603 - Fed is Best for Newborns

Bringing home a new baby comes with so many questions, and feeding is often at the top of the list. In this solo episode, Dr. Carole Keim walks parents through the basics of newborn feeding with a reassuring message: fed is best. She explains what to expect during the first days of life, including how small a newborn’s stomach really is, how breastfeeding develops over time, and why feeding can feel challenging in the beginning. Parents will learn about colostrum, milk production, feeding frequency, and how to recognize signs that their baby is getting enough to eat. 

Dr. Keim also explores common breastfeeding challenges, practical tips for improving latch and milk supply, and the role of pumping, bottle feeding, donor milk, and formula. She discusses the benefits of breastfeeding while also emphasizing that there are many safe and healthy ways to nourish a baby. Whether you plan to breastfeed, formula feed, pump, or combine methods, this episode offers evidence-based guidance and encouragement to help you make feeding decisions with confidence during those important first weeks with your newborn. 

Key Moments

00:00 Welcome and why “Fed is Best” matters

01:18 Why breastfeeding can be harder than expected

02:43 Newborn stomach size and feeding volumes by day

03:56 The first nights of feeding and newborn hunger patterns

05:03 Pumping, storing colostrum, and building milk supply

06:19 Benefits of breastfeeding for moms and babies

10:33 Breastfeeding recommendations and realistic feeding choices

14:35 Latch basics and breastfeeding troubleshooting

18:37 Pacifiers, nipple care, and knowing if baby is getting enough

22:41 Tongue ties, milk supply tips, and common breastfeeding concerns

31:36 Bottle feeding, formula options, and choosing the right formula

39:21 Final encouragement: nourishing your baby with confidence

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Why Breastfeeding Matters 

Benefits for Baby

• Nutrition tailored to infant needs
• Antibodies and immune protection
• Lower risk of ear infections, diarrhea, and some respiratory illnesses
• Lower risk of SIDS
• Possible long-term reduction in obesity and diabetes risk

Benefits for Parent

• Uterine recovery after birth
• Reduced postpartum bleeding
• Convenience and lower cost
• Possible reduction in breast and ovarian cancer risk

Positioning and Latch Basics 

Good Positioning

• Baby’s ear, shoulder, and hip aligned
• Baby brought to breast, not breast to baby
• Nose to nipple alignment

Signs of a Good Latch

• Wide-open mouth
• Lips flanged outward
• Deep latch, not shallow nipple sucking
• Rhythmic suck/swallow pattern

Signs of Poor Latch

• Significant pain
• Clicking
• Cracked nipples
• Baby still hungry after long feeds

How to Know Baby Is Getting Enough Milk

Signs

• Wet diapers and stools
• Weight trends
• Swallowing sounds
• Baby seeming satisfied after many feeds

Typical Expectations

• Initial weight loss can be normal
• Pediatric follow-up is important in the first days after discharge

Red Flags

• Poor urine output
• Lethargy
• Persistent jaundice
• Dehydration signs

When to Seek Help 

Lactation Support

• Lactation consultants
• Pediatricians
• Family physicians
• Midwives
• Postpartum nurses

Urgent Reasons to Seek Care

• Baby not waking to feed
• Fever
• Signs of dehydration
• Severe maternal breast pain/redness/fever
• Poor weight gain

Giving bottles of formula

How to choose

• regular, preem