Advertise on podcast: Spill the Milk Breastfeeding Podcast

Okay, friends… I’m a little spicy in this one. Actually, I’m pretty pissed. 🔥 Tongue-tie revisions have become one of those breastfeeding conversations where I keep asking myself: How did we get here? I’ve been helping breastfeeding families for more than 20 years, and I remember practicing before it seemed like every breastfeeding problem led to somebody looking inside a baby’s mouth for a tie. Now a mom can post online: “My nipples hurt.” And within minutes: “Have you had your baby checked for a tongue-tie?” WHAT?! Nipple pain tells me we need to assess the feeding. It does NOT automatically tell me something in your baby’s mouth needs to be cut. In this episode, we’re talking about the rise in tongue-tie diagnoses and revisions, internet advice, babies being revised before leaving the hospital, repeat procedures, informed consent, potential complications—and something we don’t discuss enough: The baby. How many people need to put their fingers in this baby’s mouth? And because a baby can’t tell us, “Enough,” shouldn’t that make us MORE thoughtful about what we’re doing to their body? I’m also sharing two cases from my own practice that have stayed with me. This episode is NOT anti-frenotomy. Some babies with symptomatic tongue-tie may benefit from one. What I’m against is jumping from: “Breastfeeding isn’t working” → “Your baby needs a revision.” Before we cut anything, I want to know: 💦 Has someone watched an ENTIRE feeding?💦 Has Mom been taught how to improve the latch?💦 Is baby transferring milk and gaining appropriately?💦 What is diaper output telling us?💦 What is Mom’s milk production doing?💦 What other causes have been considered?💦 What FUNCTION is the frenulum interfering with?💦 What are the benefits AND risks?💦 What happens if we wait—or if the procedure doesn’t work? A visible frenulum is not automatically a feeding problem. Finding a frenulum is not the same thing as finding the cause of the feeding problem. I’m not anti-procedure. I’m pro-assessment, pro-informed consent, and pro-baby. Before we cut anything, ask: What problem are we actually trying to solve? 📖 BEFORE YOU REVISE If a tongue-tie or lip-tie procedure has been recommended for your baby, I created Before You Revise: The Parent’s Checklist Before Saying Yes to a Tongue-Tie or Lip-Tie Procedure to help you understand what should be assessed, what questions to ask, the potential benefits and risks, and when it may be time to slow down and get more information. 📖 Get Before You Revise:https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0HKDJNK95 🤍 WANT MORE SPILL THE MILK? Come hang out with me on Patreon for early access, bonus conversations, Q&As, resources, behind-the-scenes content, and our community. The podcast is where I share the education. Patreon is where we get to hang out a little more. 🤍 💦 Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/BabyWhisperer?utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan 🌐 https://babywhisperernicki.com 📚 RESOURCES & FURTHER READING American Academy of Pediatrics — 2024 Clinical Reporthttps://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/154/2/e2024067605/198022/Identification-and-Management-of-Ankyloglossia-and Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine — Position Statementhttps://www.bfmed.org/assets/Anklyloglossia%20position%20statement%202021.pdf American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry — Frenulum Policyhttps://www.aapd.org/research/oral-health-policies--recommendations/managment-of-the-frenulum-in-pediatric-dental-patients/ JAMA Otolaryngology — Feeding Evaluation & Frenotomy Rateshttps://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaotolaryngology/fullarticle/2737712 The New York Times — Inside the Booming Business of Cutting Babies’ Tongueshttps://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/18/health/tongue-tie-release-breastfeeding.html My goal isn’t to convince you to breastfeed. That’s your decision. My goal is to support your decisions with education and compassion. Nicki Davis, RN, BSN, IBCLCBaby Whisperer NickiHelping Families Feed with Confidence.

