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:

• Why pediatricians often give confusing (or just plain wrong) advice around lactation

• How the term “nipple confusion” creates shame instead of support and what’s really going on with flow preference

• 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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