Feeding Without Frustration (Or at Least… Less of It)

A real-mom take on breastfeeding, formula, and everything that comes after

Feeding your baby doesn’t just feel important, it feels like everything.

It’s our first job. The one that keeps them alive also comes with the most questions, the most pressure, and (at least for me) the most second-guessing.

Listening to pediatrician and mom of two, Dr. Mona Amin felt less like advice and more like someone finally saying, “yes, this is hard—and you’re not doing it wrong.”

As a board-certified lactation consultant on Munchkin’s board of expert panel and a mom who’s lived through this, her story is surprising and harrowing. After both of her deliveries, she became seriously ill and couldn’t produce enough milk. She struggled with the same questions most of us do:

• Is my baby getting enough?
• Should I switch to formula?
• Am I doing the right thing?

All while trying to recover, bond, and function on very little sleep. Her takeaway: there is no such thing as normal feeding. Here she breaks down why “feeding my baby” is one of the most searched google key phrases today.

Stage 1: The early days (0–6 months)

One of the biggest myths? Breastfeeding just “clicks.” It often doesn’t.

Pain, latch issues, supply concerns, it’s all a learning curve. Tools like nipple creams or nipple shields can help, and sometimes just seeing that milk is flowing can boost confidence in those early weeks. You do not have to suffer through it to prove anything, but how do I know my baby is actually getting enough?

Look for the basics:

• Wet diapers (at least ~5/day after day five)
• Regular bowel movements
• Steady weight gain after the initial newborn drop
• A baby who seems relaxed and satisfied after feeding

That “milk drunk,” calm baby? That’s a sign that things are working.

Red flags to watch:

• Constant crying or feeding without settling
• Tension during/after feeds
• Poor weight gain

If something feels off, trust your instinct and get support. Lactation consultants and pediatricians exist for a reason.

Dr. Mona shared a story of a mom whose baby was losing too much weight, but she was afraid to use formula. When she finally gave the bottle, the baby drank immediately bringing the mother to tears, not because she failed, but because she needed permission.

Formula isn’t giving up. Her philosophy reframes it perfectly: choice is best.

• Want to breastfeed? You’ll get support
• Need to supplement? That’s okay
• Need to switch? Also okay
• Your baby’s health and your mental health both matter!

Stage 2: Starting solids (around 6 months)

Just when you think you’ve figured feeding out… it changes again. Now it’s: purees or baby-led weaning?

Dr. Mona’s take: it’s not a battle; it’s a buffet.

• Purees = parent-led feeding
• Baby-led weaning = baby feeds themselves

Responsive feeding is everything:

• Follow your baby’s cues
• Don’t force bites
• Let them explore, touch, and even play with food

If they turn away, they’re done. If they’re curious, lean in. Taste the food. If it’s gross, they’ll probably agree!

Allergies:

• Introduce common allergens early (peanut, egg, dairy, etc.)
• One at a time is fine—but no need to wait days between
• Keep them in rotation once introduced

Choking vs. gagging:

• Gagging = noisy, normal, protective
• Choking = silent, serious

Prepare food safely (soft, mashable, age-appropriate) and consider taking a CPR course. It’s one of those things you hope you never use but feel better knowing you could.

Stage 3: 9–12 months (real food, real opinions)

By now, your baby is eating more table foods and forming opinions about it. This is where things can get… humbling.

Some reminders that help:

• Let them play with food, it’s part of learning
• Model eating (yes, exaggerated “mmm” included)
• Don’t pressure or “airplane” bites into their mouth
• Step back, they often eat better when you’re not hovering

If they refuse something? That’s normal. It can take 10–15 exposures before a baby accepts new food. Instead of focusing on what they didn’t eat, look at what they did:

• They touched it
• They smelled it
• They engaged

That counts. Give yourself grace.

Feeding is trial and error, decisions made while you’re tired, recovering, and figuring out who you are as a parent. Some days it feels intuitive. Some days it feels impossible. Both are normal.

If you’re wondering, are they getting enough?
Debating breast vs. bottle vs. Both.
Trying to introduce solids without losing your mind.
Here’s the grounded truth:

You’re not behind. You’re not doing it wrong.
You’re just in it and that is exactly where every parent starts and why Stroller Coaster taps the best in their field to share their experience and advice. You are not alone.

Listen Here: Feeding Without Frustration (Or at Least… Less of It)

* A heartfelt thank you to TARGET for their sponsorship of these special Stroller Coaster episodes.