Makes Milk with Emma Pickett

Emma Pickett
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Aug 4, 2025 • 60min

Phoebe's story - moving to exclusive pumping

This week’s episode is a prime example of how everyone’s situation is unique, and every solution must be too. My guest is Phoebe, a nurse from Paris, France. Phoebe shares her experiences, including her initial plans to breastfeed, facing issues like inverted nipples, her daughter Adele’s jaundice and weight loss, and conflicting advice from healthcare professionals. At four months postpartum, after much hard work, Phoebe is now exclusively pumping. She details her current routine of pumping five times daily, managing milk storage, and preparing to return to work while continuing to provide breast milk for Adele.Phoebe recommends this Instagram account for French speakers - @‌madametirelaitMy new 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, that's uk.jkp.com 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.
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Jul 28, 2025 • 50min

Amy's story - Breastfeeding and MS

This week I’m talking to Amy Winterbourne, a mother of two from Watford, about her experience breastfeeding after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). Amy shares her journey of breastfeeding her eldest son, William, until he was two and a half, and how she weaned him gently during her pregnancy with her younger son, James. She then delves into her MS diagnosis when James was nearly one, describing the initial symptoms, the process of diagnosis, and her concerns about continuing to breastfeed while undergoing treatment. Despite initial advice to stop breastfeeding, Amy sought further information and found it possible to safely continue. She also discusses the complexities of parenting with MS, the support from her work, and her ongoing commitment to breastfeeding. My new 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, that's uk.jkp.com using the code MMPE10 at checkout.Follow me on Instagram  @emmapickettibclc or find out more on my website www.emmapickettbreastfeedingsupport.com Resources mentioned - The UKDILAS service https://www.sps.nhs.uk/home/about-sps/get-in-touch/medicines-information-services-contact-details/breastfeeding-medicines-advice-service/ (health professionals and breastfeeding supporters make contact on behalf of parents).The Breastfeeding Network Drugs in information service: https://www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/drugs-factsheets/MS Society https://www.mssociety.org.uk/Facebook groups - MuMS UK - https://www.facebook.com/groups/351614711568755/MS UK - https://www.facebook.com/groups/MSUK1/Breastfeeding and pregnancy on Ocrevus, Rituxan and Kesimpta  -https://www.facebook.com/groups/412257639666264/ This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC, and produced by Emily Crosby Media.
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Jul 21, 2025 • 1h 13min

A Q&A on tandem feeding with Nicola de Sousa

 My guest this week has personal and professional experience of tandem feeding to share with us. Nicola De Sousa is an infant feeding coach from Jersey, in the Channel Islands. She fed her toddler Mikayla, all through her pregnancy and alongside her infant Diogo.We talk about Nicola’s experience of feeding both her children, but also from 28:30 we answer your questions about tandem feeding. For details of the questions covered, please refer to the transcript of this episode.You can follow Nicola on Instagram @infantfeedingcoach.jerseyMy new 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, that's uk.jkp.com 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.
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Jul 14, 2025 • 1h 5min

Golnessa's story - triandem feeding

My guest this week shares her amazing journey of triandem feeding - what she calls the ‘path of least resistance’, though I think the rest of us would describe her as inspirational. Golnessa is a GP from Fife in Scotland, and is currently breastfeeding her three children, Gus (10 months), Gertie (3 years) and Gilligan (5 years). We talk about the challenges, logistics and the emotional support involved in feeding three nurslings. Golnessa shares how she and the children have adapted and managed their nursing relationship through two pregnancies and each subsequent new baby, and how the decision to triandem, or tricycle feed, was almost not a decision at all.My new 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, that's uk.jkp.com 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.
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Jul 7, 2025 • 1h 14min

Listeners Q&A

In honour of this being officially my 100th episode, I’m answering listeners’ questions this week. We cover natural term breastfeeding, weaning older children, dealing with conflict with family and a response to a request to share my own breastfeeding story.If you’d like to read the questions, you’ll find each one in Bold in the transcript for this episode.My new 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, that's uk.jkp.com 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.
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Jun 30, 2025 • 1h 11min

Preparing for puberty with confidence, with Tara Ghosh

We’re trying something a little different this week - Tara and I have created a section of the show especially for young people. If someone in your life would like to know more about periods, breast development and what else can change from the age of about 8 to 12 years, they should listen from 46:45 onwards.My guest this week, Tara Ghosh, is a certified women's health coach and period educator and runs workshops for young people about body changes and puberty. In this episode, she and I discuss how important puberty education is for the whole of society, and the hows and whys of periods, breast development and hormonal changes.You can follow Tara on Instagram @_taraghosh_ or find out more on her website http://www.taraghosh.com/My new 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, that's uk.jkp.com using the code MMPE10 at checkout.Follow me on Instagram  @emmapickettibclc or find out more on my website www.emmapickettbreastfeedingsupport.com Resources mentioned or recommended -Books -This Period in my Life by Saskia BoujaMaking Pink Lemonade by Sarah O'MahoneyMenstrual Doodles by Rebecca MartinPeriod by Natalie ByrneRuby Luna's Curious Journey by Tessa SandersonThe Autism Friendly Guide to Periods by Robyn StewardWebsite - https://amaze.org/us/ This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC, and produced by Emily Crosby Media.
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Jun 23, 2025 • 54min

