The Mama Coach - Rhea Sims

09/22/2025

Feeding your baby isn’t always easy—it can feel like so much work. 💛

If you’re feeling tired, discouraged, or even questioning if it’s worth it, you’re not alone. Feeding struggles happen whether you’re nursing, pumping, or bottle-feeding. And it doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong.

Here’s the good news: support is out there to make feeding feel lighter, more enjoyable, and still in line with your goals. No judgment, just help.

✨ Want to feel more connected and savor the closeness in these moments? Comment below with your biggest feeding struggle—I’d love to chat about what support can look like for you.

09/19/2025

So many new parents are told: “Feed your baby every 2–3 hours around the clock.”

And while that advice comes from good intentions, the truth is—it doesn’t always reflect the natural rhythms of newborns. Babies aren’t robots on a schedule. They’re little humans with their own cues and needs.

That’s where responsive (or cue-based) feeding comes in. Instead of watching the clock, it’s about watching your baby. Hunger cues, fullness cues, cluster feeding—all of these are signals that your baby is communicating. Responding to those signals supports:
✨ Healthy growth
✨ Brain and emotional development
✨ A more connected feeding relationship

Yes—timed feeding may be needed in specific medical situations, but for most healthy newborns, it shouldn’t be the default.

If you’ve ever felt stressed by “the schedule” or wondered whether you were doing things right, please know you’re not alone. 💛 There’s another way.

➡️ In this blog, I break down the differences between timed feeding and responsive feeding, with a simple comparison guide you can save and refer back to. Read it here: https://rhea-sims.themamacoach.com/responsive-feeding/

Because feeding your baby shouldn’t feel like a race against the clock—it should feel like connection. 🌿



Sources:
American Academy of Pediatrics. (n.d.). Infant food and feeding. Healthy Active Living for Families. https://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/healthy-active-living-for-families/infant-food-and-feeding/

World Health Organization. (2023, December 20). Infant and young child feeding. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/infant-and-young-child-feeding

09/15/2025

🌸 When I was pregnant with my first baby, I remember feeling a mix of excitement and fear. Labor felt overwhelming just to imagine — what if I couldn’t do it?

One thing that helped me feel grounded was repeating simple affirmations: “I trust my body. Each wave brings me closer to meeting my baby.” Over time, those words became a lifeline — a gentle reminder of my strength and the rhythm of birth. 💛

I created a free Birth Affirmations handout to support other parents in the same way — to calm your mind, build confidence, and remind you that you already have everything you need for birth.

✨ Want the full PDF? DM me BIRTH, and I’ll send it straight to your inbox.

And if you’d like to take it a step further, my prenatal classes combine evidence-informed education with mindset tools so you can feel confident, calm, and truly ready for your birth journey. 🌿

09/11/2025

🌸 Out of Office Alert! 🌸

I’m taking a short break from messages and appointments today to focus on my IBCLC exam—the next step in continuing to provide top-notch breastfeeding support for parents and babies. 💛

I’ll be back 9/12/2025 and can’t wait to reconnect with you all! In the meantime, know that you’re doing an amazing job, and your breastfeeding journey is unique and valuable.

If you have questions or want to schedule support, feel free to DM me, and I’ll respond when I’m back.

Thank you for your patience and encouragement while I focus on this important milestone! 💫

09/09/2025

This week is Maternal Su***de Awareness Week — and it’s a reminder of something we cannot ignore:

👉 Su***de is one of the leading causes of death during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
👉 1 in 5 new mothers will experience a perinatal mood or anxiety disorder.
👉 And too many are suffering in silence, feeling ashamed to speak up.

The truth is, mental health struggles in motherhood are more common than most people realize. They can look like sadness, yes — but also irritability, overwhelming anxiety, emotional numbness, or feeling like you’re failing.

💛 None of these feelings make you a bad mom. They mean you’re human — and that you deserve support.

If you or someone you love is struggling:
🕊️ Call 988 in the U.S. for the Su***de & Crisis Lifeline.
🌍 Find specialized maternal mental health help at Postpartum Support International: postpartum.net

Together, we can break the silence, reduce stigma, and ensure no mother feels alone. 💛

***deAwareness

09/03/2025

Partners play an important role in breastfeeding success.

Many new parents feel stressed or unsure in the early weeks, and the support of a partner can make all the difference. Breastfeeding isn’t meant to be done alone — it’s a team effort.

Ways partners can show up:
💧 Bring water + snacks during feeds
💛 Take over burping or diapering
📖 Learn your baby’s feeding cues
🌙 Handle a night task
✨ Offer encouragement: “You’re doing amazing”

Extra ways to support:
🌿 Take a prenatal breastfeeding class together — learning as a team helps everyone feel prepared
📚 Read about the emotional and physical changes of breastfeeding to better understand the journey
💆 Encourage moments of alone time for rest, showering, or self-care

With the right support, parents feel more confident, less stressed, and are more likely to reach their breastfeeding goals.

💛 Tag a partner who would love these tips, or share to help someone feel seen and supported!