Somewhere along the way, the breast pump went from being an incredibly useful tool to something breastfeeding moms started believing they have to use. And I have questions. 😂🔥 Since spending more time talking with moms on social media, I’ve been surprised by how many are nursing their babies and pumping—not because they’re returning to work, separated from their baby, or exclusively pumping, but because they’ve been told they need to pump to “protect their supply.” And every time I hear that, I want to ask: Protect your supply from WHAT? 👀 In this episode of Spill the Milk, we’re talking about the new pumping culture and all the extra work we may be giving breastfeeding moms without ever stopping to ask whether they actually need to do it. We’re getting into: 💦 Why directly breastfeeding your baby can be enough💦 Boob, bottle, and pump—and why they don’t automatically all have to go together💦 When pumping actually makes sense💦 Why some moms end up owning multiple pumps without ever being taught how to properly use the one they have💦 Returning to work and planning for bottles💦 Freezer stash culture and the pressure to collect more and more milk💦 Why pumping extra can sometimes create problems you never needed in the first place And yes, we need to talk about those freezers packed from top to bottom with breast milk. There is absolutely nothing wrong with being proud of milk you worked hard to collect. But seeing someone else’s freezer stash without knowing the context can quickly turn into another breastfeeding expectation. Suddenly, you’re doing two jobs: You’re feeding your baby AND you’re feeding your freezer. Friends, moms already have enough jobs. I’m not anti-pump.I’m not anti-bottle.I’m not anti-freezer stash. I’m anti-unnecessary work for moms. 🔥 The breast pump is a tool. Sometimes it’s incredibly helpful. Sometimes it’s essential. But it is not a requirement for being a successful breastfeeding mother. So before you add another pumping session, buy another pump, or decide you need another 100 ounces in your freezer, I want you to ask yourself one simple question: WHY am I pumping? Because the plan should match the reason. 🤍 Want more Spill the Milk? Come hang out with me on Patreon! Patreon members can get early access to Spill the Milk episodes, plus bonus conversations, Q&As, practical resources, behind-the-scenes content, and a community where we can keep talking about what feeding a baby actually looks like in real life. The podcast is where I share the education. Patreon is where we get to hang out a little more. 🤍 💦 Join Baby Whisperer Nicki on Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/BabyWhisperer?utm_campaign=creatorshare_fan Nicki Davis, RN, BSN, IBCLCBaby Whisperer NickiHelping Families Feed with Confidence. 💦 babywhisperernicki.com

Welcome to Season 2 of Spill the Milk. 🥛 And fair warning—you may notice I'm a little spicier this season. After more than 20 years of working with moms and babies, I've become pretty protective of you and your feeding goals. I'm not here to convince you to breastfeed. I'm here to help you understand what's happening, make informed decisions, and fight for the feeding experience you want. And sometimes that means I have a few things to say. 😉 We're starting Season 2 with something I see all the time: moms who are terrified they aren't making enough milk. We have more breastfeeding information available to us than ever before. We can track ounces, minutes, feeds, diapers, sleep, pump output, freezer stashes, weight, and just about everything else. Then we open social media and see another mom pumping eight ounces, a freezer overflowing with breast milk, or a baby following a picture-perfect feeding schedule. But here's the problem: You're seeing the data. You're not seeing the context. In this episode, we're talking about supply anxiety, pump output, unrealistic expectations, conflicting breastfeeding advice, social media comparison, and why one number—or one TikTok—cannot tell you the whole story of a breastfeeding relationship. Sometimes we need to stop staring at one feed, one pump session, or one number and zoom out. How is your baby doing?How are you doing?What does feeding look like over 24 hours?And is there actually evidence that something isn't working—or are you afraid because your experience doesn't look like what someone told you breastfeeding was supposed to look like? Your baby is an individual. So are you. Let's look at the whole picture. 🥛 Spill the Milk with Baby Whisperer NickiNicki Davis, RN, BSN, IBCLCHelping Families Feed with Confidence. 🌐 Visit Baby Whisperer Nicki: babywhisperernicki.com

