Early Motherhood What if the problem isn’t you… it’s the expectations you were handed about postpartum? In this powerful episode of the Breastfeeding With Confidence Podcast, Jaimie sits down with mom of six, birth worker, podcaster, and author Katherine Stephens to talk about her new book: You Are Not Broken, You Are Postpartum. If you’ve ever thought, “Why am I not handling this better?” or “Everyone else seems to be coping… what’s wrong with me?” — this conversation is for you. Katherine pulls back the curtain on what postpartum really feels like, from identity shifts to postpartum depression, from feeling isolated to realizing you were never meant to do this without a village. In this episode, we talk about: Why you feel “broken” postpartum (and why you’re not)How hormonal changes, birth trauma, lack of support, and sleep deprivation all collide and make you think you’re failing. The identity crisis of new motherhoodWhy you don’t “bounce back” to your old self — and how to start embracing the woman you’re becoming. The myth and reality of “it takes a village”What a true village used to look like, why so many moms don’t have one now, and practical ways to build support even if your family is far away. Asking for help without feeling like a failureSimple, practical ideas (like Catherine’s “power-up” exercise with your partner) to share the mental and physical load in postpartum. Postpartum depression vs. normal postpartum strugglesWhy feeling emotional does not automatically mean you’re broken — and when to seek extra support. RESOURCES FREE GUIDE: 5 Breastfeeding Mistakes to Avoid Made for Birth Podcast with Katherine Get your copy of "You're not broken, You're Postpartum" For Doulas seeking advanced lactation education & expert curated breastfeeding support frameworks, check out Breastfeeding Beyond the Birth Plan Here: https://www.littlebearlactation.com/birthworkers/lactation-education-for-doulas

Have you ever wondered about the benefits of breastfeeding beyond nutrition and immune health? We often talk about connection with breastfeeding, but here's what we don't talk about: The physical and developmental benefits of breastfeeding. The truth is breastfeeding is so much more than “no pain and good weight gain.” In this episode of The Breastfeeding With Confidence Podcast, we dive into the mechanical and developmental benefits of breastfeeding — the things that go far beyond the nutrition in your milk. Joining me today is Dr. Shereen Lim, an airway-focused dentist and author of Breathe, Sleep, Thrive. She breaks down how breastfeeding impacts your baby’s oral muscle development, jaw formation, airway growth, and even their long-term risk of sleep-disordered breathing. If you’ve ever wondered why breastfeeding matters for more than just feeding — this episode will blow your mind (in the best way). What We Cover in This Episode Why Breastfeeding Is a Foundational Piece of Oral Development Dr. Lim explains how breastfeeding creates the ideal conditions for strengthening your baby’s tongue, expanding the palate, shaping the jaws, and supporting proper airway growth — things bottles simply cannot mimic. Tongue Function, Tongue Ties, and Oral Dysfunction We discuss: Why tongue ties are more than “just a latch issue” How poor oral mechanics can still exist even when baby is gaining weight Early red flags like aerophagia (air intake), reflux-like symptoms, and compensatory swallowing Why early oral dysfunction is often the first sign of airway issues later How Oral Development Impacts Sleep and Airway Health Your baby’s ability to breathe well at night is directly connected to: Jaw growth Palate width Tongue tone and posture Nasal vs. mouth breathing habits Dr. Lim explains how early feeding mechanics shape the airway and why addressing issues early can prevent years of sleep and behavioral struggles. The Difference Between Breastfeeding and Bottle Feeding (Mechanically) We unpack how: The breast requires suction, jaw movement, tongue elevation, and coordinated suck-swallow-breathe Bottles rely on totally different muscles and can contribute to low tongue posture and mouth breathing You can optimize bottle-feeding when breastfeeding isn’t fully possible This is not about guilt — it’s about helping moms make informed, confident decisions. How Feeding Issues Show Up When Baby Starts Solids Many babies who struggle at the breast eventually show: Gagging Pocketing food Swallowing chunks whole Refusing solids Difficulty chewing Dr. Lim explains why these signs often trace back to early oral dysfunction. Why Breastfeeding Is a Vital Sign Breastfeeding trouble is often the earliest indicator of: Oral dysfunction Airway restriction Poor tongue posture Later sleep-disordered breathing Challenges with speech, chewing, and facial development RESOURCES: Get the FREE 5 Mistakes that Sabotage Breastfeeding Guide Connect with Dr. Shereen Lim Here RESOURCES & PRODUCT RECOMMENDATIONS FREE 5 Breastfeeding Mistakes to Avoid Confident Mama Breastfeeding Academy Supplementing for Breastfeeding Moms Mini Course Book a Virtual Lactation Consultant NEEDED. Nutritional Support (Bioavailable Supplements, Hydration & More) SAVE 20% ON YOUR FIRST ORDER!!!! Motherlove Herbals (Save 15%!) Topics Covered: breastfeeding oral development, airway focused dentist, tongue tie breastfeeding, infant oral dysfunction, jaw development breastfeeding, palate development breastfeeding, nasal breathing baby, sleep disordered breathing infant, bottle feeding vs breastfeeding mechanics, breastfeeding latch problems, breastfeeding and airway health, early tongue tie signs, breastfeeding reflux symptoms, infant airway development, breastfeeding jaw growth, lactation consultant airway, mechanical benefits of breastfeeding

