Empowering Parents: I Talk Feeding, Mental Health, and Baby Care on Two Parents & A Podcast 🎙️💛

I recently joined the conversation of Two Parents & A Podcast to share not just tips, but truths. I opened by talking about my book called MILK’D and a quote that runs through its pages: “Things I wish I’d known...”

I also reminded the audience that not every piece of advice — mine included — is meant to fit perfectly into your life. Some pieces may be the right fit, others won’t. The real magic is in finding your piece and owning your journey as a parent.

💡 Breast is Best vs. Fed is Best 

While breastfeeding offers many incredible benefits for both baby and parent, it is important to note and look at the whole picture — your mental health, your living situation, your support system, and your personal circumstances. Even a small amount of breastmilk in those first few days of life provides powerful antibodies, nutrients, and immune protection for your baby. Those early drops can make a big difference.

But here’s the thing — a thriving parent is just as important as the milk their baby receives. If breastfeeding becomes overwhelming, stressful, or starts to impact your well-being, it’s okay to reassess and choose what works best for your family. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Feeding is not just about nutrition — it’s about connection, confidence, and caring for yourself, too. Because when you’re cared for, you can care for your baby in the best way possible.

🍼 Your baby, your body, your rules

There’s so much noise out there about what’s “best” or “right,” and it can be overwhelming. But the truth is, every family is different, every baby is different, and every parent’s journey is different. You are the one who gets to make the decisions that feel right for you and your little one— it’s your choice, and no one else gets to write that story for you. The most important thing is that you’re making feeding decisions that align with your values, your health, and your unique situation.

Owning your feeding journey means shutting out unnecessary guilt, ignoring the judgment, and trusting yourself to know what’s best for your baby and your body. Because at the end of the day, you’re the one who shows up for those middle-of-the-night feedings, you’re the one who knows your baby’s cues, and you’re the one building that special bond — no matter how you choose to feed.

📈 Boosting Supply: The Real Secret

When it comes to increasing milk supply, it’s easy to get caught up in all the hype about magic teas, lactation cookies, or miracle supplements promising instant results. But here’s the truth — there’s no quick fix for supply that actually works overnight. The real “secret” lies in understanding how your body makes milk: it’s a supply-and-demand system. The more consistently and effectively milk is removed from your breasts — whether by nursing your baby directly or using a breast pump — the more signals your body receives to produce more.

This isn’t just about frequency, but also about effectiveness. A deep, comfortable latch or a properly fitted pump flange ensures milk is removed fully, which keeps production going strong. So instead of stressing over the latest “must-have” galactagogue, focus on the fundamentals: frequent, efficient milk removal, skin-to-skin time with your baby, and staying well-nourished and hydrated yourself. It may not sound flashy, but it’s the method backed by biology — and it works.

Watch to the Full Conversation

This episode wasn’t just another step-by-step feeding guide — it was an open, honest conversation about reclaiming your power as a parent. We explored the importance of tuning out the noise, trusting your instincts, and making decisions that align with your values, not just what’s trending online or what others think you “should” do. Whether you’re navigating breastfeeding, pumping, formula feeding, or some combination of all three, the message was clear: you are the expert on your baby and your body.

Remember, comparison can steal your confidence, and why it’s okay for your journey to look completely different from someone else’s. Feeding isn’t one-size-fits-all — it’s personal, nuanced, and often full of trial and error. What matters most is finding what works for your unique family and embracing it without guilt or apology.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by conflicting advice, judged for your choices, or unsure if you’re “doing it right,” this episode will feel like a deep breath of reassurance.

👉 Catch the full episode on Two Parents & A Podcast.