#320 | Breastfeeding Q&A: Nipple Shields, Restricting Skin-to-Skin, Formula Marketing, Gentle Weaning, Nursing Strikes, Night Feeding

June 11, 2025

Send us a text

Welcome to the June Breastfeeding Q&A episode with Trisha & Cynthia. Today, we open with a follow-up discussion to our recent Patreon discussion on the predatory marketing of formula companies followed by a listener's comment about a hospital who forbade a mother and baby from doing skin-to-skin. Next, Trisha answers the following questions:

  • Does a baby need to feed in the first 24 hours?
  • What are your tips for gently weaning a 20-month old?
  • Did I sabotage my milk supply by using a nipple shield for 5 months?
  • How often do I need to wake my baby at night to breastfeed?
  • What is a nursing strike, and what can I do about it?

Quickies: Piercings, gas in babies, pumping to establish supply, breastmilk butter, normal sucking sounds, colic, and each of our most difficult breastfeeding experiences.

For more information on getting started with breastfeeding, you might enjoy our mini-episodes:

 #33| Breastfeeding Mini: Out with the Rules, In with Your Instincts

#44| Breastfeeding Mini: The First Week of Breastfeeding & Why it Matters Most

#56 | Breastfeeding Mini: The Importance of Establishing Your Milk Supply in the First Month

Watch the full videos of all our episodes on YouTube!

**********
Our sponsors:
Silverette Nursing Cups -- Soothe and heal sore nipples with 925 silver nursing cups.
Postpartum Soothe -- Herbs and padsicles to heal and comfort.
Needed -- Our favorite nutritional products for before, during, and after pregnancy. Use this link to save 20%
DrinkLMNT -- Purchase LMNT with this unique link and get a FREE sample pack

ENERGYbits--the superfood every mother needs for pregnancy, postpartum, and breastfeeding

Primally Pure: From soil to skin, primally pure products are made with down-to-earth ingredients that feel and smell like heaven for the skin

Use promo code: DOWNTOBIRTH for all sponsors.

Connect with us on Patreon for our exclusive content.
Email Contact@DownToBirthShow.com
Instagram @downtobirthshow
Call us at 802-GET-DOWN

Watch the full videos of all our episodes on YouTube!

Work with Cynthia:
203-952-7299
HypnoBirthingCT.com

Work with Trisha:
734-649-6294

Please remember we don’t provide medical advice. Speak to your licensed medical provider for all your healthcare matters.

View Episode Transcript

If you enjoyed this podcast episode of the Down To Birth Show, please share with your pregnant and postpartum friends.

Share this episode: 
[DISPLAY_ULTIMATE_PLUS]

Between episodes, connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood.

You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). 

To join our monthly newsletter, text “downtobirth” to 22828.

About Cynthia Overgard

Cynthia is a published writer, advocate, childbirth educator and postpartum support specialist in prenatal/postpartum healthcare and has served thousands of clients since 2007. 

About Trisha Ludwig

Trisha is a Yale-educated Certified Nurse Midwife and International Board Certified Lactation Counselor. She has worked in women's health for more than 15 years.

Want to be on the show?

We'd love to hear your story. 
Please fill out the form if you are interested in being on the show.

screen linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram