The Baby Manual

603 - Fed is Best for Newborns

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Bringing home a new baby comes with so many questions, and feeding is often at the top of the list. In this solo episode, Dr. Carole Keim walks parents through the basics of newborn feeding with a reassuring message: fed is best. She explains what to expect during the first days of life, including how small a newborn’s stomach really is, how breastfeeding develops over time, and why feeding can feel challenging in the beginning. Parents will learn about colostrum, milk production, feeding frequency, and how to recognize signs that their baby is getting enough to eat. 

Dr. Keim also explores common breastfeeding challenges, practical tips for improving latch and milk supply, and the role of pumping, bottle feeding, donor milk, and formula. She discusses the benefits of breastfeeding while also emphasizing that there are many safe and healthy ways to nourish a baby. Whether you plan to breastfeed, formula feed, pump, or combine methods, this episode offers evidence-based guidance and encouragement to help you make feeding decisions with confidence during those important first weeks with your newborn. 

Key Moments

00:00 Welcome and why “Fed is Best” matters

01:18 Why breastfeeding can be harder than expected

02:43 Newborn stomach size and feeding volumes by day

03:56 The first nights of feeding and newborn hunger patterns

05:03 Pumping, storing colostrum, and building milk supply

06:19 Benefits of breastfeeding for moms and babies

10:33 Breastfeeding recommendations and realistic feeding choices

14:35 Latch basics and breastfeeding troubleshooting

18:37 Pacifiers, nipple care, and knowing if baby is getting enough

22:41 Tongue ties, milk supply tips, and common breastfeeding concerns

31:36 Bottle feeding, formula options, and choosing the right formula

39:21 Final encouragement: nourishing your baby with confidence

__

Why Breastfeeding Matters 

Benefits for Baby

  • Nutrition tailored to infant needs
  • Antibodies and immune protection
  • Lower risk of ear infections, diarrhea, and some respiratory illnesses
  • Lower risk of SIDS
  • Possible long-term reduction in obesity and diabetes risk

    • Benefits for Parent

    • Uterine recovery after birth
    • Reduced postpartum bleeding
    • Convenience and lower cost
    • Possible reduction in breast and ovarian cancer risk

      • Positioning and Latch Basics 

      Good Positioning

      • Baby’s ear, shoulder, and hip aligned
      • Baby brought to breast, not breast to baby
      • Nose to nipple alignment

        • Signs of a Good Latch

        • Wide-open mouth
        • Lips flanged outward
        • Deep latch, not shallow nipple sucking
        • Rhythmic suck/swallow pattern

          • Signs of Poor Latch

          • Significant pain
          • Clicking
          • Cracked nipples
          • Baby still hungry after long feeds

            • How to Know Baby Is Getting Enough Milk

            Signs

            • Wet diapers and stools
            • Weight trends
            • Swallowing sounds
            • Baby seeming satisfied after many feeds

              • Typical Expectations

              • Initial weight loss can be normal
              • Pediatric follow-up is important in the first days after discharge

                • Red Flags

                • Poor urine output
                • Lethargy
                • Persistent jaundice
                • Dehydration signs

                  • When to Seek Help 

                  Lactation Support

                  • Lactation consultants
                  • Pediatricians
                  • Family physicians
                  • Midwives
                  • Postpartum nurses

                    • Urgent Reasons to Seek Care

                    • Baby not waking to feed
                    • Fever
                    • Signs of dehydration
                    • Severe maternal breast pain/redness/fever
                    • Poor weight gain

                      • Giving bottles of formula

                      How to choose

                      • regular, preemie, soy, anti-reflux, sensitive, hydrolyzed, goat, organic

                        • How to mix

                        • Follow the instructions on package closely
                        • Do NOT make your own infant formula; use one that is commercially available
                        • Mix with clean water; doesn’t need to be distilled or boiled
                        • Any temp is ok; aim for cool to room temperature when you feed baby 
                        • Can mix up to 1 day worth at a time in the fridge
                        • Used bottles need to be finished within 2 hours or thrown away; can’t be put back in the fridge

                          • Check out The Baby Manual on Amazon.  It will give you peace of mind when your new baby arrives.  

                          __ 

                          Resources discussed in this episode:

                          • The Holistic Mamas Handbook is available on Amazon
                          • The Baby Manual is also available on Amazon

                            • __

                            Contact Dr. Carole Keim MD

                            • Website: CaroleKeim.com
                            • Linktree
                            • TikTok
                            • Instagram

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                              The Baby ManualBy Dr. Carole Keim MD
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