Makes Milk with Emma Pickett: breastfeeding from the beginning to the end
Published by Emma Pickett - Board Certified Lactation Consultant
Kids & Family
Health & Fitness
Nutrition
Parenting
A companion to your infant feeding journey, this podcast explores how to get breastfeeding off to a good start (and how to end it) in a way that meets everyone's needs. Emma Pickett has been a Board Certified Lactation Consultant since 2011. As an author (of 5 books), trainer, volunteer and breastfeeding counsellor, she has supported thousands of families to reach their infant feeding goals. Breastfeeding/ chest feeding may be natural, but it isn't always easy for everyone. Hearing about other parent's experiences and getting information from lactation-obsessed experts can help.
Today, I’m delighted to be joined by Katie and Daniella to talk about the experience of being an older mum. Daniella, 43 is a solo mum in Birmingham. She shares how her daughter Remi self-weaned gradually after daytime feeds ended around age 3–4, describing a comfort-led “symbolic” latch, continued co-sleeping, and not experiencing weaning blues; she also reflects on early challenges including severe tongue-tie, oversupply, recurrent mastitis, anxiety about working, and feeling unable to breastfeed in public as Remi got older. Katie, 41 in Suffolk, breastfeeds nearly two-year-old Monty frequently day and night. She discusses sleep changes alongside starting a 4:00 AM job, training as a holistic sleep coach, being a “motherless mother” after her mum died in 2020, and managing perimenopausal cycle-related rage, nipple soreness, and feeding aversion with supplements and support. Katie’s Instagram is @good_nights_kip and her website is www.goodnightskip.com Daniella’s Instagram is @daniellastaubphotographer and her website is www.daniellastaub.co.uk My picture book on how breastfeeding journeys end, The Story of Jessie’s Milkies, is available from Amazon here - The Story of Jessie's Milkies . In the UK, you can also buy it from The Children’s Bookshop in Muswell Hill, London. Other book shops and libraries can source a copy from Ingram Spark publishing. You can also get 10% off my books on supporting breastfeeding beyond six months and supporting the transition from breastfeeding at the Jessica Kingsley press website, by going to https://bit.ly/JKPbooks and using the code MMPE10 at checkout. Follow me on Instagram @emmapickettibclc or find out more on my website www.emmapickettbreastfeedingsupport.com This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC , and produced by Emily Crosby Media .
Alexis' story - breastfeeding a baby with a cleft palate
Today I’m talking to the amazing Alexis White from Canterbury, New Zealand, about feeding her son Flynn. Her older daughter, Norah’s birth did not go to plan, but breastfeeding did, and Norah was breastfed until she weaned herself when Alexis was pregnant again. After a victorious home VBAC birth, early breastfeeding seemed normal, but by day six Flynn had lost 11.5% of his birth weight and then failed to gain despite frequent feeds. Alexis began pumping and syringe top-ups, and at three weeks a lactation consultant identified a hard-to-spot cleft palate. Flynn was later also diagnosed with craniosynostosis. The cleft team told Alexis nutritive breastfeeding wasn’t possible, so she moved to a special cleft bottle while exclusively pumping for about a year, supported by a loaned pump, weigh-ins, and speech and hearing input, including grommets. After surgeries (craniosynostosis first, then cleft repair), Alexis slowly re-taught Flynn to breastfeed using babywearing, a nipple shield, and syringe/tube support. At 14 months he is fully breastfeeding, with ongoing monitoring of hearing and speech. My picture book on how breastfeeding journeys end, The Story of Jessie’s Milkies, is available from Amazon here - The Story of Jessie's Milkies . In the UK, you can also buy it from The Children’s Bookshop in Muswell Hill, London. Other book shops and libraries can source a copy from Ingram Spark publishing. You can also get 10% off my books on supporting breastfeeding beyond six months and supporting the transition from breastfeeding at the Jessica Kingsley press website, by going to https://bit.ly/JKPbooks and using the code MMPE10 at checkout. Follow me on Instagram @emmapickettibclc or find out more on my website www.emmapickettbreastfeedingsupport.com Resources mentioned - UK Cleft Lip and Palate Breastfeeding Support Group on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CbAoTyibU/?mibextid=wwXIfr Cleft Lip and Palate Action (CLAPA) - For the UK cleft community https://clapa.com/ CleftNZ https://www.cleft.org.nz/ This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC , and produced by Emily Crosby Media .
