RONZHEIMER.

“Sometimes you don't want to quit breastfeeding. You just want breastfeeding to stop being so damn hard.” Have you ever thought about quitting breastfeeding… and then immediately felt guilty because you don't actually WANT to stop? Maybe you're exhausted. Maybe you're overwhelmed. Maybe you're tired of pumping, questioning your supply, or feeling like your entire life revolves around feeding your baby. And maybe you're wondering, “How much longer can I keep doing this?” In this episode of Spill the Milk, we're having one of those conversations moms don't always feel comfortable saying out loud. Because sometimes the answer isn't to push through. Sometimes it's changing the plan. And sometimes it's deciding you're ready to stop. And ALL of those decisions deserve support. 🤍 I'm sharing two recent experiences with moms I helped who needed completely different things. 💦 One mom discovered that combination feeding was actually the answer that allowed her to KEEP breastfeeding. It wasn't what she originally…

Just when you think you've finally figured out breastfeeding… YOUR BABY CHANGES THE RULES! 😂 Your baby used to breastfeed for 20 minutes, and now they're done in five. They used to fall asleep at the breast, and now they're popping off to look at EVERYTHING. They used to nurse every time you offered, and now they're turning away. They were sleeping longer stretches, and suddenly they're waking up at night again. And what happens? Mom starts questioning EVERYTHING. "Nicki, I think my baby is refusing the breast!" "Nicki, are we having a nursing strike?" "Nicki, is my milk supply dropping?" And one of my favorite questions to ask is: "Are they refusing the breast…or are they just not hungry?" Because those are two VERY different things! In this episode of Spill the Milk, we're talking about something I wish more moms understood: Your baby isn't supposed to breastfeed at five months the same way they did at five weeks. Babies grow. They develop. They become more aware of the world around them. And breastfeeding…

💦 Breastfeeding Survival Tactics for the First Few Weeks | Spill the Milk Season 2, Episode 4 Those first few weeks of breastfeeding can feel like absolute chaos. You just had a baby. You're recovering. You're exhausted. Your hormones are everywhere. You're trying to figure out this brand-new little human—and meanwhile, everybody has an opinion about what you're supposed to be doing. How often should baby eat? How long should they stay at the breast? Should you wake them? Should you pump? Is your milk “in”? Is the latch good enough? Why do they want to eat AGAIN? Can we please give moms—and babies—a minute? In this episode of Spill the Milk, I'm giving you the breastfeeding survival tactics I wish every new mom knew before she started doubting herself. We're talking about: 💦 Why skin-to-skin shouldn't end after the golden hour 💦 Why colostrum IS milk 💦 Why you don't automatically need to breastfeed AND pump 💦 Why hand expression can work better for those tiny amounts of thick colostrum 💦 Why pump output is…

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,…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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:…

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:…

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…

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…

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…

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.…

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.