Makes Milk with Emma Pickett: breastfeeding from the beginning to the end

Volunteer breastfeeding peer supporters are among the unsung heroes of the breastfeeding and chest feeding world. This week we’re exploring who they are and what they do. I’m joined by two peer supporters, Hilary and Katrina, who volunteer for Treasure Chest, in York. We talk about how they came to train as supporters, what they enjoy and find challenging about the role, and how they help families with their feeding journey.Maybe being a peer supporter is something that you might be interested in? Check out what’s available locally, or in the UK, visit the Breastfeeding Network website to see if there’s a project near you: What is peer support? - The Breastfeeding Network. You can also train with the Association of Breastfeeding Mothers from anywhere in the UK: Breastfeeding Training – ABMFind out more about Treasure Chest on Instagram at @treasurechestyork or on their website https://treasurechest.org.uk/We talk in the episode about child loss and bereavement, as Hilary’s son Kester died when he was two. Hilary recommends some useful resources here: https://www.careforthefamily.org.uk/support-for-you/family-life/bereavement-support/bereaved-parent-support/My new book, ‘Supporting the Transition from Breastfeeding: a Guide to Weaning for Professionals, Supporters and Parents’, is out now.You can get 10% off the book at the Jessica Kingsley press website, that's uk.jkp.com using the code MMPE10 at checkout.Follow me on Twitter @MakesMilk and on Instagram  @emmapickettibclc or find out more on my website www.emmapickettbreastfeedingsupport.comThis podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC, and produced by Emily Crosby Media.

It’s my pleasure to be joined this week by Rakhee to talk about her gradual weaning journey with her daughter Isla. It was lack of sleep and aversion connected to her cycle that made Rakhee consider putting in some boundaries with Isla when she was around 18 months. With the support of her husband, Sandy, she made these changes very slowly, allowing for Isla to adapt and grow as she went. Eventually they ended their breastfeeding journey this year, when Isla was 3 years old.This story touches on post-nursery feeds, aversion, and fear or anxiety over a child’s distress.My new book, ‘Supporting the Transition from Breastfeeding: a Guide to Weaning for Professionals, Supporters and Parents’, is out now.You can get 10% off the book at the Jessica Kingsley press website, that's uk.jkp.com using the code MMPE10 at checkout.Follow me on Twitter @MakesMilk and on Instagram  @emmapickettibclc or find out more on my website www.emmapickettbreastfeedingsupport.comThis podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC, and produced by Emily Crosby Media.

This summer bonus episode is a replay of episode 5, where I explore your motivations for weaning, and whether a refresh on nursing manners could help. I talk about ways you can upskill to meet your child’s needs without the breast, how to cut down on the number of feeds and how you can talk with your child to wean with kindness and authenticity.I’m taking a break over the summer holidays, and replaying a few of my most popular episodes. I’ll be back with a brand new episode on 3rd September 2024.My new book, ‘Supporting the Transition from Breastfeeding: a Guide to Weaning for Professionals, Supporters and Parents’, is out now.You can get 10% off the book at the Jessica Kingsley press website, that's uk.jkp.com using the code MMPE10 at checkout.Follow me on Twitter @MakesMilk and on Instagram  @emmapickettibclc or find out more on my website www.emmapickettbreastfeedingsupport.comResources mentioned in this episode - Nursies When the Sun Shines: A Little Book on Nightweaning, by Katherine C HavenerBooby Moon: A weaning book for toddlers, by Yvette ReidGoodbye Mummy's Milk! by Mariapaola WeeksThe Aware Parenting InstituteThis podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC, and produced by Emily Crosby Media.

