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

Few people who practise mostly child-led weaning know when their last feed is. Feeds tend to get few and far between until one day, you realise that it’s probably over. When that happened for today’s guest, Lucy, she chose to mark the occasion by writing a beautiful letter to her daughter, Ivy, which she shares here. However, Ivy had other plans! She returned to breastfeeding, alongside her younger sister, Erin. Lucy continues to then tandem feed both girls, now 5 and 2 but Ivy is very close to the end of her journey. Lucy also shares her struggles with aversion and tongue tie.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 - Hearts Milk Bank - Human Milk Foundation https://humanmilkfoundation.org/hearts-milk-bank/When Breastfeeding Sucks: What you need to know about nursing aversion and agitation (lllgbbooks.co.uk) https://www.lllgbbooks.co.uk/store/p237/WhenBreastfeedingSucks.htmlThis podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC, and produced by Emily Crosby Media.

This week it’s the return of your questions - this time on the topic of natural term breastfeeding.Questions answered - 2:28How does self weaning happen?8:57Is there evidence of calories needed to not affect milk supply while pursuing weight loss?12:47My baby is 13 months old and my health visitor recently said she only needs two feeds a day at this age, so not to feel guilty if I want to impose limitations. Is this rooted in any evidence?15:03Breastfeeding and travel - I need to go away for three to four days. This is the first time I've had more than six hours separation from my son since his birth. I'm not sure how to go about it.22:51I would like to know what you can do if you were tandem feeding, and suddenly start to have strong nursing aversions with the older nursling but don't want to wean, especially if the older one is a Boobie Monster and demands boob for nap and multiple times in the night.27:40I would love to know what natural term feeding looks like?29:50I don't want to wean, but I need to be away from my 18 month old for an indeterminate amount of nights. I know breastfeeding can re-start after a break, but is there a length of time where being away could force weaning?33:24Excuse my new mom ignorance, natural term breastfeeding - does that mean that it ends on baby's terms or when milk dries up?38:27 How do I overcome the feelings of guilt for schedule feeding my firstborn from four months, and then he lost interest in breastfeeding around one year. And now I'm feeding and comfort feeding my now one-year-old all through the night and sometimes in the day? It seems so unfair.42:05I'd love to know more about uni boobing, and how common this is when natural term breastfeeding? Does your supply increase on that side? Or does it cap at whatever you've been doing for so long?45:10Something about dealing with judgement would be helpful. I do plan to carry on but I'm a bit worried about other people's judgement when I'm out and about and I'm starting to feel a bit uncomfortable at 12 months.49:38 Can I get some information on the benefits of breastfeeding older children?51:08Could you discuss natural term breastfeeding when feeding a younger sibling, so a four year old and a two year old, for example?52:24It's common advice to not offer a child alternatives if they're being a picky eater, especially something they previously liked. How do I weigh this up against responsive feeding? 56:42I'm at 20 months. I'm not planning to wean anytime soon, but I'm trying to put some boundaries in place. Do I just keep trying? Or does she need more time to get used to the idea of breastfeeding not always being there on demand?1:00:15Okay, this might be TMI, but I really want to know if my nipples are ever going to shrink back. Is there anything I can do to change my nipple shape?1:01:25I'd love to know if using a dummy as a toddler, and if mom getting pregnant can affect natural term breastfeeding?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 - When Breastfeeding Sucks: What you need to know about nursing aversion and agitation (lllgbbooks.co.uk)Instagram accounts - Lucy Upton @childrensdietitianStacey Zimmels @feedeatspeakThis podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC, and produced by Emily Crosby Media.

If you’ve been around breastfeeding support for any amount of time in the UK, you will have benefited from the work of my guest this week. There are few people who have made such an impact on the lives of breastfeeding families. Wendy Jones MBE is a founding member of the Breastfeeding Network (BfN). She ran the Drugs in Breastmilk helpline for many years and she is a respected author of many books and countless fact sheets on breastfeeding and medication.It was a pleasure to have Wendy on the podcast to talk about all of these things, as well as contraception use in early breastfeeding, how she would advise dads/ partners and grannies to best support their loved ones, and breastfeeding and breast cancer.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.comYou can find more about Wendy at her website - https://breastfeeding-and-medication.co.uk/And her books here https://breastfeeding-and-medication.co.uk/booksThe Breastfeeding Network Drugs in Breastmilk service and the factsheets - https://www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/drugs-factsheets/Advice and support for cancer during pregnancy and infancy - https://www.mummysstar.org/This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC, and produced by Emily Crosby Media.

