Breastfeeding is often framed as natural, yet so many mothers struggle, feel overwhelmed, or are told their bodies are failing them. In this episode, we break down five major factors that can sabotage breastfeeding and why women are rarely prepared for them.

We explore how birth interventions, IV fluids, epidurals, misinformation, lack of postpartum support, and unrealistic expectations around sleep and feeding can deeply impact milk supply, confidence, and the breastfeeding relationship. We also unpack why phrases like “fed is best” can sometimes shut down honest conversations about the real challenges mothers face.

This conversation is not about shame or blame. It’s about education, context, and holding nuance. Tools like formula, C-sections, and IVF can be life-saving and necessary, but they should not be treated as the first or only option without addressing root causes and the systemic gaps in maternal care.

Episode Chapters

00:00 Introduction & Why this conversation matters

02:15 How birth influences breastfeeding

07:10 IV fluids, engorgement & supply panic

12:30 Epidurals & interventions

18:45 The worst breastfeeding advice

24:10 Bottles, pacifiers & nipple confusion

30:05 Where “fed is best” falls short

36:40 Systemic gaps in breastfeeding education

43:20 Formula, IVF & C-sections

51:10 Sleep pressure & breastfeeding

58:30 Compassion, context & informed choice

1:03:30 Final reflections

In This Episode, We Cover:

• How birth experiences influence breastfeeding success

• Common breastfeeding myths and harmful advice

• Why supply-and-demand is rarely explained clearly

• How sleep pressure disrupts maternal instincts

• Why breastfeeding struggles are not a personal failure

🎧 Listen in for a grounded, honest discussion that gives mothers the information they deserve, and the permission to hold compassion, nuance, and informed choice.

👉 New episodes every Wednesday

👉 Explore related conversations in our Pregnancy, Birth & Postpartum playlists

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

1. Dr. Morgan’s Mastitis Manual
2. Dealing with mastitis? Get Dr. Morgan’s comprehensive Mastitis Manual and learn how to identify which type of mastitis you have, whether antibiotics are necessary, and how to support healing naturally. - https://milkmedicine.com/mastitis-manual/

Find more from Dr. Leah:

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Find more from Dr. Morgan:

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Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Website

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