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

71 | What is “Colic” in babies & how can colic affect breastfeeding?

Colic Isn’t “A Thing”: Understanding Why Your Baby Cries and What You Can Do
In this episode of the Breastfeeding With Confidence Podcast, host Jaimie Zaki, IBCLC and mom of five, tackles a common myth: colic isn’t just a thing. Many parents hear that their baby has colic and feel helpless, but crying is always communication — not a diagnosis.
Jaimie explains why labeling a baby as “colicky” can be misleading, and why persistent crying often signals underlying issues like sensory overload, sleep challenges, reflux, digestive discomfort, tongue tie, oral dysfunction, or inefficient milk transfer. She emphasizes that colic is rarely the problem itself — it’s a sign that something needs to be addressed.
This episode provides practical guidance for decoding your baby’s cries, optimizing feeding efficiency, and using nervous system regulation techniques like skin-to-skin, gentle rocking, and bodywork. Jaimie also shares insights on avoiding ineffective remedies and focusing on root causes, empowering parents to respond confidently and effectively.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Why colic isn’t a real diagnosis and what it really means
Common underlying causes of persistent crying in babies
How inefficient milk transfer or oral dysfunction can lead to fussiness
Practical strategies to soothe and support your baby
Tools for nervous system regulation: skin-to-skin, gentle rocking, and more
How to track patterns to identify underlying issues
When to seek professional support to address persistent feeding or crying challenges
Resources & Links:
👉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
 

70 | Breastfeeding & Mental Health: Postpartum Depression, Mother Wounds, and Breastfeeding Grief with Vanessa from @MilkandMentalHealth

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
 

69 | Can breastmilk oversupply cause feeding challenges? Signs, Symptoms, and Solutions for breastfeeding with “too much milk”.

Oversupply in Breastfeeding: Signs, Causes, and Solutions
In this episode of the Breastfeeding With Confidence Podcast, host Jaimie Zaki, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and mom of five, addresses a common but often overlooked breastfeeding concern: oversupply of breast milk. Many moms worry about low supply, but producing too much milk comes with its own challenges — and it’s usually a sign of an underlying issue.
Jaimie explains the difference between healthy supply and oversupply, common symptoms to watch for (forceful letdown, frothy stools, frequent gagging or coughing, engorgement, plugged ducts, and mastitis), and why oversupply is often related to inflammation or oral dysfunction. She also provides practical strategies for managing oversupply, including block feeding, strategic expression, and addressing root causes like inefficient milk removal or inflammation.
This episode is full of actionable tips, mindset shifts, and encouragement to help moms navigate oversupply without feeling guilty, anxious, or overwhelmed.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Signs of oversupply and how it differs from a healthy milk supply
Why oversupply is usually a symptom, not the problem itself
How oral dysfunction and inefficient milk removal can overstimulate milk production
The role of inflammation in hyperlactation
Practical strategies: block feeding, flow management, and strategic milk expression
When to seek further evaluation from a healthcare provider
How to prevent oversupply from leading to clogged ducts, mastitis, or eventual undersupply
Resources & Links:
👉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

68 | Breastfeeding Q&A: Comfort Nursing, Thrush That Won’t Go Away, and What to Do

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

67 | Postpartum & Perimenopause: how we heal from pregnancy now could impact our hormonal experience as we age? with Dr. Jenna Rayachoti

Do you think postpartum is just one year of hell you have to push through? Think again! Dr. Jenna, a naturopath who specializes in women's health, discusses how our postpartum healing experience can impact our entire life, including menopause. Want to make sure you're caring for your body well during postpartum?  Let's chat with Dr. Jenna & learn how you can thrive during the fourth trimester & beyond! 
 
RESOURCES: 
Learn with Dr. Jenna's blog CLICK HERE
FREE Breastfeeding Mistakes Guide - DOWNLOAD NOW
Book a Consult - CLICK HERE
 
 
 

66 | Can I drink coffee if I'm breastfeeding? The truth about caffeine and breastmilk

Caffeine and Breastfeeding: Can You Still Enjoy Your Coffee?
In this episode of The Breastfeeding With Confidence Podcast, host Jamie Doula, an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and mom of five, answers one of the most common questions new moms have: “Can I drink coffee while breastfeeding?”
Jamie explains how caffeine passes into breast milk, how much is considered safe, and signs that your baby might be sensitive. You’ll also learn practical tips like timing your coffee after a feeding and watching out for hidden caffeine sources in sodas, teas, chocolate, energy drinks, and even medications.
If you’ve been stressing over whether that morning coffee is off limits, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence you need.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
How much caffeine is safe while breastfeeding
Why some babies may be more sensitive to caffeine
Practical strategies for timing your coffee
Surprising hidden sources of caffeine beyond coffee and tea
The reassuring truth about enjoying coffee as a breastfeeding mom
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
 
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65 | Is my breastmilk fatty enough? How can I make my milk fattier to help my baby gain weight?

