5 Baby Feeding Essentials Every Parent and Birthworker Should Know

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Discover 5 essential tips about baby feeding that every parent and birthworker should know! From breastfeeding basics to avoiding bottle refusal...

5 Things I Wish Every Parent (and Birthworker) Knew About Baby Feeding Before the Baby Arrives

Feeding a baby is one of the most rewarding yet sometimes challenging aspects of parenting. For birthworkers supporting families, understanding the nuances of feeding can empower you to guide clients through this journey with confidence. Whether it’s navigating the early days of breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, or learning how to support milk supply, preparation and education make all the difference.

Here are five baby feeding tips I wish every family knew to prepare for the feeding journey ahead:

1. The First 24 Hours Are Unique

In the first day of life, a baby’s stomach is tiny - about the size of a grape. Feeding may look very different than what parents expect. Colostrum, the nutrient-packed first milk, is all they need during this time. Babies may feed frequently, but this is their way of practicing and signaling the parent’s body to start milk production.

For birthworkers: Educate your clients on what’s normal in those first 24 hours to help them feel confident and avoid unnecessary stress or doubt about their feeding choices.

2. Latch Is Everything

A deep, comfortable latch is critical for effective breastfeeding and milk transfer. A poor latch can cause pain, frustration, or supply issues. I can't highlight enough the importance of exploring resources, taking a lactation class, and meeting with a lactation professional prenatally to learn about positioning and techniques before the baby arrives.

For birthworkers: Offer hands-on guidance, provide prenatal education sessions, or provide referrals to lactation experts in case needed in those early days. Small adjustments to positioning and latch can transform a parent’s feeding experience.


3. Milk Supply Takes Time

It’s common for parents to worry about milk supply in the first few days, but milk doesn’t fully “come in” until around day three to five postpartum. Frequent feeding during this time helps optimize milk supply. Parents often need reassurance that baby’s frequent nursing is normal, not a sign of insufficient milk.

For birthworkers: Help families understand their milk production and normalize these early patterns. If concerns about supply arise, guide them toward simple strategies or professional support to build confidence or problem solve as needed.


4. Introduce a Bottle Early

For families planning to include bottle feeding - whether with expressed milk, formula, or both—introducing a bottle around 2-3 weeks can help build bottle-feeding skills and reduce the likelihood of bottle refusal later on. Offering a bottle occasionally while continuing to breastfeed ensures the baby gets comfortable with both.

For birthworkers: Share baby feeding tips like choosing a bottle that complements breastfeeding (if you aren't sure, learn), and practicing paced feeding to mimic the pace breastfeeding. Encourage parents to try bottle feeding once every few days to maintain baby's skills and flexibility.

5. Pumping Takes Practice and Skill

Using a breast pump effectively isn’t as simple as plugging it in. Flange size, pump settings, and timing all play a role in comfort and milk output. Parents benefit from learning about pumping before the baby arrives, especially if they’ll be balancing breastfeeding and pumping.

For birthworkers: Encourage parents to familiarize themselves with their pump ahead of time and offer support in troubleshooting common challenges like flange fit or low output.


In conclusion, each feeding journey Is unique.

For parents: the most important thing is meeting their baby’s needs in a way that works for their family. 

For birthworkers: your role is to guide, support, and encourage without judgment.

Whether the plan is breastfeeding, pumping, formula feeding, or a combination, preparation and support can make the experience smoother and more fulfilling. 

Remember: feeding isn’t just about nutrition; it’s also about connection, bonding, and showing up as the parent they want to be.

By taking the time to learn about baby feeding before the baby arrives, families can feel more prepared, and birthworkers can deepen the trust and relationships that are central to their work.


Looking to deepen your lactation support skills? Join the Waitlist for Bridge, My Advanced Lactation Training Program for Birthworkers.



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© 2025 Kassi Reyes