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

Don't put "exclusive breastfeeding" on your birth plan! Avoiding Unnecessary Formula need a different strategy!

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 
Avoiding Formula Workshop: $27 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
 

Returning to Work While Breastfeeding: How to Protect Your Supply, Avoid Bottle Refusal, and Set Yourself Up for Success

Returning to work or school as a breastfeeding mom can feel overwhelming. Many pregnant and postpartum women worry they will have to choose between their breastfeeding goals and their career. But the truth is, you don’t have to—if you prepare early and get the right support.
In this episode of the Breastfeeding With Confidence Podcast, we talk about the biggest mistake moms make when planning their return to work: assuming breastfeeding is supposed to be hard for the first 6–12 weeks and waiting too long to get help. When breastfeeding pain, low milk supply, or latch issues are ignored early, the transition back to work becomes much more stressful.
You’ll learn when to introduce bottles without sabotaging your breastfeeding relationship, how paced bottle feeding helps prevent bottle preference, and why your caregiver’s feeding approach can protect or undermine your milk supply. We also cover realistic expectations for pumping at work, your legal rights for pumping accommodations, and how to advocate for yourself before your maternity leave ends.
The key to exclusive breastfeeding while working is getting breastfeeding off to a strong start. Early support helps you prevent common challenges, protect your supply, and feel confident returning to work.
RESOURCES: 
Get the FREE 5 Mistakes that Sabotage Breastfeeding Guide 
Breastfeeding Academy: www.littlebearlactation.com/library  
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/doula-class
 
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 in this Episode Include: 
returning to work while breastfeeding
breastfeeding and going back to work
how to continue breastfeeding when returning to work
exclusive breastfeeding and working
pumping at work tips
breastfeeding after maternity leave
maintaining milk supply at work
back to work breastfeeding schedule
working mom breastfeeding
 

Is Formula Really the Secret to Marriage Equality? The Truth About Breastfeeding, Dads, and Partnership

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 
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!!!!
 
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

Protecting your milk supply when separated from your baby after birth.

What happens to your milk supply if you’re separated from your baby after birth?
If you’re pregnant and this question has quietly been sitting in the back of your mind, this episode is for you.
Whether you’re planning a hospital birth with the possibility of monitoring or NICU time, or you’re planning a home birth but know that transfer is always a possibility, separation can feel scary — especially when breastfeeding matters deeply to you.
Here’s the good news: breastfeeding can still work even if you’re separated from your baby after birth.A rough start does not mean your journey is over.
In this episode of the Breastfeeding With Confidence podcast, we talk about how to protect your milk supply if mom and baby are separated, without panic, rigid rules, or feeling like everything is ruined if birth doesn’t go exactly as planned.
You’ll learn:
How milk supply is established in the early postpartum days
Why early milk production is time-sensitive (and what that actually means)
What to do if your baby can’t latch or is taken for monitoring or NICU care
How pumping, hand expression, and advocacy protect your supply
Why preparation — not luck — makes the biggest difference
We also talk directly to moms planning home births and walk through why it’s still important to have a flexible breastfeeding plan, even if separation feels unlikely. Knowing how to advocate early, ask for support, and stimulate milk production can make a powerful difference in long-term breastfeeding success.
Separation is not ideal — but it is not a deal breaker. With the right plan and early action, you can protect your milk supply and move forward with confidence.
 
RESOURCES & PRODUCT RECOMMENDATIONS
 
BREASTFEEDING RESOURCES
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 this FREE Doula Training 
 
NUTRITIONAL SUPPORT FOR PREGNANT & NEW MOTHERS
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
NEEDED. Nutritional Support (Bioavailable Supplements, Hydration & More) SAVE 20% ON YOUR FIRST ORDER!!!!

Should I wake my sleeping baby to breastfeed? Is "never wake a sleeping baby" good advice or can it hurt your milk supply?

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. 