Naomi's story - breastfeeding grief with a 2nd journey
This week I’m speaking to Naomi Cappallo on Vancouver Island about feeding their two daughters, Clara (6) and Juniper (3), focusing on breastfeeding grief after a second journey that didn’t go as hoped. Naomi describes early pain with Clara, brief formula top-ups for early weight loss, and eventually breastfeeding through the pandemic until age two, using boundaries to reduce frequent toddler feeds. With Juniper, a very fast birth was followed by severe nipple pain, limited breastfeeding support, early formula to cope, and then mastitis, fever, abdominal pain, and a long hospital wait. A pharmacist incorrectly said antibiotics meant they couldn’t breastfeed, which derailed their plans. A midwife/IBCLC later helped them restart breastfeeding and combination feed until Juniper preferred bottles at three months. Naomi shares how their grief persisted in waves, the impact on mental health, and what they wish they’d had in support. My picture book on how breastfeeding journeys end, The Story of Jessie’s Milkies, is available from Amazon here - The Story of Jessie's Milkies . In the UK, you can also buy it from The Children’s Bookshop in Muswell Hill, London. Other book shops and libraries can source a copy from Ingram Spark publishing. You can also get 10% off my books on supporting breastfeeding beyond six months and supporting the transition from breastfeeding at the Jessica Kingsley press website, by going to https://bit.ly/JKPbooks and using the code MMPE10 at checkout. Follow me on Instagram @emmapickettibclc or find out more on my website www.emmapickettbreastfeedingsupport.com Resources mentioned - Breastfeeding Grief by Professor Amy Brown This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC , and produced by Emily Crosby Media .
Charlotte's story - a mastitis journey
This week I’m speaking to the lovely Charlotte Bowie from Oxfordshire, mum to nearly three-year-old Felix, about toddler breastfeeding, extreme sleep disruption (including split nights), and her struggle with repeated bouts of mastitis. Charlotte’s recurrent mastitis has spanned across nearly three years, including multiple antibiotic courses, a confirmed breast abscess drained via ultrasound-guided needle aspiration, and a later hospital admission with suspected sepsis. She also shares anxiety around breast lumps due to a family history of breast cancer. We discuss the updated mastitis guidance (avoiding vigorous massage and heat, using ice, anti-inflammatories, gentle lymphatic techniques, and managing hyperlactation/overpumping), and how a virtual consultation with breastfeeding specialist GP/IBCLC Dr Naomi Dow helped Charlotte self-manage and reduce recurrence as she continues to feed Felix. Charlotte would also like to acknowledge the support she received from La Leche League Oxfordshire. One peer supporter, Hannah, in particular was especially kind and supportive and sought advice on mastitis from the professional liaison team. My picture book on how breastfeeding journeys end, The Story of Jessie’s Milkies, is available from Amazon here - The Story of Jessie's Milkies . In the UK, you can also buy it from The Children’s Bookshop in Muswell Hill, London. Other book shops and libraries can source a copy from Ingram Spark publishing. You can also get 10% off my books on supporting breastfeeding beyond six months and supporting the transition from breastfeeding at the Jessica Kingsley press website, by going to https://bit.ly/JKPbooks and using the code MMPE10 at checkout. Follow me on Instagram @emmapickettibclc or find out more on my website www.emmapickettbreastfeedingsupport.com Resources mentioned Find Dr Naomi Dow at https://drnaomidow.com / and on instagram @drnaomidow_bfmed The new mastitis spectrum guidance can be read at https://abm.memberclicks.net/assets/DOCUMENTS/PROTOCOLS/36-mitchell-et-al-2022-academy-of-breastfeeding-medicine-clinical-protocol-36-the-mastitis-spectrum-revised-2022.pdf Charlotte would also like to mention that she received some great support from La Leche League . This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC , and produced by Emily Crosby Media .
