The Milk Production

The first 24-48 hours are hard. In this video, we provide a comprehensive overview for new moms. It's high-level, but it sticks to the pertinent details in case you're watching this from the hospital or short on time as a new parent. This guide is packed with essential information on the physiological changes occurring, what's normal and what's not, and effective comfort strategies. We delve deep into techniques for proper latching, positioning, and maintaining nipple health to ensure a pain-free breastfeeding experience. Additionally, we discuss the importance of regular feeding, how to stimulate and protect your milk supply, and what steps to take if you encounter persistent difficulties. Don't forget to seek lactation support early and visit our website for detailed resources.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:56 Understanding Early Lactation Physiology01:46 Managing Pain and Ensuring Comfort05:00 Optimal Positioning for Mom and Baby10:18 Feeding Frequency and Supply Management13:42 When to Seek Additional Help14:53 Conclusion and Additional ResourcesYou'll find some helpful resources below:Hand Expression Demonstration Video Episode #11: Nipple CareEpisode #13: How To Use A Manual PumpEpisode #15: How to Know Your Baby is Getting Enough – A Comprehensive GuideEpisode #16: Mastering the Latch – Tips for Pain-Free Nursing and Better Milk SupplyEpisode #17: Breastfeeding in the First Week – Expectations, Challenges, and Tips

In this episode, Meaghan Selki, an international board certified lactation consultant, discusses the spectrum of plugged ducts and mastitis. Learn the differences between these conditions, what causes them, and how to treat and prevent them based on the latest research and guidelines from the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine. Meaghan covers the importance of addressing inflammation and milk stasis, tips for gentle and effective milk removal, and when to seek professional help. Stay informed to ensure the best care for both mom and baby. Don't miss the detailed show notes available at themilkproduction.com.00:00 Welcome and Introduction00:12 Understanding Plugged Ducts and Mastitis01:49 Inflammation and Treatment Updates02:30 Antibiotics and Overuse Concerns04:04 Weekend Care and Urgent Situations08:16 Plugged Ducts: Causes and Symptoms09:37 Effective Treatments and Techniques14:38 When Plugged Ducts Become Mastitis18:05 Prevention and Early Recovery Strategies20:52 Final Thoughts and Conclusion

Join Meaghan Selki, an international board-certified lactation consultant, as she discusses the topic of cluster feeding, an often-confusing and exhausting phase for new parents. In this episode, Meaghan explains what cluster feeding is, when and why it happens, and how to differentiate it from potential red flags that warrant professional help. She offers practical strategies for managing cluster feeding, shares common concerns about milk supply, and emphasizes the importance of self-care during this demanding period. By normalizing and understanding this natural part of breastfeeding, parents can better cope and ensure their baby's growth and well-being. Tune in for valuable insights, tips, and support to navigate through the first year of breastfeeding.00:00 Introduction to Cluster Feeding00:47 Defining Cluster Feeding02:32 When Cluster Feeding Occurs04:59 Why Cluster Feeding Feels So Hard13:50 Coping Strategies for Cluster Feeding15:48 When to Call for Help21:55 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the Milk Production Podcast, host Meaghan Selki addresses one of the most common questions in her clinic: what can new mothers eat or take to boost their milk supply? Meaghan outlines the golden rules of milk production, underscoring the importance of consistent milk removal every three hours. She dispels myths around foods and discusses how certain nutritive traditions can offer comfort rather than scientific benefits. The episode also explores how food components pass into breast milk and the effectiveness (or lack thereof) of popular supplements like fenugreek and moringa. Meaghan emphasizes that the most effective strategy for boosting supply is frequent, effective milk removal and invites listeners to seek professional support if issues persist. Tune in for evidence-based guidance on maintaining and boosting milk supply.00:00 Introduction to the Milk Production Podcast01:06 Golden Rules for Boosting Milk Supply05:46 How Food Affects Breast Milk10:52 Nutrition Basics for Lactation21:00 Supplements and Galactagogues27:37 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode, we explore the importance of paced bottle feeding, a baby-led method that mimics breastfeeding rhythms, slows the flow, and helps babies stay in control of their intake. We discuss how conventional bottle feeding can lead to issues like overfeeding, decreased milk supply, and early weaning. We also provide a detailed demonstration of paced bottle feeding techniques, including proper positioning and inviting a baby to latch. Additionally, we address common concerns like nipple flow adjustment, dealing with caregiver resistance, and alternative feeding methods. Perfect for parents, caregivers, and anyone involved in a baby's feeding journey, this episode offers valuable insights on using bottles responsibly to support and protect breastfeeding.00:00 Introduction to Paced Bottle Feeding00:32 Definition and Importance of Paced Bottle Feeding01:07 Demonstration of Paced Bottle Feeding03:00 Benefits of Paced Bottle Feeding04:58 How to Perform Paced Bottle Feeding06:08 Alternative Feeding Methods16:09 Troubleshooting Common Issues24:24 When and Why to Use Bottles28:03 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the Milk Production Podcast, we get into the challenges and milestones of the first week of breastfeeding, focusing on what's normal and what isn't. We cover topics like the transition from sleepy newborns to frequent feeding, the role of colostrum, diaper expectations, and the importance of the 'Golden Hour.' Learn about the potential impact of circumcision on feeding, the significance of weight changes, and strategies for dealing with engorgement. We also discuss when to seek help from healthcare professionals if breastfeeding issues arise. Follow along for expert advice and support during those crucial early days.00:00 Introduction and Podcast Update00:21 The First Week of Breastfeeding: What's Normal?01:21 Day One: Sleepy Newborns and Colostrum06:19 Day Two: Frequent Feeding and Cluster Feeding08:53 Days Three to Five: Milk Coming In and Engorgement10:26 Weight Loss and Supplementation15:01 Managing Engorgement and Breastfeeding Tips19:53 Checkpoint: Day Five Milestones20:31 Beyond the First Week: Weight Gain and Red Flags22:03 Conclusion and Resources

