Permission to Stop Feeling Guilty About How You Feed Your Baby
You spent months planning the birth. Then the baby arrived, and it turns out the real main event is getting that baby fed.
In this episode, Paula & Nicole, who’ve lived through tongue-ties, exclusive pumping, and nursing pain, walk you through what actually happens in those first days.
You’ll hear why night two feels like a meltdown (and why it’s a good sign), when to wake a sleepy baby, how to survive the ride home from the hospital, and which red flags mean it’s time to call for help. And if you’re still carrying guilt about how you fed your baby, here’s your permission slip: it wasn’t you. It was the system.
Learn practical baby feeding strategies to reduce stress during mealtime. Paula and Nicole share proven methods for parents.
Raising children is a significant undertaking, and navigating the early stages of nutrition can often feel overwhelming. Whether you are currently expecting or adjusting to life with a newborn, this guide provides actionable advice on how to manage daily routines more effectively. Paula and Nicole draw from their collective experience raising eight children to offer perspectives on making the household environment less chaotic.
This discussion is designed for anyone seeking a more enjoyable approach to parenting. By implementing consistent baby feeding routines, you can create a calmer atmosphere for both you and your little one. We cover how to prepare for the challenges of early childcare and offer support for those managing the demands of a growing family. These parenting tips focus on practical solutions that prioritize your peace of mind while ensuring your child gets the care they need.
Subscribe for weekly parenting advice and breakdowns. Share in the comments which aspect of infant care you find most challenging.
Timestamps:
00:00 - We plan for the birth and forget the baby has to eat
00:45 - Paula's first baby
07:30 - Exclusive pumping through a formula shortage
10:15 - Why parenting feels harder now (and the information overload)
13:45 - Nursing through pain, and the doctor who blamed it on age
15:30 - Prenatal advice: find a class that tells the whole story
18:00 - Pet peeves: hospital-tour classes and "no bottle until four weeks"
19:30 - The first 24 hours: skin-to-skin and the sleepy baby
21:30 - Hand expression, pumping, and protecting your supply
24:45 - Night two: cluster feeding by design
26:15 - Pacifiers: yes, with a caveat
27:45 - Leaving the hospital: stay as long as you can
29:45 - The first night home is "camping without the right equipment"
31:45 - Why you need a rested helper in the house
33:00 - Red flags: pain, damage, and the nipple shield
35:00 - "Never wake a sleeping baby" and why to ignore it
37:00 - The fussy baby, the hungry cry, and a story that ends in relief
38:45 - It's not your fault: what failed was the system
41:15 - Wrap-up and where to send your questions
#babyfeedingtips #infantcare #newborncare #motherhoodreality #newparentsguide #parentingsupport
Connect with Paula & Nicole:
www.mainemother.com
22 Apr 2026
Pumping milk for baby, at work.
Because it needs it's own episode. So much goes into supplying our babies with milk while we are at work. Hear Nicole's story and get all our best tips and tricks for making it less complicated. Let us help you streamline so you can keep on gifting your baby with liquid gold!
13 Apr 2026
Who am I now?
On this episode we chat about identity, emotional and mental health bits around becoming a parent. We also talk strategy for new parents for protecting their own, and their partner's well being during this big transition.
5 Apr 2026
Go the Fu** to Sleep!
Sleep can be the trickiest part of parenting for so many families! Hear about Paula and Nicole's personal sleep chaos! We promise it has a happy ending. We will of course share some of our best tips and tricks for you and your baby!
28 Mar 2026
Return to Work
In this episode, Paula and Nicole talk about their return to work after babies and give you their best tips and tricks to help add ease to this tricky transition.
27 Mar 2026
Feed the baby
On this Episode of Pep Talks and Permission Slips, we talk about feeding babies and what led us to become lactation consultants.
25 Mar 2026
Meet the Hosts
Paula has been a mom for 31 years to five wild humans. Nicole has three boys ages 3-9. Both had tricky babies and tricky postpartum experiences and then became doulas to help other parents have more positive supportive experiences. Hear their origin stories here.
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