In this engaging episode of the Mommy Mentor podcast, I dive into the whirlwind of early infant feeding! 🌟 I explore the challenges and joys that new parents face during those crucial first days. From the frantic "cluster feeding" nights where babies seem to want to eat all the time 🍽️ to the natural hormones at play that help milk production, I break it down in a relatable way. You'll hear about the realities of breastfeeding, including the struggles some parents encounter and the importance of seeking help when needed. 🤱💬 Whether you’re breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, or a mix of both, this episode is all about reassurance and support. I encourage you to embrace the journey, remember that perfection isn’t the goal, and that every feeding choice is valid. ❤️ Join me for tips, personal stories, and resources to help you navigate this beautiful, yet sometimes overwhelming, experience of feeding your baby! 🌈✨

For information on this podcast and more, visit www.mommymentorpodcast.com, or my Instagram @mymommymentor. My name is Erinn Kennedy-Heldt & I am a registered nurse and a Mom of three.  I have professional experience with moms & babies as a post-partum nurse, which keeps the newborn & post partum transition fresh in my mind.  I have 18 years of parenting experience as well.

Stanford University Breastfeeding Resources

Key Topics and Corresponding Citations

Cluster Feeding:

Melnyk, B. M., & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2018). Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing & Healthcare: A Guide to Best Practice. Jones & Bartlett Learning.

American Academy of Pediatrics. (n.d.). Newborn Care and Feeding. Retrieved from HealthyChildren.org.

Role of Oxytocin in Milk Production:

Lentz, A. J., & Brown, C. C. (2017). The Role of Oxytocin in Breastfeeding. Journal of Human Lactation, 33(3), 529-532.

Kevern, J. (2017). The role of oxytocin in lactation. Midwifery, 54, 36-40. doi:10.1016/j.midw.2017.06.002.

Supplementation Options:

Kair, L. R., & Ritchie, A. (2021). Breastfeeding: The Essential Guide. Healthline.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (n.d.). Breastfeeding: Supplementation Options. Retrieved from CDC

Lactation Support Resources:

United States Lactation Consultant Association. (n.d.). Find a Lactation Consultant. Retrieved from USLCA

International Lactation Consultant Association. (n.d.). Retrieved from ILCA

Peer Support Groups:

La Leche League International. (n.d.). About Us. Retrieved from La Leche League

Chocolate Milk Cafe. (n.d.). Support and Resources. Retrieved from Chocolate Milk Cafe

Breastfeeding Challenges:

Odom, E. C., Li, R., & Scanlon, K. S. (2019). Reasons for Not Meeting Breastfeeding Recommendations – United States, 2011-2015. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 68(3), 24-28.

Vickers, K. S., et al. (2018). Barriers to Breastfeeding: A Qualitative Study of Women’s Perspectives. Journal of Human Lactation, 34(1), 65-75. doi:10.1177/0890334417728951.

Emotional Well-being and Feeding Choices:

Sweeney, L. E., & McKechnie, M. (2019). Maternal mental health and infant feeding: A systematic review. Maternal & Child Nutrition, 15(2), e12646.

Thulier, D., & Mercer, J. (2009). Variables Associated with Breastfeeding Success. Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, & Neonatal Nursing, 38(2), 209-220. doi:10.1111/j.1552-6909.2009.01007.x.

Breastfeeding Benefits:

World Health Organization. (2023). Breastfeeding. Retrieved from WHO.