EP 25: The “Are They Getting Enough?” Spiral: Newborn Feeding, Weight Checks, and When to Get Support

EP 25: The “Are They Getting Enough?” Spiral: Newborn Feeding, Weight Checks, and When to Get Support

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2595160/fan_mail/new] Is your newborn getting enough milk, or are you stuck watching every feed, diaper, and sleepy stretch with worry? In this episode of Nutrition for the Early Years, Dr. Liz Daniels shares clear, caring guidance for parents in the first days and weeks of newborn feeding. She explains why advice can change from day to day, what normal newborn weight loss looks like, when milk usually comes in, and why very sleepy babies may need extra support. You’ll hear how jaundice, latch, wet diapers, poop, weight checks, and supplementation all fit together. Dr. Liz also talks about triple feeding, why it should have an exit plan, and how breastfeeding, formula, or combo feeding can all support a growing baby. Dr. Liz Daniels is a nutrition-focused pediatrician and host of Nutrition for the Early Years. She helps parents feel more confident feeding their babies and kids without shame, guilt, or fear. What You’ll Learn: * Why one feeding does not tell the whole story * What newborn weight loss can look like in the first week * How to know if milk is coming in * Why jaundice and sleepiness can affect feeding * When supplementation or lactation support may help * How to think about triple feeding without burning out * Why your feeding goal can still change with love and care Episode highlights: (2:47) Why newborn feeding advice changes day by day (4:55) Normal newborn weight loss and early growth patterns (6:18) Jaundice, sleepiness, and feeding concerns (7:00) How to know if milk is coming in (9:51) When supplementation may help protect feeding and growth (11:33) Weight trends, follow-up visits, and lactation support (13:02) Wet diapers, poop, and what output really means (15:52) Triple feeding and why it should not be a forever plan (18:30) Setting your personal feeding goal (20:00) Stories of breastfeeding, combo feeding, and letting go of guilt (26:34) How to feel more grounded when feeding feels uncertain Join the list for early bird pricing! [https://new-story-nutrition.kit.com/readthepattern] "Read the Pattern" A Pediatrician's Guide to Feeding 0-4 Months- Without the Spiral is going live Mother's Day 5/11/2026, and you can sign up here to hold your early bird price! NEW COURSE! "Read the Pattern: Feeding Your Baby 0–4 Months" — because a healthy relationship with food starts earlier than most people think. Course Link [https://new-story-nutrition.teachable.com/p/read-the-pattern-feeding-0-4-months]!

EP 24: Why Feeding Skills Matter with Solid Starts

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2595160/fan_mail/new] What if the perfect baby food plate is not what your baby needs most? In this episode of Nutrition for the Early Years, Dr. Liz Daniels talks with Kim Grenawitzke and Kary Rappaport from Solid Starts about introducing solids to baby with less fear and more confidence. They answer common parent questions like “when to start solid foods for baby,” “when should babies start eating solids?” and “when can babies eat baby food?” You’ll hear what is baby led weaning, why chewing skills matter, how gagging can be part of learning, and how to think about baby allergic reaction concerns. They also discuss feeding schedules, how a baby feeding chart can help without adding pressure, and why early exposure to flavor and texture can support more confident eating as babies grow. Kim Grenawitzke is a pediatric occupational therapist with specialty certification in feeding, eating, and swallowing; an international board-certified lactation consultant; and certified neonatal therapist. For more than 15 years, she has worked in both home settings and pediatric acute care, including Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford with speciality practice in neonatal cardiac feeding rehabilitation and breastfeeding high risk infants. Kim earned her Doctorate of Occupational Therapy from the University of Southern California and is the mom to two young girls. What You’ll Learn: * Why chewing skills are built through practice, not perfection * How gagging can help protect babies as they learn to eat * Why the 6 to 9 month window matters for flavors and textures * How to support picky toddlers with calm limits * When feeding struggles may need extra support Episode highlights: (1:03) Meet Kim Grenawitzke and Kary Rappaport from Solid Starts (10:07) How real food helped babies in clinical care (18:29) Oral motor milestones and chewing reflexes (27:22) Flavor exposure during the 6 to 9 month window (34:32) Gagging, choking fears, and safe practice (43:21) How often babies need meals and practice (50:52) Toddler picky eating, hunger, and boundaries (59:20) Red flags that may need feeding support (1:05:49) Confidence, anxiety, and Solid Starts resources For an amazing gift from Solid Starts, head over to http://link.solidstarts.com/BaYvFF for 25% off an annual app subscription.  Coupon is NEWSTORY25 - use the promo code on the website for the app! Learn more about Solid Starts: solidstarts.com @solidstarts hello@solidstarts.com https://solidstarts.com/authors/kim-grenawitzke/ https://solidstarts.com/authors/kary-rappaport/  Join the list for early bird pricing! [https://new-story-nutrition.kit.com/readthepattern] "Read the Pattern" A Pediatrician's Guide to Feeding 0-4 Months- Without the Spiral is going live Mother's Day 5/11/2026, and you can sign up here to hold your early bird price! NEW COURSE! "Read the Pattern: Feeding Your Baby 0–4 Months" — because a healthy relationship with food starts earlier than most people think. Course Link [https://new-story-nutrition.teachable.com/p/read-the-pattern-feeding-0-4-months]!