This summer bonus episode is a replay of episode 2, where I explore why you might want to end breastfeeding/chest feeding. I discuss the misleading advice that some parents receive, the societal pressures, and the guilt that you may be feeling, but also the autonomy that you can have to make this decision for yourself and your family.I’m taking a break over the summer holidays, and replaying a few of my most popular episodes. I’ll be back with a brand new episode on 3rd September 2024.My new book, ‘Supporting the Transition from Breastfeeding: a Guide to Weaning for Professionals, Supporters and Parents’, is out now.You can get 10% off the book at the Jessica Kingsley press website, that's uk.jkp.com using the code MMPE10 at checkout.Follow me on Twitter @MakesMilk and on Instagram  @emmapickettibclc or find out more on my website www.emmapickettbreastfeedingsupport.comResources mentioned in this episode -Online -@Feedeatspeak (Stacy Zimmels on Instagram)Nourishing the Mother podcast – Bridget Wood and Julie Tenner Drugs in Breastmilk Service in the UK (https://www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/detailed-information/drugs-in-breastmilk/). Other services available include the Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) and the InfantRisk center led by Dr Thomas Hale.Books - Adventures in Tandem Nursing – Hilary FlowerTaking charge of your fertility – Toni WeschlerWhy breastfeeding grief and trauma matter – Amy BrownThe book you wish your parents had read (and your children will be glad that you did) – Philippa PerryArticles - Articles on breastfeeding and sub-fertility – Carol Smyth IBCLCPosition Statement on the Shared Caregiving of the Breastfed Child – Breastfeeding for doctorsThis podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC, and produced by Emily Crosby Media.

‘You’re not feeding him again are you?’ ‘I’m only saying this because I’m worried about you’ ‘Don’t you think she’s a bit old for that now?’ Unsupportive comments from family members can be hurtful and stressful for you and your child. Especially when you’re trying to relax and enjoy your holiday.This summer bonus episode is a replay of episode 16, where Raksha and Lauren share their stories of difficult relatives, and we share some tips for dealing with them.I’m taking a break over the summer holidays, and replaying a few of my most popular episodes. I’ll be back with a brand new episode on 3rd September 2024.My new book, ‘Supporting the Transition from Breastfeeding: a Guide to Weaning for Professionals, Supporters and Parents’, is out now.You can get 10% off the book at the Jessica Kingsley press website, that's uk.jkp.com using the code MMPE10 at checkout.Follow me on Twitter @MakesMilk and on Instagram  @emmapickettibclc or find out more on my website www.emmapickettbreastfeedingsupport.comThis podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC, and produced by Emily Crosby Media.

Today we’re talking about a condition that is surprisingly common in babies, but little known - torticollis.Alessia Testa had already suffered mastitis following a painful latch on one side by the time her son was six weeks old, but it was her insistence that her son had a head tilt that led to him being diagnosed and treated. With the help of physiotherapy and some simple changes at home, Luca’s neck muscles have stretched and strengthened, and he now feeds well as an 18 month old.We’re also joined by Nicola Walker, an infant feeding specialist, and senior physiotherapist, to help answer the science questions, and explain how you can get help if you have noticed head tilt or facial asymmetry in your child. We discuss the breastfeeding implications of torticollis, sternocleidomastoid tumour, and plagiocephaly - some big words that can feel intimidating, but support is out there.My new book, ‘Supporting the Transition from Breastfeeding: a Guide to Weaning for Professionals, Supporters and Parents’, is out now.You can get 10% off the book at the Jessica Kingsley press website, that's uk.jkp.com using the code MMPE10 at checkout.Follow me on Twitter @MakesMilk and on Instagram  @emmapickettibclc or find out more on my website www.emmapickettbreastfeedingsupport.comResources mentioned - @babybegin on Instagram@kinactive_kids on Instagram https://www.cwgenna.com/This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC, and produced by Emily Crosby Media.

This week we’re talking about all things childcare and I’m delighted to be joined by Molly Morgan, a holistic sleep coach & maternity nurse. Molly and I discuss choosing between a nursery, childminder or nanny, what to look out for when making your decision, how a setting can support your breastfeeding journey and some of the practicalities of breastfeeding a child around nursery schedules.Find Molly on Instagram at @molly_foxandthemoonor on www.foxandthemoon.co.uk/My new book, ‘Supporting the Transition from Breastfeeding: a Guide to Weaning for Professionals, Supporters and Parents’, is out now.You can get 10% off the book at the Jessica Kingsley press website, that's uk.jkp.com using the code MMPE10 at checkout.Follow me on Twitter @MakesMilk and on Instagram  @emmapickettibclc or find out more on my website www.emmapickettbreastfeedingsupport.comThis podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC, and produced by Emily Crosby Media.

