Explore every episode of the podcast Spill the Milk Breastfeeding Podcast

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 baby
• Why "full feeds" aren't as simple as they sound
• Normal night waking and cluster feeding
• Why pump output doesn't measure your milk supply
• The problem with routine triple feeding
• Pain during breastfeeding
• Tongue tie referrals
• Feeding to sleep
• And 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: spillthemilklactation@gmail.com
🔗 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) — 1-800-944-4773
or text 800-944-4773
Website: 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 — Linda@SensiblePsychMeds.org
📞 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 Real
Host: 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

In this episode of Spill the Milk, Nicki, RN, IBCLC — also known as The Babywhisperer — gets real about one of the most exhausting (and misunderstood) parts of early breastfeeding: cluster feeding.

If your baby’s nursing every 45 minutes and you’re questioning your milk supply, this one’s for you. Nicki breaks down what’s actually happening during both day and night cluster feeding, why your baby’s doing it, and how it’s actually a brilliant biological design — not a sign something’s wrong.

She tackles the biggest myths that cause moms to doubt themselves, shares practical survival tips, and reminds you that your baby isn’t broken — and neither are you.

Because sometimes, your baby isn’t trying to drain you… they’re just building your milk supply for tomorrow.

Click here for ways to join me on Patreon, schedule virtual consultations, discount codes, classes, and more

n this episode of Spill the Milk, Nicki Davis, RN, IBCLC, dives into the give-and-take of feeding — literally! When we’re breastfeeding, our babies take the breast, leading the way and feeding by instinct. But when we give a bottle, the rhythm changes — and that’s where pacing becomes so important. Nicki shares how to recognize your baby’s cues, prevent overfeeding, and understand how breast milk changes as your baby grows. It’s all about finding that sweet balance where feeding feels responsive, connected, and right for both of you. 💕

Click here for more information and several ways to connect

In this episode of Spill the Milk, Nicki shares how breastfeeding protects more than just your baby — it protects you. 💞 Learn how every month of breastfeeding can lower your risk of breast and ovarian cancer, and why this connection deserves the spotlight during Breast Cancer Awareness Month 🎗️🎀. Through real talk, stats, and stories, Nicki reminds moms that the benefits of breastfeeding go both ways — because when you nourish your baby, you’re also nourishing your health. 💗

For more resources including my Patreon page and virtual consultations click here

In this episode of Spill the Milk, we’re talking all about the exciting transition from exclusive breastfeeding to starting solids—what I like to call “From Boob to Broccoli.”

We’ll cover what breastfeeding typically looks like at 6 months, including quick daytime feeds, more frequent night feeds, and how to adjust as your baby grows and becomes more distracted. Then we’ll dive into Baby-Led Weaning—what it is, the benefits for babies and families, and how it can make mealtimes fun and empowering.

I’ll also share practical tips for getting started, address common concerns about gagging and choking, and highlight tools like the Solid Starts app to guide you along the way.

Whether you’re exclusively breastfeeding, combo feeding, or figuring out your next step, this episode will give you confidence and encouragement as you and your baby move from boob to broccoli—together.

Click here to join my Patreon Community and tons of resources

In this episode of Spill the Milk, Nicki, a board-certified lactation consultant, dives into the challenges many breastfeeding mothers face when preparing to return to work. From knowing when to start pumping to understanding how much milk your baby truly needs, Nicki breaks down the process into manageable steps. She shares practical strategies for building a manageable stash, practicing bottle feeding, and easing the transition for both mom and baby. You’ll also hear tips on pumping techniques, managing workplace logistics, and reducing the anxiety that often comes with this big milestone. Whether you’re weeks or months away from heading back, this episode will give you the confidence and tools to balance breastfeeding and working.

Click here to be taken to my links including the one for The Responsive Pumping Class

In this episode, Nicki, a registered nurse and lactation consultant, discusses the critical aspects of weight gain assessments for babies, particularly focusing on discharge weight, the impact of different scales, and the importance of accurate measurements. She emphasizes the significance of understanding weight loss percentages and the common misconceptions surrounding baby weight gain. Nicki provides practical advice for mothers on how to assess their baby's weight accurately and the expectations for weight gain in the early weeks of life.Takeaways

• Nicki is a registered nurse and lactation consultant with over 20 years of experience.
• Discharge weight is crucial for assessing a baby's health after birth.
• A weight loss of up to 10% is generally acceptable for newborns.
• Different scales can yield conflicting weight measurements for babies.
• It's important to test the accuracy of home scales used for weighing babies.
• Moms should focus on the number of wet and poopy diapers to assess breastfeeding success.
• Weight gain expectations vary by age and should be monitored closely.
• Understanding growth charts is essential for evaluating a baby's growth.
• Moms often misunderstand the implications of weight loss percentages.
• Accurate weight measurement is vital, especially in the first few months of life.

• "Your baby's birth weight is great."
• "We allow up to 10%."
• "An ounce matters."

Find virtual consultations and classes here

In this episode of Spill the Milk, Nicki, a board-certified lactation consultant, shares essential insights for breastfeeding mothers. She emphasizes the mental challenges of breastfeeding, the importance of feeding on demand, and the myths surrounding milk supply and pumping. Nicki also discusses how to recognize when a baby is full and the critical role of latch in successful breastfeeding. The episode aims to equip new mothers with the knowledge they need to navigate their breastfeeding journey confidently.

Find my classes and virtual consults here

In Season 1 Episode 3, Nicki, a board-certified lactation consultant, discusses the growing trend of creating a freezer stash of breast milk among new mothers. She emphasizes the importance of understanding milk production and regulation, arguing that many mothers are overcomplicating their breastfeeding experience by focusing on pumping and storing milk. Nicki encourages mothers to trust their bodies and enjoy their breastfeeding journey without the added stress of maintaining a freezer stash, which can lead to anxiety and potential health risks such as oversupply and clogged ducts.

Find all my helpful links right here (virtual consultations, classes, discount codes)

Summary

In this episode of Spill the Milk, Nicki, a board-certified lactation consultant, discusses the various types of milk supply that breastfeeding mothers may experience. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the differences between low supply, right amount, oversupply, and perceived low supply, and provides practical advice for mothers to navigate these challenges. The conversation highlights the role of education, support, and self-awareness in breastfeeding success, while addressing common misconceptions and the emotional aspects of breastfeeding.

Visit my website here www.babywhisperernicki.com

Go to my Patreon page here Patreon

Find Discounts and social media links click here Linktree

In this inaugural episode of the podcast, Nicki, known as the Baby Whisperer, shares her extensive experience as a lactation consultant and nurse. She emphasizes the importance of education, support, and trust in the breastfeeding journey. Nicki discusses common misconceptions about breastfeeding, the role of lactation consultants, and the science behind milk production. She aims to empower new moms by validating their experiences and providing them with the knowledge they need to navigate breastfeeding successfully.