Jessica's story - inverted nipples, breastfeeding grief and finding solutions
This week I’m joined from Sydney in Australia, by midwife Jessica Baker to talk about breastfeeding her two daughters and the grief and mental health impact when feeding doesn’t go to plan. Jessica describes anticipating difficulty due to inverted nipples, having a home birth with Vada followed by special care admission, early nipple-shield use, severe engorgement, and missed support because staff assumed she was confident as a midwife. After a tongue and lip tie release with a laser, Vada’s feeding deteriorated, weight loss followed, and Jessica moved onto top-ups and then exclusive pumping, experiencing depression and long-lasting grief despite producing abundant milk. With Olive, early breastfeeding began well but when Olive’s feeding stalled, it led to panic, PTSD symptoms and then EMDR therapy, and medication. Jessica is still feeding two-year-old Olive from one side, having established “booby manners” and realistic expectations around toddler feeding and weaning. You can follow Jessica’s new business on Instagram @cub.andkin My picture book on how breastfeeding journeys end, The Story of Jessie’s Milkies, is available from Amazon here - The Story of Jessie's Milkies . In the UK, you can also buy it from The Children’s Bookshop in Muswell Hill, London. Other book shops and libraries can source a copy from Ingram Spark publishing. You can also get 10% off my books on supporting breastfeeding beyond six months and supporting the transition from breastfeeding at the Jessica Kingsley press website, by going to https://bit.ly/JKPbooks and using the code MMPE10 at checkout. Follow me on Instagram @emmapickettibclc or find out more on my website www.emmapickettbreastfeedingsupport.com This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC , and produced by Emily Crosby Media .
The Bradford project - poems and stories
This week we’re celebrating the stories of the Bradford Project, a massive art, poetry and storytelling project led by artist Lisa Creagh in the Bradford area. Alongside Lisa, I’m joined by two participants, Aamta Waheed and Reena Kler, to talk about their breastfeeding experiences and how the project has helped them to understand their mothering journey. We’ll also hear poems from Hannah, Sonia and Sophie, and an extract from the Holding Time podcast, featuring Aisha. You can find out more about the project at https://linktr.ee/holdingtimeproject and on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWtMCVY_Nuktw4w_hd6n54xqkEv3V0utk You can follow Aamta on Instagram @aamtawaheedart My picture book on how breastfeeding journeys end, The Story of Jessie’s Milkies, is available from Amazon here - The Story of Jessie's Milkies . In the UK, you can also buy it from The Children’s Bookshop in Muswell Hill, London. Other book shops and libraries can source a copy from Ingram Spark publishing. You can also get 10% off my books on supporting breastfeeding beyond six months and supporting the transition from breastfeeding at the Jessica Kingsley press website, by going to https://bit.ly/JKPbooks and using the code MMPE10 at checkout. Follow me on Instagram @emmapickettibclc or find out more on my website www.emmapickettbreastfeedingsupport.com This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC , and produced by Emily Crosby Media .
Alice's story - diabetes, feeding in pregnancy and a self-weaning journey
This week I’m talking to Liverpool-based public health doctor Alice Lacey-Campbell about tandem feeding, breastfeeding an older child, and breastfeeding with type 1 diabetes. Alice shares how her nearly five-year-old, Asha, breastfeeds only occasionally now after a “false stop,” often for emotional regulation, and describes dry nursing through pregnancy when her milk dried up around nine weeks. We discuss why antenatal colostrum expression is recommended for diabetes, and Alice’s techniques. Alice recounts difficult inductions and emergency C-sections, early latching problems and tongue-tie with Asha, and a smoother breastfeeding establishment with five-month-old Kaida after a brief NICU stay, plus accidental gentle night-weaning and plans to return to work when Kaida is one. My picture book on how breastfeeding journeys end, The Story of Jessie’s Milkies, is available from Amazon here - The Story of Jessie's Milkies . In the UK, you can also buy it from The Children’s Bookshop in Muswell Hill, London. Other book shops and libraries can source a copy from Ingram Spark publishing. You can also get 10% off my books on supporting breastfeeding beyond six months and supporting the transition from breastfeeding at the Jessica Kingsley press website, by going to https://bit.ly/JKPbooks and using the code MMPE10 at checkout. Follow me on Instagram @emmapickettibclc or find out more on my website www.emmapickettbreastfeedingsupport.com This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC , and produced by Emily Crosby Media .
