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

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.

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

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.

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.

👉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: Book a 20-minute Q&A session with Jaimie for personalized support

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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 🌟

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

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: Book a 20-minute Q&A session with Jaimie for personalized support

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.

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

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.

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🌟

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

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 

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.

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

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.

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

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

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: 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:

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

👉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: Book a 20-minute Q&A session with Jaimie for personalized support

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

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: 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