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

62 | Breastfeeding while sick & taking medications: What your doctors won't tell you

Can I Breastfeed if I’m Sick or Taking Medication?
Wondering if it’s safe to breastfeed while sick or while taking medications? Many new moms get conflicting advice, but most of the time, you can safely continue nursing with the right precautions and resources.
In this episode of The Breastfeeding With Confidence Podcast, Jaimie, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and mom of five, explains how to navigate common illnesses, medications, and supporting milk supply while keeping your baby safe.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Jaimie covers:
Breastfeeding while sick: how your milk protects your baby and what precautions to take
Supporting milk supply when ill: staying hydrated, managing stress, and continuing frequent feeds
Breastfeeding while taking medications: understanding risks, dosages, and monitoring your baby
Common over-the-counter meds like Sudafed and Benadryl—how to use them safely while nursing
Caution with bed-sharing if taking sedating medications
Age of baby considerations: newborns vs older infants
Using trusted evidence-based resources like InfantRisk Center and LactMed
Empowering yourself to do due diligence and avoid unnecessary weaning
Encouragement
Mama, if you’re sick or taking medication, don’t panic. Most situations are compatible with breastfeeding. Informed decision-making, hydration, and monitoring your baby will help you continue safely nourishing your little one.
Resources for Breastfeeding Success
For more guidance on navigating illness, medications, and milk supply, check out Jaimie’s Breastfeeding Resource Library. It’s packed with evidence-based tools, guides, and strategies to help you feel confident in every stage of breastfeeding.
 
FREEBIE: 5 Breastfeeding Mistakes to Avoid https://littlebearlactation.myflodesk.com/breastfeedingpodcast
 
Breastfeeding Resource Library (PODCAST50 to save now!) https://li
👉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 Timeline
00:00 – Welcome & Introduction
00:45 – Breastfeeding While Sick
02:00 – Supporting Milk Supply When Sick
03:30 – Breastfeeding While on Medication
04:30 – Sudafed, Benadryl, and Other Common OTCs
05:30 – Age of Baby Considerations
06:00 – Common Pitfalls & Empowering Yourself
06:45 – Practical Tips for Safety & Milk Supply
07:45 – Encouragement & Final Thoughts
08:30 – CTA to Breastfeeding Resource Library
Topics Covered Include: 
Breastfeeding while sick
Safe medications breastfeeding
Sudafed and breastfeeding
Benadryl breastfeeding
Supporting milk supply when sick
InfantRisk breastfeeding
LactMed database
Milk supply while ill

SPECIAL: Preventing early breastfeeding struggles

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 challengesbefore 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

61 | When will my milk come in? Understanding the role of colostrum & early feeding decisions in supporting your milk supply.

When Will My Milk Come In? Understanding Colostrum, Milk Supply, and Delays
If you’re a new mom wondering “when will my milk come in?”, you’re not alone. Many moms worry that their milk isn’t coming fast enough, but the truth is your colostrum is already your first milk—and your milk supply naturally increases in volume over the first few days.
In this episode of The Breastfeeding With Confidence Podcast, Jaimie, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and mom of five, explains what’s normal, what can delay milk supply, and practical ways to support your breastfeeding journey.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Jaimie covers:
Colostrum is your first milk and why it’s perfectly designed for your newborn
Reframing the question from “coming in” to milk increasing in volume
The typical timeline: milk volume often increases around day 3–5 postpartum
Factors that can delay milk volume, including birth interventions, separation from baby, and stress
How early supplementation or formula can delay your body’s milk production
Tips to support your supply naturally, including frequent nursing, skin-to-skin, and pumping if separated
Understanding Colostrum and Milk Volume
Your first milk, colostrum, is packed with antibodies and nutrients for your baby’s tiny tummy. Instead of waiting for “milk to come in,” it’s more accurate to think of your supply gradually increasing in volume over the first few days.
Normal Timeline vs Delays
Most moms notice milk volume increases around day 3–5, but it can take longer if:
Birth involved interventions (IV fluids, C-section, medication)
There’s separation from your baby after birth
Early formula supplementation occurs instead of frequent breastfeeding
Maternal factors like stress or certain medical conditions are present
Supporting Your Milk Supply
To encourage milk production and reduce delays:
Practice frequent skin-to-skin contact
Nurse on demand, especially in the first 48 hours
Pump or hand express if you’re separated from your baby
Avoid unnecessary early supplementation unless medically advised
Seek help early if you notice low supply or latching challenges
Encouragement for Moms
Your body is already making milk—starting with colostrum—and your supply will increase naturally. If it feels slower than expected, it doesn’t mean you’ve failed. Small adjustments and support can make a big difference.
Resources for Breastfeeding Success
For moms who want step-by-step guidance on understanding milk supply, preventing delays, and feeling confident from day one, check out Jaimie’s Breastfeeding Resource Library. It’s packed with tools, guides, and expert strategies to help you start breastfeeding successfully.
🌟BREASTFEEDING RESOURCES 🌟
 