Emily's Story - OCD and breastfeeding as a midwife
This week, I’m joined by the lovely Emily, a Norfolk midwife and mother to Effie (8 months). We’re talking about breastfeeding alongside significant perinatal mental health challenges. Emily describes exclusively breastfeeding, co-sleeping safely, and introducing solids carefully due to anxiety, then shares how pregnancy and early postpartum intensified OCD, contamination fears, and intrusive thoughts, alongside existing anxiety, depression, PTSD and PMDD. She recounts a planned home birth complicated by a postpartum haemorrhage, theatre treatment and a blood transfusion, plus early breastfeeding pain despite an apparently good latch, temporary nipple shield use, and support including craniosacral therapy. Emily also experienced antenatal and postpartum DMER, severe oversupply, and an unsettled baby, eventually using block feeding until supply stabilised around 12 weeks. She explains how NHS talking therapies helped her reframe fears, and discusses plans for returning to work as a midwife and aiming for natural-term weaning. My picture book on how breastfeeding journeys end, The Story of Jessie’s Milkies, is available from Amazon here - The Story of Jessie's Milkies . In the UK, you can also buy it from The Children’s Bookshop in Muswell Hill, London. Other book shops and libraries can source a copy from Ingram Spark publishing. You can also get 10% off my books on supporting breastfeeding beyond six months and supporting the transition from breastfeeding at the Jessica Kingsley press website, by going to https://bit.ly/JKPbooks and using the code MMPE10 at checkout. Follow me on Instagram @emmapickettibclc or find out more on my website www.emmapickettbreastfeedingsupport.com Resources mentioned https://www.lucywebberfeedingsupport.com/workshops This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC , and produced by Emily Crosby Media .
Dating and breastfeeding
Dating while breastfeeding isn’t often talked about, so this week I’m joined by Frankie (29, Sheffield) and Anna (40, Lancashire) to talk about their experiences. They share candid ‘dating profiles’, then explore their breastfeeding lives and family situations: Anna recently weaned their five-year-old after nursing aversion began when their two-year-old was born, and they co-parent their youngest after two past relationships; Frankie is sole parent to her two-year-old, who breastfeeds frequently at night, with no contact or financial support from his biological father. They compare meeting partners through apps versus friends and in-person, when to disclose breastfeeding, childcare and co-sleeping constraints, and boundaries around introducing partners to children. They discuss partners’ reactions to lactation during intimacy, cultural discomfort with bodily functions, and the challenge of being seen as both a mother and sexy, ending with advice on building support networks, self-confidence, and not rushing dating. My picture book on how breastfeeding journeys end, The Story of Jessie’s Milkies, is available from Amazon here - The Story of Jessie's Milkies . In the UK, you can also buy it from The Children’s Bookshop in Muswell Hill, London. Other book shops and libraries can source a copy from Ingram Spark publishing. You can also get 10% off my books on supporting breastfeeding beyond six months and supporting the transition from breastfeeding at the Jessica Kingsley press website, by going to https://bit.ly/JKPbooks and using the code MMPE10 at checkout. Follow me on Instagram @emmapickettibclc or find out more on my website www.emmapickettbreastfeedingsupport.com This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC , and produced by Emily Crosby Media .
Weaning and natural term breastfeeding Q&A with Carly from Seedpod Part 2
This week, we have the return of the brilliant Carly Facius, Midwife, IBCLC, Women's Circle Facilitator and Aware Parenting Mentor. She’s joining me to answer your questions about weaning and natural term breastfeeding in two back-to-back episodes. In part 2, we delve into question topics ranging from night weaning and bedtime routines to dealing with biting, hitting and kicking. To find a list of questions, please consult the transcript of this episode. You can find out more about Carly at www.seedpodfamilies.com or follow her on Instagram @seed_pod_ My picture book on how breastfeeding journeys end, The Story of Jessie’s Milkies, is available from Amazon here - The Story of Jessie's Milkies . In the UK, you can also buy it from The Children’s Bookshop in Muswell Hill, London. Other book shops and libraries can source a copy from Ingram Spark publishing. You can also get 10% off my books on supporting breastfeeding beyond six months and supporting the transition from breastfeeding at the Jessica Kingsley press website, by going to https://bit.ly/JKPbooks and using the code MMPE10 at checkout. Follow me on Instagram @emmapickettibclc or find out more on my website www.emmapickettbreastfeedingsupport.com This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC , and produced by Emily Crosby Media .
Weaning and natural term breastfeeding Q&A with Carly from Seedpod Part 1
This week, we have the return of the brilliant Carly Facius, Midwife, IBCLC, Women's Circle Facilitator and Aware Parenting Mentor. She’s joining me to answer your questions about weaning and natural term breastfeeding in two back-to-back episodes. This is Part 1. We delve into question topics ranging from weaning a toddler while tandem feeding, coping with a distressed child at night, and what normal sleep even is! To find a list of questions, please consult the transcript of this episode. You can find out more about Carly at www.seedpodfamilies.com or follow her on Instagram @seed_pod_ My picture book on how breastfeeding journeys end, The Story of Jessie’s Milkies, is available from Amazon here - The Story of Jessie's Milkies . In the UK, you can also buy it from The Children’s Bookshop in Muswell Hill, London. Other book shops and libraries can source a copy from Ingram Spark publishing. You can also get 10% off my books on supporting breastfeeding beyond six months and supporting the transition from breastfeeding at the Jessica Kingsley press website, by going to https://bit.ly/JKPbooks and using the code MMPE10 at checkout. Follow me on Instagram @emmapickettibclc or find out more on my website www.emmapickettbreastfeedingsupport.com This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC , and produced by Emily Crosby Media .