Protecting Your Milk Supply During the Holidays: Breastfeeding Tips for Thanksgiving In this episode of the Breastfeeding With Confidence Podcast, Jaimie Zaki, IBCLC and mom of five, shares essential tips for maintaining milk supply and avoiding common breastfeeding challenges during the holidays. Thanksgiving and other holiday gatherings can be joyful but overwhelming, and it’s common for breastfeeding moms to experience clogged ducts, mastitis, or temporary dips in milk supply due to skipped feeds or stress. Jaimie busts popular myths, including concerns that herbs in holiday meals or moderate alcohol consumption can tank your milk supply, and offers practical strategies to keep both you and your baby comfortable and fed. She emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, prioritizing feeds, resting, babywearing, and setting boundaries to protect your milk supply and enjoy your holiday safely. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Common holiday myths about breastfeeding and milk supply How to prevent clogged ducts and mastitis during busy family gatherings Tips for feeding your baby while staying part of holiday festivities Using babywearing to keep your baby close and avoid missed feeds Strategies for prioritizing rest and self-care while postpartum How to navigate family dynamics and accept help without guilt Practical reminders for maintaining milk supply, even with a hectic holiday schedule Resources & Links: Episode on Breastfeeding & Alcohol LISTEN HERE FREE Breastfeeding Mistakes Guide - DOWNLOAD NOW Access the Confident Mama Breastfeeding Academy for step-by-step guidance on protecting your milk supply, managing common breastfeeding struggles, and getting a pain-free latch: littlebearlactation.com/library (use code PODCAST50for a discount)

Can breastfeeding truly support your mental health—or does it sometimes make postpartum depression worse? In this heartfelt episode of the Breastfeeding with Confidence Podcast, host Jamie Zaki, IBCLC and mom of five, sits down with Vanessa, a Licensed Professional Counseling Student and Lactation Counselor, to talk about the emotional side of breastfeeding that so many mothers struggle with but few actually discuss out loud. Together, they dive deep into postpartum depression, unresolved mother wounds, and the grief that can come when breastfeeding doesn’t go as planned. Vanessa shares her own journey through the intersection of motherhood and mental health, reminding moms that breastfeeding doesn’t have to be bad for your mental health—but the key is education, support, and self-compassion. In This Episode, You’ll Hear About: How birth interventions and early postpartum experiences shape both breastfeeding success and mental wellbeing The emotional layers of breastfeeding grief and how to process them How social media and cultural expectations add pressure to new moms The connection between unhealed mother wounds and the way we show up as mothers Practical ways to protect your mental health while breastfeeding Why being “birth to breastfeeding educated” before birth can transform your experience Meet Our Guest: Vanessa — @MilkandMentalHealth Vanessa is a Licensed Professional Counseling Student and Lactation Counseling student passionate about helping mothers navigate the complex intersection of mental health and breastfeeding. Through her online platform @MilkandMentalHealth, she shares education, emotional support, and compassionate truth-telling to empower moms to nurture both their babies and themselves. 🔗 Connect & Resources Learn more or join Vanessa’s Birth to Boob community: https://birthtoboob.my.canva.site/joinbtb Follow Vanessa on Instagram: @milkandmentalhealth | @birthtoboob Get the FREE 5 Mistakes that Sabotage Breastfeeding Guide rate, review, and share this episode with a mama who needs to hear that she’s not alone—and that it’s possible to breastfeed and protect your mental health. 00:00 Introduction to Breastfeeding and Mental Health 00:24 Meet Your Host: Jaimie Zaki 00:46 Postpartum Mental Health 04:13 Cultural and Psychological Challenges for Postpartum Mothers 06:18 Therapy and Support Systems 13:41 Personal Experiences and Stories 20:05 Final Thoughts and Encouragement 24:31 Closing Remarks and Call to Action

Breastfeeding Challenges: Comfort Nursing and Persistent Thrush In this episode of the Breastfeeding With Confidence podcast, host Jaimie Zaki, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and mom of five, answers two common community questions: “What should I do if my baby uses me as a pacifier?” and “My baby has white patches on her tongue, the doctor says it’s thrush, but it won’t go away — what now?” Jaimie breaks down the difference between nutritive and non-nutritive sucking, when and how pacifiers can be helpful, and how to know when “comfort nursing” is actually a red flag for oral dysfunction. She also clears up confusion between “milk tongue” and true thrush, shares what persistent thrush really means, and explores the role of gut health in recovery. With practical tips, mindset shifts, and encouragement, this episode helps you feel less alone while navigating frustrating breastfeeding struggles. BREASTFEEDING RESOURCES 👉FREE Breastfeeding Mistakes Guide - DOWNLOAD NOW 👉Access the Confident Mama Breastfeeding Academy for step-by-step guidance on protecting your milk supply, managing common breastfeeding struggles, and getting a pain-free latch: littlebearlactation.com/library (use code PODCAST50for a discount) 👉 Book a 20-minute Q&A session with Jaimie for personalized support Timestamps:00:00 Introduction & Podcast Welcome01:06 November Updates & Breastfeeding Community01:50 Comfort Nursing vs. Pacifier Use06:09 Baby Thrush Concerns Explained06:37 Breastfeeding Resource Library07:18 Thrush vs. Milk Tongue: Getting a Proper Diagnosis11:20 Final Thoughts & Support Options12:06 Conclusion & Call to Action