FREEBIE: 5 Breastfeeding Mistakes to Avoid https://littlebearlactation.myflodesk.com/breastfeedingpodcast
 
Breastfeeding Resource Library (PODCAST50 to save now!) https://littlebearlactation.com/library
 
Get Breastfeeding Help https://littlebearlactation.com/support
 
Episode Timeline
00:00 – Welcome & Introduction
00:45 – Colostrum is Your First Milk
02:00 – Reframing “Coming In” vs Increasing in Volume
03:30 – Normal Timeline for Milk Supply (3–5 Days)
05:00 – Factors That Can Delay Milk Volume
06:30 – Early Supplementation & Its Impact
07:30 – Tips to Support Your Milk Supply
08:30 – Encouragement & Final Thoughts
09:00 – CTA to Resource Library
Topics Covered
When does milk come in after birth
Colostrum vs mature milk
Delayed milk supply
How to increase milk supply early
Milk coming in timeline
Breastfeeding tips first week

SPECIAL: Breastfeeding Prep: Avoiding unnecessary formula supplementation

Are you pregnant and planning to exclusively breastfeed? Hospitals often have routines that can unintentionally push formula on new parents, even when it isn’t necessary. In this short promo episode, Jaimie Zaki, IBCLC and mom of five, shares a real story about a mom who walked into the hospital fully prepared to breastfeed—and left feeling pressured to supplement with formula.
Learn why this happens, how to advocate for your baby, and why preparation is key to protecting your milk supply.
👉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

60 | How to bottle feed breastfed baby without causing nipple confusion

How to Bottle Feed Without Causing Nipple Confusion
If you’re planning to introduce a bottle but worried about nipple confusion, you’re not alone. Many new moms wonder how to balance bottle feeding with breastfeeding without causing problems. The good news? Nipple confusion is preventable with the right techniques.
In this episode of The Breastfeeding With Confidence Podcast, Jaimie, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and mom of five, explains how to offer bottles in a way that supports breastfeeding and keeps your baby comfortable at both breast and bottle.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Jaimie covers:
What nipple confusion really is and why it happens
How to prevent nipple confusion when introducing a bottle
The basics of paced bottle feeding and why it matters
How to use side-lying bottle feeding for a natural, breast-like experience
Choosing the best bottle nipple for breastfed babies (slow flow, proper shape, and depth)
Red flags that bottle feeding is interfering with breastfeeding
Why technique matters more than buying the “perfect” bottle brand
Preventing Nipple Confusion
At the heart of preventing nipple confusion is making the bottle as similar to breastfeeding as possible. That means:
Slowing down the flow with paced feeding
Using positions like side-lying feeding
Picking a nipple that supports a deep latch
Watching your baby for cues and red flags
These small changes make a big difference in helping your baby transition smoothly between breast and bottle.
Resources for Breastfeeding Success
Bottle feeding doesn’t have to sabotage breastfeeding. With the right knowledge, you can feel confident in both. For step-by-step guidance on preventing nipple confusion, supplementing wisely, and protecting your breastfeeding journey, check out Jaimie’s Breastfeeding Resource Library.
🌟BREASTFEEDING RESOURCES🌟
FREEBIE: 5 Breastfeeding Mistakes to Avoid https://littlebearlactation.myflodesk.com/breastfeedingpodcast
 
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
 
Breastfeeding Resource Library (PODCAST50 to save now!) https://littlebearlactation.com/library
 
Get Breastfeeding Help https://littlebearlactation.com/support
Episode Timeline
00:00 – Welcome & Introduction
00:45 – What Is Nipple Confusion?
01:30 – Preventing Nipple Confusion With Paced Feeding
03:00 – Side-Lying Bottle Feeding Explained
04:00 – Choosing the Best Bottle Nipple for Breastfeeding
05:30 – Red Flags That Bottles Are Causing Problems
07:00 – Encouragement for Moms
08:00 – Resources to Support Your Breastfeeding Journey
TOPICS COVERED
Nipple confusion
Preventing nipple confusion
Paced bottle feeding
Best bottle nipples for breastfeeding
Side-lying bottle feeding
Bottle feeding without ruining breastfeeding
How to introduce a bottle to a breastfed baby