Jade's story - pregnant with HG and breastfeeding
Sometimes, our plans for feeding don’t work out. That’s what happened to my guest this week, Jade Feeney from north west London. Jade had hoped to tandem feed, but ended up weaning her eldest daughter during pregnancy due to hyperemesis gravidarum (HG). She shares a “dream” first breastfeeding experience with her eldest, later identifying cow’s milk protein intolerance when weaning solids, but when she conceived again when her daughter was 18 months and developed severe HG, she required escalating anti-sickness medication, GP and triage support and months off work. She stopped feeding at around 22 weeks pregnant, after intense breastfeeding aversion, using a gradual countdown/tapering approach, and discusses the grief she felt alongside a feeling of relief. After an emergency caesarean, breastfeeding her younger daughter began well. Now 17‑months‑old, her youngest feeds very frequently, including overnight feeds and co-sleeping, and Jade has no plans to wean at present. My picture book on how breastfeeding journeys end, The Story of Jessie’s Milkies, is available from Amazon here - The Story of Jessie's Milkies . In the UK, you can also buy it from The Children’s Bookshop in Muswell Hill, London. Other book shops and libraries can source a copy from Ingram Spark publishing. You can also get 10% off my books on supporting breastfeeding beyond six months and supporting the transition from breastfeeding at the Jessica Kingsley press website, by going to https://bit.ly/JKPbooks and using the code MMPE10 at checkout. Follow me on Instagram @emmapickettibclc or find out more on my website www.emmapickettbreastfeedingsupport.com Resources mentioned Pregnancy Sickness Support | UK Charity https://pregnancysicknesssupport.org.uk/ PANDAS Foundation UK https://pandasfoundation.org.uk/ This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC , and produced by Emily Crosby Media .
Jessica's story - a breastfeeding police officer
This week, I’m speaking to the brilliant Jessica, a police officer in Stirling, Scotland, about combining breastfeeding with police work and shift patterns. Jessica shares life with her two daughters, Nora (nearly 10) and Harriet (nearly 2), describing responsive breastfeeding, co-sleeping, and how Harriet settles well for her father and grandmother when Jessica works rotating day shifts and back shifts finishing at 1am. They discuss Jessica’s earlier breastfeeding experience with Nora, which ended after a hospital admission and antibiotic treatment, and contrast it with Harriet’s birth, a home water birth followed by NICU admission for suspected infection. Jessica describes later tongue-tie issues resolved privately, returning to full-time frontline policing at 14 months without pumping, and reflects on managing risk, trauma, and the value of taking feeding and work transitions step by step. My picture book on how breastfeeding journeys end, The Story of Jessie’s Milkies, is available from Amazon here - The Story of Jessie's Milkies . In the UK, you can also buy it from The Children’s Bookshop in Muswell Hill, London. Other book shops and libraries can source a copy from Ingram Spark publishing. You can also get 10% off my books on supporting breastfeeding beyond six months and supporting the transition from breastfeeding at the Jessica Kingsley press website, by going to https://bit.ly/JKPbooks and using the code MMPE10 at checkout. Follow me on Instagram @emmapickettibclc or find out more on my website www.emmapickettbreastfeedingsupport.com This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC , and produced by Emily Crosby Media .
