In this episode, we’re breaking the taboo around co-sleeping, bed-sharing, and safe infant sleep—without the guilt, shame, or fear that mainstream advice so often stirs up.

Join Jaimie Zaki, IBCLC and mom of five, and her guest Taylor McKay, a holistic sleep coach based in Canada, as they unpack what real-life sleep looks like for new mothers—and how to make it safe, biologically normal, and confidence-building.

You’ll learn how to protect your peace, your milk supply, and your baby’s safety—without resorting to sleep-training or fighting your natural instincts.

• Safe co-sleeping and bed-sharing practices backed by evidence and maternal intuition

• How to create a safe sleep space for your newborn—whether you use a crib, bassinet, or share your bed

• What to do when exhaustion hits hard postpartum and “just don’t sleep with your baby” stops being realistic

• Common myths about co-sleeping safety that every mom deserves to hear the truth about

• Reducing risk of SIDS and infant suffocation deaths

• Practical tips for safely bed-sharing while breastfeeding so everyone actually gets rest

• Why listening to your intuition matters more than rigid sleep rules

• Balancing family dynamics when your partner or relatives don’t understand co-sleeping

• How confident, informed mothers sleep better—and so do their babies

RESOURCES:

• PREGNANT MOMS: FREE Breastfeeding Plan Workshop (Click here to access)
• Confident Mama Breastfeeding Academy (Use code PODCAST50)
• Get 1:1 Breastfeeding Support (Click Here)
• Need sleep support? Visit Taylor McKay on Instagram @Cozylittlesleepers

00:00 — Welcome to Breastfeeding with Confidence 00:43 — Meet Taylor + why “safe co-sleeping” matters 01:46 — The reality of postpartum sleep and survival 05:12 — What safe bed-sharing actually looks like 08:12 — Debunking myths and navigating fear-based advice 13:52 — Real-life mom experiences and intuition-led sleep 34:10 — Final thoughts + your next step toward peaceful rest

In this episode of the Breastfeeding With Confidence Podcast, host Jaimie Zaki, IBCLC and mom of five, dives into one of the most common breastfeeding questions: Do I need to nurse on both sides every time my baby feeds?

Many new moms worry about whether their baby is getting enough milk, how long to nurse on each side, and if skipping a breast could affect milk supply. Jaimie explains how breast milk works, what foremilk and hindmilk really mean, and why there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer.

You’ll learn:

• ✅ The difference between feeding from one side vs. both sides

• ✅ How to recognize when your baby is satisfied after one breast

• ✅ When offering both sides is helpful for milk supply and baby’s intake

• ✅ What “block feeding” means and when it’s used

• ✅ Red flags to watch for if your baby always prefers just one breast

Breastfeeding is about finding the rhythm that works for you and your baby, not following strict rules. By understanding how milk production works, you can confidently decide what’s best for each feed.

If you’ve ever asked yourself “Should I nurse on both sides every feed?”—this episode gives you the clear, evidence-based answers you need.

BREASTFEEDING RESOURCES

Breastfeeding Resource Library

Private Breastfeeding Support

In this sp0ecial episode of the Breastfeeding With Confidence podcast, 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 challenges before 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

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.

• 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 Workshop – October 13th, Monday: The Breastfeeding Prep Masterclass is specifically designed for pregnant moms avoid unnecessary formula, protect your milk supply, and confidently advocate for your baby in the hospital.

Reserve your spot now → littlebearlactation.com/workshop

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