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
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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.
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Resources discussed in this episode:
- The Holistic Mamas Handbook is available on Amazon
- The Baby Manual is also available on Amazon
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Contact Dr. Carole Keim MD
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