Episode 23: Stronger After Baby: Postpartum Recovery, Pelvic Floor, and Fueling Well with Val Warner

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2595160/fan_mail/new] Is postpartum healing less about “bouncing back” and more about building strength for the long run? In this episode, Dr. Liz talks with postpartum fitness and nutrition expert Val Warner about what moms really need after birth and beyond. Val explains why moms are technically forever postpartum, and why healing takes more than a six-week checkup. You’ll learn how breathwork, pelvic floor care, core rebuilding, strength training, and enough food all work together to support recovery. Val also clears up common myths, including the idea that every mom needs more Kegels or should eat less to lose weight. This episode is a warm reminder that your body deserves care, fuel, and patience in every stage of motherhood. What You’ll Learn: * Why postpartum care matters long after birth * What “forever postpartum” really means * Why the fourth trimester is so important * How breathwork supports the core and pelvic floor * Why more Kegels are not always the answer * How to rebuild strength safely after having a baby * Why eating less can hurt energy, hormones, and metabolism * How under-eating can lead to cravings later in the day * Why gut health and daily bowel movements matter * How plant foods support the microbiome * Simple ways to add more variety to family meals * Why food should feel flexible, not stressful Episode highlights: (0:00) Why moms are technically forever postpartum (1:45) Val Warner’s story and passion for postpartum care (4:20) The fourth trimester and pelvic floor support (7:17) The biggest myth about Kegels (10:25) Building a strong foundation with breath and core work (13:09) Why eating less is not the answer (16:14) Cravings, caffeine, and not eating enough during the day (18:23) Dr. Liz shares her own postpartum food struggles (20:51) Gut health, probiotics, and constipation (23:05) Dysbiosis and the microbiome explained simply (25:59) How many plant foods to aim for each day or week (27:42) How to add more plant foods to a basic family dinner (33:11) Simple exercise and nutrition shifts moms can start today (35:02) Where to find Val Warner and her resources   Grab my free 5 Protein-Packed Snacks Every Tired Mom Needs guide — simple, satisfying snack ideas to boost your energy, support your body, and keep you full (without overthinking it). https://wellnessbyval.kit.com/proteinsnackguide [https://wellnessbyval.kit.com/proteinsnackguide] Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/strong-nourished-momma-quick-healthy-meals-postpartum/id1778776628 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/strong-nourished-momma-quick-healthy-meals-postpartum/id1778776628] Join the list for early bird pricing! [https://new-story-nutrition.kit.com/readthepattern] "Read the Pattern" A Pediatrician's Guide to Feeding 0-4 Months- Without the Spiral is going live Mother's Day 5/11/2026, and you can sign up here to hold your early bird price! NEW COURSE! "Read the Pattern: Feeding Your Baby 0–4 Months" — because a healthy relationship with food starts earlier than most people think. Course Link [https://new-story-nutrition.teachable.com/p/read-the-pattern-feeding-0-4-months]!