In this week's episode of The Milk Production, we explore the importance of a good latch in breastfeeding, highlighting how it can make or break your journey. Learn about the differences between a shallow latch and a deep latch, and how each affects both comfort and milk transfer. The episode also provides practical tips for achieving a deep, effective latch and troubleshooting common issues such as nipple pain and shallow latches. We also touch on positioning techniques, the role of baby's oral anatomy, and how to know when to seek professional help. Whether you're a new mom or experienced, this episode offers invaluable insights into making breastfeeding a more comfortable and successful experience.00:00 Introduction: The Importance of a Good Latch00:20 Behind the Scenes: Creating the Course01:38 Understanding Latch: Basics and Importance02:48 Deep vs. Shallow Latch: Identifying the Difference07:45 Why Latch Matters for Breastfeeding Success11:53 Recognizing and Addressing Latch Issues13:11 Techniques for Achieving a Good Latch21:37 Dealing with Nipple Pain and Damage37:12 When to Seek Help and Final Thoughts

In this episode of The Milk Production podcast, host Meaghan Selki digs into one of the most common concerns: determining if your baby is getting enough milk. She explains:The importance of tracking long-term growth versus single weigh-ins, the role of the World Health Organization Growth Charts, and how stepwise growth is a normal pattern for infants. Using diaper counts as a reliable short-term indicator. Audible, palpable, and visual indicators of effective breastfeeding. The use of weighted feeds to resolve conflicting data points and the importance of trusting overall trends rather than focusing on one-off numbers. The episode emphasizes looking at the bigger picture of growth, diapers, feeding signs, and potentially weighted feeds, encouraging parents to reach out to lactation consultants when needed. Stay tuned for more updates on the Academy's new course and quick confidence-boosting soundbites on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.00:00 Welcome to the Milk Production Podcast01:04 Understanding Baby's Growth and Weight Gain05:53 The Importance of Diaper Counts09:57 Effective Breastfeeding Techniques14:02 Using Weighted Feeds for Monitoring18:46 Balancing Data and Intuition21:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Worried about low milk supply? You’re not alone. In this episode of The Milk Production Podcast, we unpack one of the most common challenges new parents face: understanding the difference between true low supply and perceived low supply, and what to do about it.You’ll learn:How to tell if your baby is getting enough milkA quick, 90-second “at-home snapshot” to assess supplyRed flags that mean it’s time to seek professional helpSimple, proven ways to protect and boost output (hand expression, hands-on pumping, and more)When medications or herbs might help — and why they’re not the first stepHow postpartum anxiety and depression can affect milk supply worries✨ Coming soon from The Milk Production: a prenatal breastfeeding course to prepare you before baby arrives + our 24/7 AI lactation support tool for real-time answers.For show notes, additional resources, and virtual consults, visit: themilkproduction.com.

Welcome to this week's episode of The Milk Production with hosts Russ Rakestraw and Meaghan Selki. Russ and Meaghan discuss how and when to use a manual breast pump, including assembly, measuring flanges appropriately, and common mistakes to avoid. They also discuss how to clean the pump parts effectively. If you're a new mom or looking for practical breastfeeding advice, this episode is a must-watch!