The Baby Development Podcast with Dr. Olivia

If breastfeeding, bottle feeding, latch, weight checks, or bottle refusal have ever felt overwhelming… this episode is for you. In this episode of The Baby Development Podcast , Dr. Olivia sits down with Jessica, a Doctor of Occupational Therapy and infant feeding specialist, to talk about how feeding and development work together — and why feeding your baby is not always as “natural” or automatic as parents are led to believe. Jessica breaks down why newborn feeding can feel so emotional, why so many parents blame themselves when feeding doesn’t immediately click, and how feeding is truly a skill that both baby and parent are learning together. We talk about breastfeeding, bottle feeding, latch, newborn reflexes, weight checks, bottle refusal, positioning, nervous system regulation, and the overwhelm so many parents feel when they’re trying to figure out if their baby is getting enough. In this episode, we cover: Why breastfeeding can feel so hard in the first few days What parents are often missing after leaving the hospital Why weight checks can send parents into a panic What colostrum is and why early feeds may look different than expected How babies learn to suck, swallow, breathe, and coordinate feeding How the rooting reflex can support latch Why positioning matters for both breast and bottle feeding What may be happening when a baby refuses a bottle Why switching bottles is not always the answer How social media has added to feeding anxiety for new parents If you’ve ever wondered whether your baby is getting enough, whether you’re doing something wrong, or why feeding feels so much harder than you expected, this conversation will give you clarity, reassurance, and practical tools to better understand your baby. Connect with Jessica: Instagram: @milkstoriesatx Website: https://www.milkstoriesatx.com/about Follow The Baby Development Podcast: Instagram: @thebabydevelopmentpod Host: @dr.oliviaofficial 🎙️ Subscribe for expert-led conversations on baby development, feeding, movement, sleep, postpartum support, and real-life parenting. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider regarding your specific situation.

If feeding your baby or toddler feels overwhelming, you are not alone. In this episode of The Baby Development Podcast , Dr. Olivia sits down with Kathy, a pediatric registered dietitian specializing in infant and toddler feeding, baby-led weaning, and picky eating. Kathy helps parents understand how to start solids with confidence, navigate toddler feeding transitions, and reduce stress around mealtimes without rigid rules or overwhelm. In this conversation, we talk about why picky eating is not always what parents think it is, how repeated food exposure helps build trust, why your role as the parent matters at the table, and how to create a feeding environment that supports confidence, autonomy, and healthy food relationships. In this episode, we cover: Starting solids without overwhelm Baby-led weaning vs. purees Gagging vs. choking Why picky eating can be a symptom How to avoid pressure at mealtimes Why toddlers may suddenly reject foods The importance of parent role modeling How to build balanced meals for babies and toddlers Simple ways to make feeding feel more peaceful If you’ve ever wondered what to feed your baby, whether your toddler is actually picky, or how to make mealtimes less stressful, this episode will give you practical guidance you can use at home. Connect with Kathy: Instagram: @theminimedietitian Podcast: Food for Tots Website: https://linktr.ee/theminimedietitian?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=6730d47a-70e5-46d8-9e78-e6432a0d131b Follow along: Instagram: @thebabydevelopmentpod Host: @dr.oliviaofficial Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider for individualized guidance.

If you’ve been told to “just do Kegels” after having a baby… this episode might completely change how you think about your body. In this episode of The Baby Development Podcast, Dr. Olivia sits down with pelvic floor physical therapist Dr. Becky to break down what’s really going on with postpartum recovery—and why so many women are still struggling with symptoms like leaking, pain, and pressure. In this episode, we cover: Why Kegels don’t fix the root problem What the pelvic floor actually does Why leaking doesn’t always mean weakness The role of breathing and pressure in recovery Common postpartum mistakes (and what to do instead) If you’ve ever felt like your body isn’t the same after having a baby… this conversation will give you clarity, direction, and hope. Connect with Dr. Becky: Instagram: @genesisptwellness Professional page: @drbeckypelvicpt 🎙️ Follow along for more episodes on baby & toddler development @thebabydevelopmentpod on IG Hosted by @dr.oliviaofficial Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider regarding your specific situation.