Episode 22: Your Toddler Needs More Carbs Than Protein: What Parents Need to Know

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2595160/fan_mail/new] Is your toddler refusing meat and reaching for carbs and fruit instead? In this episode, Dr. Liz helps parents breathe easier about toddler protein needs. She explains why young kids usually need far less protein than many parents think, and why carbohydrates play such an important role in growth, brain development, and energy. You’ll learn how toddlers can meet their protein needs through simple foods like milk, yogurt, cheese, eggs, beans, nut butters, grains, and seeds. Dr. Liz also shares what to do when kids refuse meat, why protein shakes are rarely needed, and how to keep offering new foods without pressure. This episode is a caring reminder that variety, practice, and a calm table matter more than chasing big protein numbers. What You’ll Learn: * Why toddlers need less protein than many parents think * How much protein kids aged 1 to 3 usually need * Why carbs are important for growth, energy, and brain development * How milk and dairy can help meet protein, calcium, and vitamin D needs * What to do when your toddler refuses meat * Why repeated exposure still matters, even when food gets spit out * How plant-based protein pairings can support growth * Why protein shakes are rarely needed for toddlers * How snacks, hunger, and meal structure affect picky eating * Simple ways to add protein with beans, seeds, nut butters, and grains Episode highlights: (0:00) The common toddler protein worry (1:33) What this episode will cover (2:01) Why toddlers often start refusing meat (3:16) Why adult protein goals do not apply to young kids (5:32) How much protein toddlers really need (7:32) Milk, dairy, and complete protein (9:03) Why offering meat still counts, even if they do not eat it (10:32) What to consider if your child does not drink milk (12:00) Plant-based protein pairings like beans and rice (14:25) Snacks, hunger, and toddler behavior (16:07) Why kids need more carbs than protein (17:06) Why protein supplements are rarely needed (18:28) How to reduce pressure at the dinner table (20:30) Easy protein ideas with beans and seeds (23:06) The bigger goal: variety, practice, and less stress NEW COURSE! "Read the Pattern: Feeding Your Baby 0–4 Months" — because a healthy relationship with food starts earlier than most people think. Course Link [https://new-story-nutrition.teachable.com/p/read-the-pattern-feeding-0-4-months]!

Episode 21: How to Stop All-Day Snack Battles Without Being Restrictive

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2595160/fan_mail/new] If snack time feels like it has taken over your whole day, what if the problem is not your toddler, but the lack of a clear rhythm? In this episode, Dr. Liz Daniels explains why toddlers ask for snacks so often, why their hunger can feel unpredictable, and how parents can bring calm structure back to the day. She shares how to create a simple snack rhythm, build balanced toddler plates, and offer food in a way that supports hunger cues without turning every request into a battle. You’ll also learn how to hold kind, clear boundaries when your toddler pushes back, without bribing, bargaining, or feeling like the snack police. This episode is a caring reminder that structure is not the same as restriction, and your child can feel loved, safe, and well-fed while learning when food is offered. What You’ll Learn: * Why your toddler is not the problem * Why constant snack requests often come from a lack of rhythm * How toddler hunger cues change with growth and development * Why parents can stay predictable when eating feels unpredictable * How to build toddler meals and snacks with simple portion guides * Why snacks should include both protein and carbohydrates * How to respond when your toddler says they are hungry again * Why boundaries around snacks do not have to feel restrictive * What to say when your toddler pushes back at snack or mealtime Episode highlights: (0:51) Why snack requests become all-day negotiations (1:33) What this episode will cover (2:21) Why your toddler is not the problem (3:11) Toddler development, autonomy, and feeding behavior (4:14) Why toddler hunger and fullness cues can feel unpredictable (5:55) The key shift: stay predictable when your child is not (6:32) Why snack boundaries can feel hard for parents (8:27) Toddler meal and snack portion sizes (9:47) Using variety and smaller portions to support better eating (11:08) How to build a balanced snack (12:15) What it may mean when your child refuses a snack option (13:15) What to say when toddlers push back (14:16) Why toddlers do not need food every 20 minutes (15:50) How to hold snack boundaries with kindness (17:12) Feeding support and course information 📩 Loved this episode? Join the newsletter for weekly support straight  from me — completely different content from the podcast. 👉 newstorynutrition.com ⭐ If this episode helped you, please share with a friend! Join the list for early bird pricing! [https://new-story-nutrition.kit.com/readthepattern] "Read the Pattern" A Pediatrician's Guide to Feeding 0-4 Months- Without the Spiral is going live Mother's Day 5/11/2026, and you can sign up here to hold your early bird price! NEW COURSE! "Read the Pattern: Feeding Your Baby 0–4 Months" — because a healthy relationship with food starts earlier than most people think. Course Link [https://new-story-nutrition.teachable.com/p/read-the-pattern-feeding-0-4-months]!