How to reduce breast engorgement after your baby is born: Proven tips for the first week of breastfeeding

Breast engorgement* during the first week of breastfeeding is incredibly common — and incredibly misunderstood. In this episode of the Breastfeeding With Confidence, IBCLC Jaimie Zaki breaks down exactly what breast engorgement is, why it happens, and how to relieve engorgement safely without damaging your milk supply or latch.
If your breasts feel hard, hot, swollen, painfully full, or difficult for your baby to latch onto, this episode is for you. Engorgement is not a sign that breastfeeding is failing, and it does not automatically mean you have too much milk. In fact, engorgement is usually caused by inflammation, increased blood flow, lymphatic fluid, and IV fluids from labor — not just milk volume.
You’ll learn:
What breast engorgement actually is (and what it’s not)
Why engorgement can happen even with low milk supply
How engorgement affects latch, milk transfer, and nipple pain
Why aggressive pumping can make engorgement worse
How to use feeding techniques, cold therapy, gentle massage, and hand expression effectively
Jaimie also explains why early engorgement can trigger a cascade of problems — from poor latch to clogged ducts, mastitis, and unnecessary formula supplementation — and how addressing engorgement correctly can prevent those outcomes.
Whether you’re pregnant and preparing for breastfeeding or navigating the first days postpartum, this episode will help you feel calmer, more informed, and more confident in your body.
🎧 Listen now and learn how to move milk, protect your breast tissue, and support your baby — without panic or misinformation.
 
RESOURCES: 
 
Get the FREE 5 Mistakes that Sabotage Breastfeeding Guide 
 
Breastfeeding Solutions: Breastfeeding Success Guide Bundle  
 
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: Breast Engorgement, How to reduce engorgement breastfeeding, breastmilk coming in, breasts hurt first week postpartum, first week of breastfeeding tips, reverse pressure softening 
 
**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. 

Breastfeeding After Breast Cancer & Double Mastectomy: Using a Supplemental Nursing System (SNS) for Low Milk Supply with Doula Emily Betancur

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
 

My baby lost weight in the hospital: Should I supplement with formula? Tips for avoiding formula & supplementing without ruining breastfeeding.

Were you told in the hospital that your breastfed baby lost “too much” weight and now you’re questioning everything?Newborn weight loss is one of the most misunderstood and fear-based decision points in early breastfeeding, and it’s where so many breastfeeding journeys are unintentionally derailed
In this episode, IBCLC and mom of five Jaimie Zaki breaks down what newborn weight loss actually means, why hospitals often push formula so quickly, and how to make confident, informed decisions that protect both your baby and your breastfeeding goals so you can avoid unnecessary formula. 
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Why newborn weight loss is biologically normal and expected
How IV fluids during labor can artificially inflate birth weight
Why the “10% weight loss rule” is often misunderstood and misused
Why weight loss alone does not tell us if breastfeeding is working
What should be assessed before recommending formula
When supplementation may be helpful — and when it’s unnecessary
How to supplement without sabotaging milk supply or breastfeeding confidence
Why fear-based feeding decisions often create the very problems they claim to prevent
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

Why does breastfeeding hurt when baby has a "good latch"?

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
 

Holiday Check-In for Pregnant & Postpartum Moms

Christmas week can feel magical… and also incredibly overwhelming when you’re pregnant, newly postpartum, or navigating breastfeeding challenges. In this short and gentle check-in episode, Jaimie shares encouragement, emotional support, and simple ways to get the breastfeeding help you need without leaving home during the busy holiday season.
Whether you’re anxiously waiting for your baby’s arrival or deep in the newborn trenches, this episode reminds you that you’re not alone — and you don’t have to “feel merry and bright” to be a good mom.
Resources Mentioned
 Free Guide: 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Breastfeeding👉 littlebearlactation.com/mistakes
Need Breastfeeding Help?Book a Q&A session or lactation support call👉 littlebearlactation.com/support
 Pregnant?Download the guide, click “pregnant,” and unlock a free workshop + special offer for The Breastfeeding Academy