Cara and Jodie's stories - breastfeeding with a Pavlik harness

 If you have a baby, or are supporting parents of a baby, who has a Pavlik Harness, the chances are that you haven’t found much information about how to combine a Pavlik Harness with breastfeeding. I’m hoping this episode helps.I’m speaking to Cara from Midlothian, and Jodie from Essex, both twin mums who have breastfed babies through their treatment for hip dysplasia. They share their personal journeys: describing initial diagnoses, the harness fitting process, and their adaptations to continue breastfeeding. While Jodie tandem fed her twins in an adapted rugby hold, Cara preferred to feed one twin at a time, changing her positioning to accommodate her daughter Halle’s harness. Despite initial fears and challenges, both mums found that breastfeeding could continue, and that their girls thrived throughout the weeks of treatment.We referenced the following resources - Breastfeeding Twins and Triplets https://breastfeedingtwinsandtriplets.co.uk/South Essex Lactation Support https://www.southessexlactationsupport.co.uk/Breastfeeding a baby with hip dysplasia | Australian Breastfeeding Association https://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/resources/breastfeeding-baby-hip-dysplasiaMy new 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, that's uk.jkp.com 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.
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Jun 16, 2025 • 1h 3min

Shonagh's story - tandem feeding

 We often cover struggles and challenges on this podcast, but my guest this week, Shonagh Johnson, from East Lothian, is a great example of how well tandem breastfeeding can go. Although she had some nipple sensitivity, Shonagh found feeding her first daughter Freya relatively easy after a swift home birth. Despite having no expectations of how long they would feed for, she carried on throughout her pregnancy with her second daughter, Charlotte. During this pregnancy, Shonagh did experience aversion, particularly during her third trimester and occasionally post-birth, but she handled it with a mixture of relaxation techniques and communicating with Freya to establish boundaries around feeding. Towards the end of our conversation we also discuss the process of donating milk via the local milk bank, as Shonagh has just started to donate, having been inspired by Charlotte’s story in episode 67.You can follow Shonagh on Instagram @‌shonaghmackMy new 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, that's uk.jkp.com 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.
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Jun 9, 2025 • 1h 6min

Pumping and flanges with Amber Clark IBCLC

 Every so often a project comes along with the potential to radically change the experience of lactating parents. My guest this week, Amber, has one such project.Amber Clark is an infant feeding specialist nurse and IBCLC working in Wessex. Her work, the Early Breast Milk Improvement Project is all about improving outcomes for pumpers by fitting flanges properly and increasing pumping efficiency.In our conversation, we delve deep into the world of breast pumping and flange sizes. Amber shares her expertise and exciting findings, covering the critical impact of correctly fitted flanges, the challenges of standard pump sizes, and practical advice for both health professionals and parents. Find the project toolkit here - https://healthinnovationwessex.org.uk/projects/658/early-breast-milk-improvement-project-toolkitAnd the research that inspired Amber here - https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/08903344241296036Amber is @‌empoweredbirthuk on Instagram or you can contact her at amberclarkibclc@gmail.comMy new 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, that's uk.jkp.com 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.
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Jun 2, 2025 • 1h 4min

Becca's story - returning to breastfeeding after exclusive pumping

Sometimes the thing we need most is the space and time to figure it out ourselves.My guest this week, Becca from Oxfordshire, had a challenging start to breastfeeding her son, Rupert. A combination of a tongue tie, slightly inverted nipples, and troubles latching, led to severe nipple damage just days after Rupert’s birth. Becca turned to exclusive pumping to let her nipples heal, and days turned into weeks. Despite her struggles, Becca found hope and support through local breastfeeding groups and charities.  Giving herself the time and space to figure out what worked for her, she eventually returned to successful breastfeeding after five weeks and is still feeding Rupert now at 16 months. Find out about the charities that helped Becca - Oxfordshire Breastfeeding Support https://oxbreastfeedingsupport.org/Wallingford Babybar https://www.wallingfordbabybar.co.uk/Didcot Baby Monday  https://www.didcotbabymonday.co.uk/My new 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, that's uk.jkp.com 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.

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