This week, I’m honoured to have a true legend of UK breastfeeding support for you - Sarah Oakley, IBCLC, Registered Nurse and Health Visitor and Tongue-Tie Practitioner.Sarah and I discuss how and why tongue-ties happen, what you can expect from a tongue-tie division, if it’s right for your child, how to find a practitioner and what after-care is needed. We also dive into the ethics and history of tongue-tie diagnosis, whether divisions are always helpful, and Sarah’s involvement with the Association of Tongue-Tie Practitioners. My new book, ‘Supporting the Transition from Breastfeeding: a Guide to Weaning for Professionals, Supporters and Parents’, is out now.You can get 10% off the book at the Jessica Kingsley press website, that's uk.jkp.com using the code MMPE10 at checkout.Follow me on Twitter @MakesMilk and on Instagram  @emmapickettibclc or find out more on my website www.emmapickettbreastfeedingsupport.comFind out more about Sarah on her website www.sarahoakleylactation.co.uk/tongue-tie-assessment-and-division-servicesSarah’s book is called Why Tongue-tie Matters www.pinterandmartin.com/products/why-tongue-tie-mattersFind a practitioner at The Association of Tongue Tie Practitioners www.tongue-tie.org.ukThis podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC, and produced by Emily Crosby Media.

Katie had a difficult route to pregnancy, going through two rounds of IVF and several transfers, as well as multiple surgeries to prepare her for conception. Her story is one of struggle, but also of trusting her instincts to continue. Did her route to conception give her more determination to make breastfeeding work? After a c-section delivery, her daughter, Ava, struggled to latch with a high palate, but with the help of nipple shields and pumping, they made it through. Now a year on, Ava feeds well and Katie has no plans to stop soon.You can follow Katie on Instagram at @k_comer82She recommends these instagram accounts on endometriosis:@gynaegeek@endometriosis.surgeon.ukMy new book, ‘Supporting the Transition from Breastfeeding: a Guide to Weaning for Professionals, Supporters and Parents’, is out now.You can get 10% off the book at the Jessica Kingsley press website, that's uk.jkp.com using the code MMPE10 at checkout.Follow me on Twitter @MakesMilk and on Instagram  @emmapickettibclc or find out more on my website www.emmapickettbreastfeedingsupport.comThis podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC, and produced by Emily Crosby Media.

Breastfeeding and perimenopause both suffer from a lack of research and investment. When you put the two together, mothers in their 40s and 50s are often met with a lack of understanding and no clear path to follow. So this week, I’ve got together two women who know as much as anyone can do about these tricky subjects, Dr Claire Phipps, the Menopause GP, and Tamzin West IBCLC, to help me untangle the truth and the rumours.We talk about the symptoms of perimenopause and why blood testing doesn’t always help, how HRT and other treatments interact with lactation, and we answer your questions about sleep, bone health, rage and fertility while breastfeeding during perimenopause.You can follow Tamzin on Instagram @‌seedsofloveibclc and @‌breastfeedingandmenopauseand Claire @‌themenopauseGPMy new book, ‘Supporting the Transition from Breastfeeding: a Guide to Weaning for Professionals, Supporters and Parents’, is out now.You can get 10% off the book at the Jessica Kingsley press website, that's uk.jkp.com using the code MMPE10 at checkout.Follow me on Twitter @MakesMilk and on Instagram  @emmapickettibclc or find out more on my website www.emmapickettbreastfeedingsupport.comResources mentioned -British Menopause Society https://thebms.org.uk/Understanding Menopause Booklet from Diane Danzebrink https://menopausesupport.co.uk/?page_id=17128This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC, and produced by Emily Crosby Media.