Breastfeeding doesn’t always go as planned—and when it doesn’t, many parents are left carrying unnecessary guilt, shame, and confusion about formula feeding. In this episode of The Lunchbox Reformation, I explore the emotional and clinical realities of breastfeeding struggles, supplementation, and transitioning to formula.

Drawing from my own experience as a new mom in medical training and over a decade of pediatric practice, I walk through common early breastfeeding challenges, including latch issues, tongue and oral movement concerns, head and neck restriction, breech positioning, and milk supply anxiety.

Most importantly, this episode reframes infant feeding away from performance and perfection. I offer compassionate guidance for parents who are supplementing or choosing formula, emphasizing that the “best” formula is often the one your baby tolerates well—and that a regulated, supported parent–infant dyad matters far more than meeting an idealized feeding goal.

This conversation is for anyone who is pregnant, breastfeeding, adopting, supplementing, or grieving a feeding journey that didn’t look the way they expected. The takeaway is clear and grounding: how you feed your baby does not define your worth as a parent—attunement, observation, and care do.

Register here for the science of breastmilk and formula masterclass!