Isabella's story - tandem feeding and tandem weaning
Today I’m talking to the lovely Isabella from near Vienna, Austria, about breastfeeding her two sons, Jonathan (2½) and Valentin (1). Isabella describes generally good breastfeeding support and mixed feeding norms in Austria, and how her early postpartum pain settled with midwife help. She became pregnant unexpectedly when Jonathan was 10 months old while using natural family planning, and assumed she should wean. She made several attempts but didn’t feel committed to a process that was complicated by bottle refusal and a lack of weaning information. After hearing positive tandem-feeding stories from this podcast, she resumed breastfeeding late in pregnancy when Jonathan was distressed and ill, then tandem fed after Valentin’s birth. This time lactation started easily and she managed nights with family bed-sharing and support from her husband. Isabella eventually weaned Jonathan gradually at 2, starting with night weaning and dropping “set” feeds, while continuing to breastfeed Valentin to this day. My picture book on how breastfeeding journeys end, The Story of Jessie’s Milkies, is available from Amazon here - The Story of Jessie's Milkies . In the UK, you can also buy it from The Children’s Bookshop in Muswell Hill, London. Other book shops and libraries can source a copy from Ingram Spark publishing. You can also get 10% off my books on supporting breastfeeding beyond six months and supporting the transition from breastfeeding at the Jessica Kingsley press website, by going to https://bit.ly/JKPbooks and using the code MMPE10 at checkout. Follow me on Instagram @emmapickettibclc or find out more on my website www.emmapickettbreastfeedingsupport.com Resources mentioned - Loving Comfort book in English (und auf Deutsch) https://www.juliedillemuth.com/loving-comfort This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC , and produced by Emily Crosby Media .
Sam’s story - natural term feeding, tandem feeding and breastfeeding advocacy
This week, I’m talking to the brilliant Sam Kennedy Christian from Herne Bay, Kent, about her breastfeeding journey while 29 weeks pregnant and feeding her three-year-old. We discuss gentle night weaning using a clock and flexibility during illness or distress, co-sleeping changes ahead of a new baby, and Sam’s previous tandem feeding experience when her eldest breastfed until six years old, including boundaries and supporting sibling feelings about fairness. Sam talks about pelvic girdle pain and nipple sensitivity in pregnancy. We also cover Sam’s work with Save the Children on formula marketing, volunteering with the Association of Breastfeeding Mothers, and her coaching work helping parents navigate breastfeeding alongside returning to paid work, flexible working, and shared parental leave. My picture book on how breastfeeding journeys end, The Story of Jessie’s Milkies, is available from Amazon here - The Story of Jessie's Milkies . In the UK, you can also buy it from The Children’s Bookshop in Muswell Hill, London. Other book shops and libraries can source a copy from Ingram Spark publishing. You can also get 10% off my books on supporting breastfeeding beyond six months and supporting the transition from breastfeeding at the Jessica Kingsley press website, by going to https://bit.ly/JKPbooks and using the code MMPE10 at checkout. Follow me on Instagram @emmapickettibclc or find out more on my website www.emmapickettbreastfeedingsupport.com You can follow Sam on Instagram @thefloat.space Resources mentioned - Breastfeeding at Work UK: Your Rights, Pumping Breaks & Employer Duties The Float Space https://www.thefloat.space/latest/breastfeeding-at-work-in-the-uk-your-rights-pumping-breaks-and-how-to-ask-for-proper-support Tigers (2014 film) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tigers_(2014_film) Baby Milk Action https://www.babymilkaction.org/ AIMS https://www.aims.org.uk/journal/item/breastfeeding-politics-business Maternity Action https://maternityaction.org.uk/ This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC , and produced by Emily Crosby Media .
Georgina's story - slow to solids
Today, I’m joined by the lovely Georgina Gregor from Devon to talk about her breastfeeding journeys with her two children, three-year-old Amaya and nine-month-old Lucas. Georgina recounts early breastfeeding pain, mastitis, hospital readmission for Amaya’s 13.7% weight loss, and a later tongue-tie diagnosis and release at 10 months linked to solids difficulties. Amaya’s disinterest in food and love of breastfeeding meant that her start with solids was slow, and Georgina had to carry on with patience. She shares weaning Amaya while pregnant: a significant supply drop around nine weeks, night weaning using the Booby Moon story, partner support, and a gradual daytime fade, alongside nausea and breastfeeding aversion in pregnancy. Lucas’s tongue tie was treated promptly. He is feeding on demand and co-sleeping with frequent night feeds. He is much more keen on food than his sister was at this age. Georgina also discusses family pressure, helpful resources, and her new role as an infant feeding peer support volunteer. My picture book on how breastfeeding journeys end, The Story of Jessie’s Milkies, is available from Amazon here - The Story of Jessie's Milkies . In the UK, you can also buy it from The Children’s Bookshop in Muswell Hill, London. Other book shops and libraries can source a copy from Ingram Spark publishing. You can also get 10% off my books on supporting breastfeeding beyond six months and supporting the transition from breastfeeding at the Jessica Kingsley press website, by going to https://bit.ly/JKPbooks and using the code MMPE10 at checkout. Follow me on Instagram @emmapickettibclc or find out more on my website www.emmapickettbreastfeedingsupport.com Resources mentioned - @drgreerkirshenbaum on Instagram Charlotte Stirling-Reed https://www.srnutrition.co.uk/ plymouth-latchon.org.uk This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC , and produced by Emily Crosby Media .