Prepare for a Confident First Latch: Free Breastfeeding Prep Masterclass for Pregnant Moms

Are you pregnant and planning to breastfeed? The very first latch can feel confusing, overwhelming, or even painful—but it doesn’t have to be that way. In this short promo episode, Jaimie Zaki, IBCLC and mom of five, shares a real story about the challenges of a first latch and how preparation can make all the difference.
Learn why so many moms feel unsure during that first feeding and how you can walk into the hospital confident, prepared, and ready to bond with your baby.
🎯 Free Workshop: The Breastfeeding Prep Masterclass is designed specifically for pregnant moms. Jaimie walks you step-by-step through preparing your body, your baby, and your mindset for a confident, pain-free first latch.
Reserve your spot now → littlebearlactation.com/workshop 

59 | Should I pack silverettes in my hospital bag to protect my nipples?

Should I Put Silverettes in My Hospital Bag?
Silverettes are trending everywhere right now—but are they really a must-have breastfeeding product for your hospital bag?
In this episode of The Breastfeeding With Confidence Podcast, Jaimie, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and mom of five, shares her honest hot take on Silverettes. While these little silver nipple covers can support healing, most moms don’t actually need to pack them for the hospital.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Jaimie dives into:
What Silverettes are and why they’re so popular among new moms
Why most women don’t need Silverettes in their hospital bag
The problem with cheap knockoff brands that aren’t even real silver
How overusing Silverettes can cause maceration (skin breakdown from too much moisture)
Why Silverettes are expensive, easy to lose, and not always practical
Affordable alternatives for nipple healing, like Motherlove salve, breast milk, and hydrogel pads
Why a good latch is more important than any product for preventing nipple pain
Jaimie’s Hot Take on Silverettes
At the end of the day—sure, bring Silverettes if you want. But instead of stressing about packing trendy products, Jaimie recommends focusing on:
Learning how to support a good latch
Fixing latching issues quickly
Using simple, effective healing options
Because when you have the right skills and support, you won’t feel like you need to spend hundreds on every product marketed to new moms.
Resources for Breastfeeding Success
Want to be fully prepared for breastfeeding—without wasting money on things you may never use? Check out Jaimie’s Breastfeeding Resource Library. It’s packed with guides, videos, and tools to help you confidently handle real-life breastfeeding challenges from day one.
 
BREASTFEEDING RESOURCES
FREEBIE: 5 Breastfeeding Mistakes to Avoid https://littlebearlactation.myflodesk.com/breastfeedingpodcast
 
Breastfeeding Resource Library (PODCAST50 to save now!) https://littlebearlactation.com/library
 
Get Breastfeeding Help https://littlebearlactation.com/support
 
Episode Timeline
00:00 – Welcome & Intro
00:45 – What Silverettes Are & Why They’re Popular
02:00 – Knockoff Silverettes: Why They Don’t Work
03:00 – Overuse & the Risk of Maceration
05:00 – Cost and Practicality Issues
06:00 – Affordable Alternatives for Nipple Healing
07:30 – Jaimie’s Final Thoughts on Silverettes
08:15 – Why Preparation Matters More Than Products
Topics Covered
Silverettes breastfeeding
Should I put Silverettes in my hospital bag
Hospital bag essentials for breastfeeding moms
Nipple pain remedies for breastfeeding
Breastfeeding hospital bag checklist
Alternatives to Silverettes

Owning your Birth Story & Breastfeeding Story with Stephanie King from My Essential Birth / Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy Podcast

Empowering Your Birth and Breastfeeding Journey with Confidence
In this episode of the Breastfeeding With Confidence Podcast, host Jaimie Zaki, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and mom of five, sits down with Stephanie from My Essential Birth—a professional doula, childbirth educator, and host of the Pregnancy and Birth Made Easy podcast.
Together, they dive deep into how your birth experience impacts breastfeeding success and why prenatal education, advocacy, and planning matter more than ever. You’ll hear practical tips on creating a birth plan that protects breastfeeding, how to navigate the healthcare system without being pressured into unnecessary interventions, and where to find the right kind of postpartum support (from lactation consultants to La Leche League groups).
Stephanie and Jaimie also share real-life stories about trusting your intuition, advocating for your baby’s health, and avoiding the traps of big formula marketing—so you can step into motherhood with confidence.
If you’ve ever wondered:
Does my birth experience really affect breastfeeding?
How do I prepare to advocate for myself in the hospital?
What kind of support do I actually need for exclusive breastfeeding?
…then this episode will give you the clarity and confidence you need.
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
 
Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy Podcast with Stephanie King / My Essential Birth 
My Essential Birth Course use code LBL10 to save 10% 
 
✨ Key topics covered in this episode:00:00 Introduction: The Overwhelming World of Parenting Classes00:14 Welcome to the Breastfeeding With Confidence Podcast01:09 Meet Stephanie from My Essential Birth02:04 The Journey of Birth Experiences04:01 The Interconnection of Birth and Breastfeeding09:42 The Importance of Birth Plans12:49 Preparing for Breastfeeding Challenges17:27 Navigating the Healthcare System for Birth and Breastfeeding29:26 Resources and Final Thoughts

58 | My baby is a lazy breastfeeder! Here's what to do when your baby is too tired to latch

Understanding and Addressing Lazy Latch in Newborns
Is your newborn too sleepy to breastfeed or struggling with a “lazy latch”? You’re not alone—many new moms face this challenge in the early days of breastfeeding.
In this episode of The Breastfeeding With Confidence Podcast, Jaimie Zaki—International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and mom of five—explains why some babies seem too tired to latch or feed effectively and what you can do to help.
What Is a Lazy Latch?
A “lazy latch” often describes a newborn who seems too sleepy, weak, or unmotivated to breastfeed. But the truth is—babies aren’t lazy. They may be experiencing underlying challenges that make latching and feeding harder.
Common Causes of Sleepy or Weak Latch in Newborns
Jaimie explores several reasons your baby might be too tired to breastfeed:
Normal newborn sleepiness in the first 24–48 hours
Effects of birth interventions such as medication during labor
Prematurity or small size for gestational age
Jaundice in newborns
Oral restrictions like tongue-tie or lip-tie
How to Help a Newborn with Lazy Latch
Practical strategies to encourage more effective breastfeeding include:
Doing frequent skin-to-skin contact
Trying switch nursing (changing sides to keep baby engaged)
Using breast compressions during feeds
Evaluating for underlying issues that may need professional support
Encouragement for Moms
Jaimie reminds mothers that their instincts are powerful. If something feels off—trust your gut and seek skilled support. With the right strategies and guidance, most babies can overcome a “lazy latch” and breastfeed successfully.
Resources for Breastfeeding Support
If you’re preparing for breastfeeding or already facing challenges, the Breastfeeding Resource Library offers tools and guidance to help you feel confident and supported in your journey.
BREASTFEEDING RESOURCES
 
FREEBIE: 5 Breastfeeding Mistakes to Avoid https://littlebearlactation.myflodesk.com/breastfeedingpodcast
 
👉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 Timeline
00:00 – Introduction to Breastfeeding With Confidence
00:54 – Understanding the Lazy Latch
01:47 – Common Causes of Sleepy Babies
05:04 – Practical Tips to Keep Baby Awake
07:10 – Checking for Underlying Issues
08:01 – Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Signs & Symptoms of Low Milk Supply (Replay)

Do you have low milk supply or is your baby just fussy? How can you know the signs of low milk supply or normal baby behavior?
 In this episode of the Breastfeeding with Confidence Podcast, Jaimie Zaki, an IBCLC and mother of five, addresses a common concern for new mothers: low milk supply. She shares a real-life story about Alicia, a first-time mom, to illustrate the difference between perceived and real low milk supply symptoms. Jaimie explores common misconceptions about low milk supply, such as the relationship between frequent feeding, fussy behavior, and low pump output. These do not necessarily indicate a true milk supply issue.
Listeners will learn about key indicators of milk supply plus strategies to support a healthy milk supply. Jaimie also offers practical advice for addressing low milk supply causes and highlights helpful resources like online courses and virtual consultations.
She encourages mothers to trust their instincts and seek professional support when needed, stressing that formula supplementation should not be a response driven by fear.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
• How to identify real low milk supply symptoms versus perceived issues
• Key signs of low milk supply
• Common misconceptions about low milk supply and how to address them
• Practical tips for improving milk supply and breastfeeding success
• Resources and support for overcoming low milk supply challenges
🌟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 and Personal Story
• 00:20 Welcome to the Podcast
• 00:47 Understanding Low Milk Supply
• 01:37 Client Story: Alicia's Journey
• 04:38 Perceived Low Milk Supply vs Real Low Milk Supply 
• 05:02 Misconceptions About Low Milk Supply
• 10:20 Signs of Actual Low Milk Supply
• 14:03 Steps to Address Low Milk Supply
• 15:37 Resources and Support
• 18:03 Conclusion and Call to Action