The Baby Development Podcast with Dr. Olivia

If breastfeeding, bottle feeding, latch, weight checks, or bottle refusal have ever felt overwhelming… this episode is for you.In this episode of The Baby Development Podcast, Dr. Olivia sits down with Jessica, a Doctor of Occupational Therapy and infant feeding specialist, to talk about how feeding and development work together — and why feeding your baby is not always as “natural” or automatic as parents are led to believe.Jessica breaks down why newborn feeding can feel so emotional, why so many parents blame themselves when feeding doesn’t immediately click, and how feeding is truly a skill that both baby and parent are learning together.We talk about breastfeeding, bottle feeding, latch, newborn reflexes, weight checks, bottle refusal, positioning, nervous system regulation, and the overwhelm so many parents feel when they’re trying to figure out if their baby is getting enough. In this episode, we cover:Why breastfeeding can feel so hard in the first few daysWhat parents are often missing after leaving the hospitalWhy weight checks can send parents into a panicWhat colostrum is and why early feeds may look different than expectedHow babies learn to suck, swallow, breathe, and coordinate feedingHow the rooting reflex can support latchWhy positioning matters for both breast and bottle feedingWhat may be happening when a baby refuses a bottleWhy switching bottles is not always the answerHow social media has added to feeding anxiety for new parentsIf you’ve ever wondered whether your baby is getting enough, whether you’re doing something wrong, or why feeding feels so much harder than you expected, this conversation will give you clarity, reassurance, and practical tools to better understand your baby.Connect with Jessica:Instagram: @milkstoriesatxWebsite: https://www.milkstoriesatx.com/aboutFollow The Baby Development Podcast:Instagram: @thebabydevelopmentpodHost: @dr.oliviaofficial🎙️ Subscribe for expert-led conversations on baby development, feeding, movement, sleep, postpartum support, and real-life parenting.Disclaimer:This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider regarding your specific situation.

If feeding your baby or toddler feels overwhelming, you are not alone.In this episode of The Baby Development Podcast, Dr. Olivia sits down with Kathy, a pediatric registered dietitian specializing in infant and toddler feeding, baby-led weaning, and picky eating.Kathy helps parents understand how to start solids with confidence, navigate toddler feeding transitions, and reduce stress around mealtimes without rigid rules or overwhelm.In this conversation, we talk about why picky eating is not always what parents think it is, how repeated food exposure helps build trust, why your role as the parent matters at the table, and how to create a feeding environment that supports confidence, autonomy, and healthy food relationships.In this episode, we cover:Starting solids without overwhelmBaby-led weaning vs. pureesGagging vs. chokingWhy picky eating can be a symptomHow to avoid pressure at mealtimesWhy toddlers may suddenly reject foodsThe importance of parent role modelingHow to build balanced meals for babies and toddlersSimple ways to make feeding feel more peacefulIf you’ve ever wondered what to feed your baby, whether your toddler is actually picky, or how to make mealtimes less stressful, this episode will give you practical guidance you can use at home.Connect with Kathy:Instagram: @theminimedietitianPodcast: Food for TotsWebsite: https://linktr.ee/theminimedietitian?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=6730d47a-70e5-46d8-9e78-e6432a0d131bFollow along:Instagram: @thebabydevelopmentpodHost: @dr.oliviaofficialDisclaimer:This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider for individualized guidance.

If you’ve been told to “just do Kegels” after having a baby… this episode might completely change how you think about your body.In this episode of The Baby Development Podcast, Dr. Olivia sits down with pelvic floor physical therapist Dr. Becky to break down what’s really going on with postpartum recovery—and why so many women are still struggling with symptoms like leaking, pain, and pressure.In this episode, we cover:Why Kegels don’t fix the root problemWhat the pelvic floor actually doesWhy leaking doesn’t always mean weaknessThe role of breathing and pressure in recoveryCommon postpartum mistakes (and what to do instead)If you’ve ever felt like your body isn’t the same after having a baby… this conversation will give you clarity, direction, and hope.Connect with Dr. Becky:Instagram: @genesisptwellnessProfessional page: @drbeckypelvicpt🎙️ Follow along for more episodes on baby & toddler development @thebabydevelopmentpod on IGHosted by @dr.oliviaofficialDisclaimer:This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider regarding your specific situation.