Breastfeeding in palliative care with Dr Laura Thomas
This week, I’m honoured to be joined by Dr. Laura Thomas, a community pediatrician from Reading, La Leche League leader, and breastfeeding peer supporter, to talk about breastfeeding in pediatric palliative care. Laura explains her day-to-day work with neurodiversity and neurodisability, her training and her own breastfeeding experiences. We discuss Laura’s masters project using a questionnaire for palliative care and pediatric staff, which found breastfeeding is often not considered unless families request support, and that staff want simple guidance and signposting. We explore why breastfeeding and milk donation can matter at end of life and after bereavement, highlight resources like the Memory Milk Bank and Herts Milk Bank, and consider practical hospice support and future research into lactation supporters’ preparedness. My picture book on how breastfeeding journeys end, The Story of Jessie’s Milkies, is available from Amazon here - The Story of Jessie's Milkies . In the UK, you can also buy it from The Children’s Bookshop in Muswell Hill, London. Other book shops and libraries can source a copy from Ingram Spark publishing. You can also get 10% off my books on supporting breastfeeding beyond six months and supporting the transition from breastfeeding at the Jessica Kingsley press website, by going to https://bit.ly/JKPbooks and using the code MMPE10 at checkout. Follow me on Instagram @emmapickettibclc or find out more on my website www.emmapickettbreastfeedingsupport.com Resources mentioned - The Milk Bank at Chester https://www.milkbankatchester.org.uk/donationafterloss/memorymilkgift/ The Human Milk Foundation https://humanmilkfoundation.org/hearts-milk-bank/donating-after-bereavement/ Breastfeeding the Brave https://breastfeedingthebrave.com/ Framework for Practice: Lactation and loss | British Association of Perinatal Medicine https://www.bapm.org/resources/lactation-and-loss-management-of-lactation-following-the-death-of-a-baby Together for Short Lives: Children's Charities - Children Hospices https://www.togetherforshortlives.org.uk/ This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC , and produced by Emily Crosby Media .
Auden's story - a non-binary nursing journey
This week, I’m pleased to be joined by Auden Krauska, a non-binary parent of two originally from Wisconsin now living near Copenhagen, to talk about their nursing journeys and the complexities of lactation alongside gender dysphoria and healthcare systems. Auden describes binding, being misgendered, considering top surgery but delaying it to lactate, and stopping testosterone to conceive. Their first pregnancy involved hyperemesis, followed by a home birth, sidelying nursing, a newborn hospitalisation for enterovirus meningitis, and recurrent mastitis linked to oversupply and outdated advice, which improved with the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine’s updated protocol and ibuprofen. Auden shares experience of parent-led weaning at 14 weeks pregnant, using a personalised storybook, and discusses nursing-friendly and pregnancy clothing, working remotely, Denmark’s health care, and evidence and monitoring around resuming testosterone while lactating. If Auden does return to taking testosterone, they will do blood testing to check their daughter’s liver function and hormone levels, and that decision is a way off. My picture book on how breastfeeding journeys end, The Story of Jessie’s Milkies, is available from Amazon here - The Story of Jessie's Milkies . In the UK, you can also buy it from The Children’s Bookshop in Muswell Hill, London. Other book shops and libraries can source a copy from Ingram Spark publishing. You can also get 10% off my books on supporting breastfeeding beyond six months and supporting the transition from breastfeeding at the Jessica Kingsley press website, by going to https://bit.ly/JKPbooks and using the code MMPE10 at checkout. Follow me on Instagram @emmapickettibclc or find out more on my website www.emmapickettbreastfeedingsupport.com Find out more about Auden on their blog https://thepregnantpapa.wordpress.com/ Resources mentioned - Where’s the Mother? - a book by Trevor MacDonald https://www.queerlit.co.uk/products/wheres-the-mother?srsltid=AfmBOorXJK6ekxR3phw_y4N2NWXZ4vKNfrwshyJ9XpzXWTcom_fQCunf Trevor’s Facebook group - Birthing and Breast or Chestfeeding Trans People and Allies https://www.facebook.com/share/g/183Qi5ryX9/ Angela Marchant in Madison, WI https://www.tallgrassosteopathy.com/ Trans Fertility Co https://transfertility.co/ Trystan Reese https://www.trystanreese.com/ Being You: A First Conversation About Gender – Early Pride Matters https://earlypridematters.org/teaching-guide/being-you-a-first-conversation-about-gender/ This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC , and produced by Emily Crosby Media .