What if some of the most common breastfeeding advice isn't helping moms at all? In this episode, we're talking about the things we need to stop telling breastfeeding mothers. From "feed 8–12 times a day" and "don't feed your baby to sleep," to "pump to see how much milk you have" and "just push through the pain," we're taking a closer look at where these messages come from, why they can be misleading, and what evidence and normal infant behavior actually tell us. We'll cover topics like: Feeding by the clock vs. feeding your babyWhy "full feeds" aren't as simple as they soundNormal night waking and cluster feedingWhy pump output doesn't measure your milk supplyThe problem with routine triple feedingPain during breastfeedingTongue tie referralsFeeding to sleepAnd more...My goal isn't to shame parents or healthcare providers—it's to replace fear and rigid rules with practical, evidence-based information that helps you better understand your baby and trust your instincts. Whether you're expecting your first baby, currently breastfeeding, or supporting a breastfeeding family, this episode will help you separate breastfeeding facts from breastfeeding myths. Connect with me:Find my breastfeeding classes, virtual consultations, podcast episodes, and resources here:https://linktr.ee/babywhisperer77 If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast, leave a rating and review, and share it with another parent who could use evidence-based breastfeeding support.

Moms Aren’t Failing. The Advice Is. Let’s be honest — a lot of breastfeeding advice out there is just plain wrong. In this unfiltered, no-sugarcoating episode, I’m calling out the most common advice that leaves moms overwhelmed, confused, and questioning their bodies. From “feed every 3 hours” to “your baby should only nurse for 20 minutes” — we’re breaking down what’s actually happening and why this kind of guidance sets moms up to struggle. After 20+ years as an IBCLC, I can tell you this with confidence:most moms aren’t failing breastfeeding — they were failed by the advice they were given. This episode is raw, honest, and yes… a little spicy.But it comes from one place: making sure moms get the truth and the support they deserve. If you’ve ever felt like breastfeeding “just didn’t work,” this one’s for you. You’re not broken.Your body didn’t fail.You probably just got bad advice. For all my breastfeeding help visit my website

New parents receive breastfeeding advice everywhere — from the hospital, family members, social media, and even well-meaning professionals. The problem? Much of that advice is given without anyone actually watching the baby feed. In this episode, Nicki Davis, RN, BSN, IBCLC, breaks down some of the most common breastfeeding advice parents hear and explains why so many of these rules create more stress than solutions. We talk about: Why pumping more isn’t always the answer The truth about babies “using you as a pacifier” Why pain during breastfeeding should never be ignored How weight checks without context can create unnecessary panic Why triple feeding is often suggested far too quickly Breastfeeding isn’t about rigid rules or watching the clock — it’s about understanding your baby, milk transfer, and feeding patterns. If you’ve ever followed advice and thought, “Why does breastfeeding suddenly feel harder?” this episode will help you understand why — and what actually matters instead. Visit my links below for more Consultations Website Virtual Events Find everything HERE

This episode is for pregnant moms who are already worried about pumping and returning to work. Let me be clear right from the start:There is nothing wrong with choosing to be an exclusive pumper from day one. That is a valid, intentional feeding choice. But this episode is specifically for those of you who plan to breastfeed and know pumping will eventually be part of your journey—most often because you’ll be returning to work. And let’s also clear this up: not everyone needs to pump.Pumping is a tool, not a requirement. In this episode, I break down why pumping works best when breastfeeding has a strong foundation first—and why trying to “prepare for pumping” without understanding breastfeeding often leads to unnecessary stress, disappointment, and confusion. We talk about: Why pumping struggles often start before pumping even begins How early breastfeeding sets your milk supply and pumping success Why breastfeeding education belongs in pregnancy Why pumping education makes more sense after baby arrives The order that actually supports working moms long-term If pumping has been weighing on your mind already, this episode will help you reset, refocus, and prepare in a way that actually supports your body and your goals. The Breast Start – Breastfeeding Class (During Pregnancy)👉 Click here Responsive Pumping Class (After Birth)👉 Click here 🌐 Website:👉 www.babywhisperernicki.com 🔗 Linktree:

Not all lactation consultants practice the same—and choosing the wrong support can make breastfeeding feel harder than it ever needed to be. In this episode of Spill the Milk, I walk parents through the exact questions to ask when choosing a lactation consultant—before you’re exhausted, overwhelmed, or doubting yourself. We talk about credentials, experience, how many babies a consultant has actually seen, what ages they work with, how they teach latch, growth charts, timed feeds, triple feeding plans, tools like nipple shields, tongue-tie referrals, follow-up care, and the red flags that matter. This episode isn’t about finding “perfect” breastfeeding.It’s about finding evidence-based, compassionate support that works for you and your baby—without guilt, pressure, or burnout. If you’re pregnant, newly postpartum, pumping, combo feeding, or feeling unsure about the help you’re getting, this episode is for you. You don’t have to figure this out alone. 👉 Schedule a virtual lactation consultation:https://babywhisperernicki.janeapp.com/#/staff_member/019efff8-f422-7d71-ae15-bf7e92650066 Website: www.babywhisperernicki.com Instagram: @babywhisperer77 TikTok: @babywhisperer77 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BabywhispererNicki Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/BabyWhisperer Linktree: https://linktr.ee/babywhisperer77

