The PedsDocTalk Podcast: Child Health, Development & Parenting—From a Pediatrician Mom Breastfeeding Tips Pediatricians Don’t Always Share (with a Fellow IBCLC and Pediatrician)
Think your pediatrician has all the breastfeeding answers? The truth is, most don’t and that’s not a knock on them. It’s a reflection of the limited lactation training in pediatric residency.
That’s why I sat down with Dr. Lauren Hughes, founder of Bloom Pediatrics and a double threat: pediatrician and IBCLC. Together, we unpack the myths, the mental load, and the real deal about breastfeeding support that parents deserve but don’t always get in those early days.
We talk about:
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Why pediatricians often give confusing (or just plain wrong) advice around lactation
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How the term “nipple confusion” creates shame instead of support and what’s really going on with flow preference
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How pumping, pacifiers, and supplementation can all fit into a successful feeding planWhy protecting a parent’s mental health is just as important as protecting their milk supply
To connect with Dr. Lauren Hughes follow her on Instagram @bloomdcp and check out all her resources at https://www.drlaurenhughes.com/
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00:00 – Intro
03:08 – Meet Dr. Lauren: Pediatrician and IBCLC
05:29 – Breastfeeding Training Gaps in Pediatrics
07:57 – What Parents Deserve in Feeding Support
10:20 – How DPC Supports Better Lactation Care
12:11 – Why Pediatricians Should Also Be IBCLCs
14:23 – The Pacifier Panic: When to Introduce It
17:13 – Formula Stigma and Feeding Shame
20:11 – Healing from Birth and Feeding Trauma
22:30 – “Science Milk”: Reframing Formula
24:12 – How to Talk About Pacifiers (Without Judging Moms)
26:25 – Exclusive Pumping is Still Breastfeeding
27:58 – The Role of Policy in Feeding Goals
29:11 – Supplementing Wisely: When and How
31:15 – Pumped Milk vs. Formula: Stop the Math Game
33:18 – Babies Aren’t Robots
35:15 – The Problem with Overtracking Feeds
36:05 – Protecting Supply: What Pediatricians Miss
37:11 – Triple Feeding: What Actually Helps
40:33 – The Sleep Trap: Prioritizing Baby Sleep Over Supply
41:08 – Realistic Overnight Routines for Pumping Parents
42:54 – Twin Feeding Realities + Supply Building
43:34 – Time Limits at the Breast: Who Are They For?
45:46 – One Last Myth: Formula Before Bed = Better Sleep?
47:19 – Final Words: Your Worth Isn’t Measured in Ounces
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