Emma's story - breastfeeding and being hospitalised
This week, I’m joined by the brilliant Emma Erskine-Fox, a Bristol-area lawyer, ABM peer supporter, and mother, to talk about breastfeeding her daughter Isabelle to nearly age four, including a gentle self-weaning ending. Emma describes being breastfed herself, antenatal education that helped normalise cluster feeding, an induced birth ending in an emergency caesarean, early latch and weight-loss difficulties resolved with midwife and IBCLC support, and some intense cluster feeding. She also shares navigating planned thyroid surgery while breastfeeding: initially being wrongly told her baby couldn’t stay and that she must pump and dump. Emma postponed surgery when Isabelle wouldn’t take a bottle, then did some research, contacting the trust infant feeding team and PALS, and secured a private room so her husband and baby could stay overnight. Emma continued to breastfeed Isabelle throughout her recovery and return to full time work, until Isabelle finally weaned herself around 3 years and 10 months. My picture book on how breastfeeding journeys end, The Story of Jessie’s Milkies, is available from Amazon here - The Story of Jessie's Milkies . In the UK, you can also buy it from The Children’s Bookshop in Muswell Hill, London. Other book shops and libraries can source a copy from Ingram Spark publishing. You can also get 10% off my books on supporting breastfeeding beyond six months and supporting the transition from breastfeeding at the Jessica Kingsley press website, by going to https://bit.ly/JKPbooks and using the code MMPE10 at checkout. Follow me on Instagram @emmapickettibclc or find out more on my website www.emmapickettbreastfeedingsupport.com Emma is @emma.is.milking.it on instagram Resources mentioned - ABM Clinical Protocol #35: Supporting Breastfeeding During Maternal or Child Hospitalization https://www.bfmed.org/assets/ABM%20protocol%2035%20Nov%202021.pdf Kate Battersby https://www.theperfectstart.org.uk/ Training with the ABM https://abm.me.uk/breastfeeding-training/ Olivia Hinge @olivia_lactation_consultant on Instagram This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC , and produced by Emily Crosby Media .
Danielle's story - an IGT journey
This week, I’m welcoming Danielle Kyaligonza, who joins me from Uganda to talk about her breastfeeding journey with insufficient glandular tissue (IGT). Danielle describes a positive planned C-section birth in Cheshire, but on day five her baby Annie had lost 13% of birth weight and was later found to be severely dehydrated. This led to hospital admission, formula supplementation, and a traumatic start with pumping and limited breastfeeding support on a children’s ward. After weeks of triple feeding and minimal pumping improvement, a lactation consultant suggested IGT, with possible hormonal factors including suspected PCOS. Danielle sought domperidone via Dr Sharon Silberstein, and saw some supply increase and leaking, but experienced insomnia, vivid dreams and anxiety when tapering off too fast. She now combi-feeds, breastfeeding six months old Annie mainly when she isn’t hungry to encourage positive associations. Danielle is rightly proud of her perseverance in carrying on with breastfeeding despite all the challenges she faced. My picture book on how breastfeeding journeys end, The Story of Jessie’s Milkies, is available from Amazon here - The Story of Jessie's Milkies . In the UK, you can also buy it from The Children’s Bookshop in Muswell Hill, London. Other book shops and libraries can source a copy from Ingram Spark publishing. You can also get 10% off my books on supporting breastfeeding beyond six months and supporting the transition from breastfeeding at the Jessica Kingsley press website, by going to https://bit.ly/JKPbooks and using the code MMPE10 at checkout. Follow me on Instagram @emmapickettibclc or find out more on my website www.emmapickettbreastfeedingsupport.com Resources mentioned - Finding Sufficiency: Breastfeeding with insufficient glandular tissue https://www.lllgbbooks.co.uk/store/p230/FindingSufficiency.html Breastfeeding Grief by Professor Amy Brown https://professoramybrown.co.uk/breastfeeding-grief Caoimhe Whelan https://latch.ie/ Dr Sharon Silberstein https://www.breastfeedingdoctor.co.uk/ IGT And Low Milk Supply Support Group | Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/IGTmamas/?ref=share Danielle would like to mention @thriveinfantfeeding on Instagram. Shami gave her lots of messaging support. This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC , and produced by Emily Crosby Media .