Are you feeling like your body is failing because breastfeeding isn’t going “how it’s supposed to”?In this episode, I’m breaking down the bad breastfeeding advice I’ve heard in my consultations this week — the kind of harmful, outdated nonsense that makes moms doubt themselves, sabotage their supply, and think their babies are “too much.” We’ll talk about: Why cluster feeding is not a sign your milk is low How “feed every 3 hours” advice wrecks breastfeeding and your sanity Why pain is a red flag, not a “toughen up” moment The truth about pumping, bottles, flange sizing, and “lazy” babies How moms are being failed by the system, not by their bodies If you’ve ever been told your milk isn’t enough, your baby eats too often, or you’re creating bad habits by responding to your baby… this one’s for you. You deserve real talk, evidence-based support, and zero shame. Work with me & stay connected: 🌐 Website: www.babywhisperernicki.com📧 Email: [email protected]🔗 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/babywhisperer77🩺 Book a virtual consultation: https://calendly.com/d/cns4-cr4-2c6

I’m Nicki Davis, RN, BSN, IBCLC — an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant with 20 years supporting breastfeeding families — and today we’re tackling something far too many new moms suffer through silently: postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety. Society tells moms to “enjoy every moment.” Meanwhile, inside, they’re overwhelmed, terrified, and ashamed to say they’re not okay. This episode is here to cut through that silence. I’m joined by Linda Perry, MSN, PMHNP-BC, CNM — a dual-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Certified Nurse Midwife. Linda started her career delivering babies and later shifted into perinatal psychiatry when she saw firsthand how deeply mental health shapes recovery, bonding, and breastfeeding. Together, we break down: What postpartum depression and anxiety actually look like (not just what the brochures say) What causes postpartum mood changes — hormones, sleep loss, identity shift, trauma, birth interventions, unrealistic expectations, feeding pressure The question every mom asks: “Isn’t it safer to avoid medication while breastfeeding?” — and what the research actually says Which medications may be compatible with breastfeeding What else can help — therapy, lactation support, nervous-system support, sleep strategy, partner direction, and community How anxiety/depression can interfere with breastfeeding and why it is NOT a mom’s fault When postpartum depression becomes dangerous and what to do immediately One message Linda wants every struggling mom to hear before the episode ends — and it’s powerful We also talk honestly about three supplements Linda uses often — L-theanine, Lion’s Mane, and Lavela  — what the evidence says, where the gaps are, and why no supplement should replace real mental-health care when a mom is suffering. If you’re listening with a lump in your throat or tears in your eyes because this sounds like you — you are not broken. You deserve support just as much as your baby does. You don’t need to wait until it becomes unbearable to ask for help. 📌 Postpartum Support International (PSI) — 1-800-944-4773or text 800-944-4773Website: PostpartumSupportInternational.org 📌 National Maternal Mental Health Hotline (24/7) — 1-833-TLC-MAMA(1-833-852-6262) If you’re having thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, go to the nearest emergency department or call emergency services immediately. Your safety matters. 🌐 Website — www.SensiblePsychMeds.com📧 Email — [email protected]📞 Phone — 862-453-9229🎥 TikTok — @SensiblePsychMeds / Linda Perry Psych NP📸 Instagram — Sensible Psych Meds | @lindaperrypsychnp 🎙 Podcast — Spill the Milk🌐 Website — www.babywhisperernicki.com📸 Instagram — @babywhisperer77🎥 TikTok — @babywhisperer77▶️ YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/@BabywhispererNicki💛 Patreon — https://www.patreon.com/c/BabyWhisperer🗓 Schedule a 1:1 lactation consultation:https://calendly.com/lactationhelp77/lactation-consult-new Support & Crisis ResourcesConnect with LindaConnect with Nicki (The Babywhisperer)

