Episode 30 | Real Talk About Breastfeeding | Guest: Dr. Casey Mercado, Registered Nurse & Lactation Specialist

Exciting news! I've got a new Amazon storefront where I've curated collections of my must-have kitchen favorites, details of Tessa's room makeover, my go-to cookbooks, and more! Can't wait for you to check out the things I use every day to make Bryan and Tessa dinner, bake yummy treats, tools from my bio-hacking journey, etc. Enjoy! Now, on to today's episode! Dr. Casey Mercado, Lactation Consultant and Doctor of Nursing Practice, also known as @baremotherhood_ on Instagram, joins me to delve into the essential aspects of breastfeeding preparation and support. From understanding breastfeeding terminology to navigating emotional challenges, Dr. Mercado provides valuable insights and practical advice. We explore topics such as maintaining a proper latch, managing breastfeeding schedules, addressing sickness, and maintaining milk supply. Join us as we uncover key strategies and dispel common misconceptions to empower mothers on their breastfeeding journey. Here's a look at what we discuss: Preparation Before Baby: Educate yourself, consult a lactation consultant, set realistic expectations, create a support system, prepare a comfortable breastfeeding space, invest in nursing bras and tops, practice good nutrition, stock up on supplies, learn proper latch and positioning, know how to hand express, plan for rest and recovery, have a backup plan, understand baby's cues, build a routine Breastfeeding Terminology: Understand colostrum, let-down, and breast pumping Benefits of Breastmilk: Learn about breastfeeding's impact on maternal health and its nutritional benefits for the baby Breastfeeding Emotions: Address various emotions like anxiety, frustration, and feelings of inadequacy Provide support and encouragement for the breastfeeding journey Hunger Cues: Recognize early and late hunger cues in babies Proper Latch: Identify signs of a correct latch for successful breastfeeding Schedule & Timing: Understand breastfeeding schedules, pumping routines, and handling cluster feeding Sickness: Know how to approach illness during breastfeeding and which medications are safe Nipple Care: Maintain healthy nipples, address issues like mastitis, and explore helpful products Maintaining and Increasing Supply: Strategies for increasing milk supply, including supplements, proper latch, and hydration Speed Round on Controversial Topics: Explaining Strawberry breastmilk, nursing twins or triplets, nursing older children, partners drinking breastmilk, donor breastmilk, and more Contact Casey, learn more & explore her products. As always, thanks for listening and don't forget to subscribe, rate and review my podcast. Want to hear more? Check out all my episodes here.