Is My Breast Milk Fatty Enough for My Baby? Busting a Common Breastfeeding Myth
In this episode of Breastfeeding With Confidence, Jaimie Zaki, IBCLC and mom of five, tackles one of the most frustrating myths new mothers hear: that their breast milk “isn’t fatty enough” or “needs time to mature” before it can help their baby gain weight.
Here’s the truth—your milk is already perfectly designed for your baby from the very beginning. If your little one isn’t gaining weight, the issue isn’t milk quality—it’s usually about milk volume or transfer. And in rare cases, consistent weight gain struggles despite adequate intake can point to deeper medical issues that need attention.
Jaimie shares:
Why breast milk is always nutrient-rich and fatty enough
The real reasons babies may not gain weight
Why supplementing with formula isn’t always the answer
How to advocate for yourself when doctors give misleading advice
If you’ve ever worried your milk “isn’t good enough,” this episode will give you clarity, confidence, and the tools to protect your breastfeeding journey.
 
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
 
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64 | Newborn Sleep Made Peaceful Without Sleep Training: Safe Co-Sleeping Tips with Taylor McKay, Holistic Sleep Coach

Are you struggling to sleep because your newborn only wants to sleep on your chest? Do you keep finding yourself falling asleep with your baby, feeling guilty and frustrated? 
 In this episode, we’re breaking the taboo around co-sleeping, bed-sharing, and safe infant sleep—without the guilt, shame, or fear that mainstream advice so often stirs up.
Join Jaimie Zaki, IBCLC and mom of five, and her guest Taylor McKay, a holistic sleep coach based in Canada, as they unpack what real-life sleep looks like for new mothers—and how to make it safe, biologically normal, and confidence-building.
You’ll learn how to protect your peace, your milk supply, and your baby’s safety—without resorting to sleep-training or fighting your natural instincts.
🔎 In this episode, we cover:
Safe co-sleeping and bed-sharing practices backed by evidence and maternal intuition
How to create a safe sleep space for your newborn—whether you use a crib, bassinet, or share your bed
What to do when exhaustion hits hard postpartum and “just don’t sleep with your baby” stops being realistic
Common myths about co-sleeping safety that every mom deserves to hear the truth about
Reducing risk of SIDS and infant suffocation deaths 
Practical tips for safely bed-sharing while breastfeeding so everyone actually gets rest
Why listening to your intuition matters more than rigid sleep rules
Balancing family dynamics when your partner or relatives don’t understand co-sleeping
How confident, informed mothers sleep better—and so do their babies
 
RESOURCES:  
Need sleep support? Visit Taylor McKay on Instagram @Cozylittlesleepers
👉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
 Episode timestamps:
00:00 — Welcome to Breastfeeding with Confidence00:43 — Meet Taylor + why “safe co-sleeping” matters01:46 — The reality of postpartum sleep and survival05:12 — What safe bed-sharing actually looks like08:12 — Debunking myths and navigating fear-based advice13:52 — Real-life mom experiences and intuition-led sleep34:10 — Final thoughts + your next step toward peaceful rest

63 | Do I need to nurse on both sides at every feeding session?

Should I Nurse on Both Sides Every Feed?
In this episode of the Breastfeeding With Confidence Podcast, host Jaimie Zaki, IBCLC and mom of five, dives into one of the most common breastfeeding questions: Do I need to nurse on both sides every time my baby feeds?
Many new moms worry about whether their baby is getting enough milk, how long to nurse on each side, and if skipping a breast could affect milk supply. Jaimie explains how breast milk works, what foremilk and hindmilk really mean, and why there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer.
You’ll learn:
✅ The difference between feeding from one side vs. both sides
✅ How to recognize when your baby is satisfied after one breast
✅ When offering both sides is helpful for milk supply and baby’s intake
✅ What “block feeding” means and when it’s used
✅ Red flags to watch for if your baby always prefers just one breast
Breastfeeding is about finding the rhythm that works for you and your baby, not following strict rules. By understanding how milk production works, you can confidently decide what’s best for each feed.
If you’ve ever asked yourself “Should I nurse on both sides every feed?”—this episode gives you the clear, evidence-based answers you need.
 
BREASTFEEDING RESOURCES 
👉FREE Breastfeeding Mistakes Guide - DOWNLOAD NOW
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
👉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)
👉 Book a Virtual Lactation Consultation with Jaimie for personalized support
 

Here's what the first week breastfeeding looks like

In this  sp0ecial episode of the Breastfeeding With Confidence podcast, Jaimie Zaki, IBCLC and mom of five, shares a real postpartum story about a new mom who struggled with her first latch, pain, and anxiety in the early days. Learn how pregnant moms can prevent these common breastfeeding challenges before they happen. Jaimie invites expecting mothers to join the Breastfeeding Prep Masterclass on Monday, October 13th—a free, live workshop designed to help you feel confident, informed, and ready for the first latch.
Workshop Link: littlebearlactation.com/workshop