Weaning isn’t just the end of breastfeeding — it’s the beginning of a new chapter.And for most moms, that transition is way more emotional, complicated, and confusing than anyone prepares us for. In this episode of Spill the Milk, we break down weaning with honesty, compassion, and real-world guidance — whether you’re weaning a baby, a toddler, or somewhere in between. We’ll talk about: What the World Health Organization actually recommends Why weaning is a slow transition, not a single event How to wean gently and safely without clogs or mastitis What to do if you have oversupply during weaning Night-weaning without trauma And the emotional rollercoaster no one warns you about You’ll also hear two real stories:✨ A 6-month-old who continued breastfeeding while transitioning to formula for nutritional support until 12 months✨ A 2-year-old who weaned without pressure — and without needing whole milk as a replacement (yes, yogurt, cheese, and water count!) Whether you’re thinking about weaning, already in the thick of it, or simply want to feel less alone… this episode is the supportive hug you deserve. 🔗 Support, community, and weekly breastfeeding content are on my Patreon:https://www.patreon.com/BabyWhisperer Because breastfeeding is love — and weaning is love too. 💛

In this episode of Spill the Milk, Nicki Davis, BSN, RN, IBCLC, breaks down why traditional sleep training doesn’t fit the biology of breastfed babies. She explains how breast milk digests nearly twice as fast as formula, why feeding on demand protects both your supply and your baby’s growth, and how scheduled feeds can backfire — leading to low supply, slow weight gain, and missed hunger cues. Nicki also shares simple, realistic alternatives to sleep training that protect your milk production and your mental health, including how to handle night feeds, read your baby’s cues, and find balance without sacrificing rest. If you’ve ever been told to “stretch the feeds” or “drop nights,” this episode will help you understand exactly why that advice doesn’t support breastfeeding success. 💛 Join my private community for exclusive support and weekly stories: patreon.com/BabyWhisperer 💬 Need personal guidance? Book a consult here: www.babywhisperernicki.com/consultations

n this episode of Spill the Milk, Nicki Davis, RN, BSN, IBCLC, sits down with pediatric nurse practitioner Emily to break down one of the most confusing and over-diagnosed issues in infancy — CMPA (cow’s milk protein allergy) — and the pressure parents feel to start cow’s milk at 12 months. They unpack what CMPA actually is, how it’s diagnosed (and who can diagnose it), and what symptoms are real versus what’s actually normal baby behavior. Nicki and Emily also discuss why not every case of blood in baby’s stool equals CMPA, the importance of serial testing, and how over-labeling babies can lead to unnecessary worry and restrictions. Then they shift gears to talk about the big 12-month question: Does your baby actually need cow’s milk? Learn where this recommendation even came from — yes, the “Got Milk” campaign had a lot to do with it — how too much dairy can contribute to anemia, and what healthy alternatives exist for parents who choose not to serve cow’s milk in a cup or bottle. This episode is a reality check for parents who just want the facts without the fluff. To schedule a virtual consultation, find classes, locate me on social media, or find some of my discount codes click here

Hi everyone! I’m so excited to share a brand-new perk that’s now available exclusively for my Liquid Gold and Village Circle members. Starting this week, I’ll be posting Consultation Story Reviews every Wednesday — real stories from moms I’ve had the privilege to work with during their breastfeeding journeys. Click here to be taken to my Patreon Page

Episode: Tongue, Cheek & Lip Tie Revisions: Let’s Get RealHost: Nicki (RN, BSN, IBCLC — The Babywhisperer) In this episode, I break down what’s really going on with tongue-tie, lip-tie and cheek-tie revisions — what the evidence shows, what I’ve seen in 20+ years as an IBCLC, and how you can help the baby-parent dyad thrive without rushing to surgery. We dig deep into latch, milk transfer, supply, timing and the decision-making process. Real feeding support takes time and patience. Cutting a tie is not the “fix” in most cases. Prioritize function first. To find all of my resources including my Patreon community, discount codes, classes, and virtual consultations Click HERE