If breastfeeding, bottle feeding, latch, weight checks, or bottle refusal have ever felt overwhelming… this episode is for you.
In this episode of The Baby Development Podcast, Dr. Olivia sits down with Jessica, a Doctor of Occupational Therapy and infant feeding specialist, to talk about how feeding and development work together — and why feeding your baby is not always as “natural” or automatic as parents are led to believe.
Jessica breaks down why newborn feeding can feel so emotional, why so many parents blame themselves when feeding doesn’t immediately click, and how feeding is truly a skill that both baby and parent are learning together.
We talk about breastfeeding, bottle feeding, latch, newborn reflexes, weight checks, bottle refusal, positioning, nervous system regulation, and the overwhelm so many parents feel when they’re trying to figure out if their baby is getting enough.
In this episode, we cover:
- Why breastfeeding can feel so hard in the first few days
- What parents are often missing after leaving the hospital
- Why weight checks can send parents into a panic
- What colostrum is and why early feeds may look different than expected
- How babies learn to suck, swallow, breathe, and coordinate feeding
- How the rooting reflex can support latch
- Why positioning matters for both breast and bottle feeding
- What may be happening when a baby refuses a bottle
- Why switching bottles is not always the answer
- How social media has added to feeding anxiety for new parents
If you’ve ever wondered whether your baby is getting enough, whether you’re doing something wrong, or why feeding feels so much harder than you expected, this conversation will give you clarity, reassurance, and practical tools to better understand your baby.
Connect with Jessica:
Instagram: @milkstoriesatx
Website: https://www.milkstoriesatx.com/about
Follow The Baby Development Podcast:
Instagram: @thebabydevelopmentpod
Host: @dr.oliviaofficial
🎙️ Subscribe for expert-led conversations on baby development, feeding, movement, sleep, postpartum support, and real-life parenting.
Disclaimer:
This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider regarding your specific situation.