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09/01/2025

💧 The #1 Pain Relief Tool in Labor

Did you know water can be a natural comfort tool during labor?
Warm showers, baths, or birthing pools can help:

💛 Reduce pain naturally
💛 Keep you calm + relaxed
💛 Support a smoother transition for baby

Even a simple shower can make a difference — no full water birth required!

✨ Have you tried water for labor comfort, or are you curious about it? Comment below — I’d love to hear your thoughts!

08/27/2025

Parenting in the digital age can feel like information overload. Between conflicting sleep hacks, feeding tips, and perfectly polished momfluencer routines, it’s easy to start doubting yourself.

But here’s the reminder every new parent deserves to hear: 💛
Your instincts matter. Your baby doesn’t need the “right” method—they need you. 🌸

In my latest blog with Postpartum Support International, I share practical ways to:
✔️ Filter the noise of social media
✔️ Reconnect with your parenting intuition
✔️ Build confidence in decisions around feeding, sleep, and recovery through the 4th trimester and beyond

💌 Comment ‘PSI’ and I’ll send the blog link straight to your inbox.

✨ Know a parent who feels overwhelmed by online advice? Tag them below or share this post to remind them they’re doing better than they think. 💛

08/25/2025

The first trimester can be filled with fatigue and exhaustion. Even in the first weeks, your body is already working overtime:
💨 Blood flow to your uterus rises to support the placenta and nourish your developing baby.
🤱 Blood flow to your breasts increases to start developing milk ducts.

All of this takes a lot of energy. That’s why fatigue, naps, and the need to rest can show up before you even have a visible bump.

So if today looked like “rest, eat, repeat,” remember—you are not doing nothing. ✨ You’re growing a human, and your body is already in overdrive. ✨

Right now, your body is laying the foundation for what’s to come. When you’re ready to prepare for an empowered and confident birth and 4th trimester, my private prenatal class is here to guide you every step of the way. 💛

💬 Know someone in early pregnancy who could use this reminder? Share this with them.
☕️ Let's connect and talk about your goals for birth and postpartum. DM me to schedule a free virtual Coffee & Chat.

08/19/2025

Feeling pulled in a million directions by parenting advice online?

Scrolling through momfluencer content can feel relatable—but it can also leave new parents doubting their instincts, comparing themselves to idealized portrayals, or feeling overwhelmed by conflicting advice.

In my latest blog with Postpartum Support International, I share tips for reclaiming your parenting intuition, setting healthy social media boundaries, and trusting yourself during the 4th trimester and early parenthood.

💛 Read the full blog here: https://postpartum.net/the-rise-of-the-momfluencer-balancing-parenting-advice-with-intuition/

About Me:
I’m Rhea Sims, Registered Nurse, Lactation Counselor, & mother. I support parents through the 4th trimester and beyond—helping with newborn feeding and sleep, navigating lactation challenges, and supporting maternal wellness. My goal is to help you trust your instincts and parent with confidence. If you need additional support in your parenting journey, I'm here for you and your family. Let's chat!

Learn to intentional in how you interact with momfluencer accountsracting with momfluencer accounts, and embrace your parenting intuition.

08/17/2025

💤 Newborn sleep got you exhausted? 🍼

Feeding and sleep are deeply connected. Here’s what to look for:
✨ Frequent waking = hunger
✨ Short naps = incomplete feeds
✨ Cluster feeding in the evening = prep for longer stretches
✨ Growth spurts = temporary sleep disruptions

💡 Bonus: Feeding to sleep is completely normal in newborns—it can actually help them settle!

💛 Feeling overwhelmed? I can help you understand your baby’s feeding cues and create a plan to support both feeding and sleep.

👇 Comment below with your biggest newborn sleep surprise, save this for later, or share with a parent who needs reassurance today!

08/12/2025

🌙 Cluster Feeding & the Witching Hour — What’s Really Going On?

If your baby seems extra fussy and wants to nurse almost nonstop in the evenings, you’re likely experiencing what’s called the “witching hour” along with cluster feeding. Both are completely normal and common phases for newborns.

Why does this happen?
✨ Your baby is boosting your milk supply to keep up with rapid growth.
✨ They’re filling up before a longer stretch of sleep.
✨ Evening fussiness is a normal developmental phase many babies go through.

Signs you’re experiencing cluster feeding:
✅ Multiple feedings close together
✅ Baby remains content overall and is gaining weight appropriately
✅ Fussiness peaks at the same time each evening

Tips for calmer evenings and getting through this season:
💡 Create a calm environment (dim lights, white noise)
💡 Practice skin-to-skin contact
💡 Keep your baby close and feed on cue
💡 Ask for help with meals, chores, or other children during this time

When to seek help:
⚠️ Persistent ni**le pain or damage
⚠️ Baby isn’t gaining weight or seems unsatisfied after feeds
⚠️ Feeling overwhelmed or unsure about milk supply

Remember, this phase is temporary, and you’re doing a great job navigating it!

💛 If you want personalized support, book a free virtual coffee chat or send me a DM anytime.

Have you experienced cluster feeding or the witching hour? Share your story or tips below! 👇

Feel free to share this post with a parent who needs support tonight.

Support and education for new parents starts here. As a Registered Nurse, I provide evidence-informed solutions to make parenthood easier.