This week’s story from Chloe is about not just breastfeeding through pain and discomfort, but also a wound that seemingly would not heal. Chloe dealt with repeated bouts of mastitis, and an infection, before finally being pain free after 8 months of breastfeeding. She is also a nurse, specialising in wound management, so she’s uniquely placed to talk about how infection and pain affected her feeding journey with her daughter, Nova, and how they overcame their challenges to continue feeding for almost two years. 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.

I’m honoured this week to talk to Leanne Pearce about five of her paintings depicting human milk feeding, and her work in general. You can look at the paintings we focus on as you listen by going to Leanne’s website - www.leannepearce.co.uk/emma-pickett-podcast or by visiting my instagram account @emmapickettibclc. Leanne is a contemporary British artist specialising in portraiture. She has featured twice on Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the year. Her skill in elevating early years, breastfeeding and parenthood has led her to be commissioned to work on a variety of projects namely Breastfeeding the Brave, Connecting Hearts for Hearts Human Milk Bank and Family Hubs, Blackburn and Gateshead. Her ability to beautifully capture the complex emotions around breastfeeding and lactation makes her the perfect choice.You can buy affordable prints of Leanne’s work at her website: https://www.leannepearce.co.uk/. Or talk to her about a commission or exhibiting her work.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.comFor more about the exhibitions and art featured in this episode - https://humanmilkfoundation.org/get-involved/connectinghearts/https://breastfeedingthebrave.com/https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/health/st-oswalds-hospice-launches-emotional-29147062.ampThis podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC, and produced by Emily Crosby Media.

There are as many approaches to weaning as there are nurslings, so in this episode, I thought I’d get another perspective from an IBCLC across the pond. Katy Baker-Cohen works with the Nurse Family Partnership and has her own private practice called Crescent Lactation Care based in Pennsylvania. Together we talk about our approaches to transitioning from breastfeeding, how to talk about bed sharing, methods of night weaning, and which methods we don’t encourage for families choosing parent-led weaning.Find out more about Katy at https://www.crescentlactationcare.com/She is @‌crescentlactationcare on instagramMy 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 - “the no man’s land of lactation” Finding the answers to your weaning questions right in your own heart. Crescent Lactation CareSleep, Changing Patterns In The Family Bed — Jay Gordon, MD, FAAP (drjaygordon.com)Breastfeeding Grief | Professor Amy BrownWhen Breastfeeding Sucks: What you need to know about nursing aversion and agitation, by Zainab YateThis podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC, and produced by Emily Crosby Media.

In this episode, Charlotte shares her story of her son Noah’s journey with faltering growth and weight gain challenges. Her family struggled with bottle refusal, insufficient NHS support and hospital stays. Thanks partly to the remote support of lactation consultants, Noah is a happy 14 month old today with some great fat rolls, but the journey to get here was not an easy one.Charlotte is @the.smart.doula on instagramCharlotte talks about working with the brilliant Lucy Webber IBCLC. You can hear Lucy talking about the fourth trimester in episode 33 of this podcast. Lactation Consultant | Lucy Webber IBCLC | Bristol, England (lmjinfantfeedingsupport.com)She also talks about Charlotte Young IBCLC from Milk Matters Infant Feeding Solutions – Infant feeding information, support & educationMy 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.

My guest today has achieved something that many people don’t think is possible - breastfeeding triplets. Tracey Chow-Seegoolam was already feeding her son Miles when she found out she was pregnant with three more babies. In our conversation, we talk about how Miles weaned during the pregnancy, where Tracey found support and advice for breastfeeding multiples, how she built up her supply through the hard work of triple feeding and pumping, and how she continues to feed Lewis, Felix and Elodie. It’s a story of determination, self-belief and the importance of getting accurate information and support. Breastfeeding multiples, including triplets, is definitely possible.Find Tracey on Instagram @tracey.c.s Find support for breastfeeding multiples from www.breastfeedingtwinsandtriplets.co.uk and their Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/BfTwinsUk/?locale=en_GBMy 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, doula and peer supporter Terri Dell is sharing her breastfeeding story which ends with her night weaning her daughter Riley on attempt number 3. It’s a story that covers some early challenges but ends with a demonstration of how putting some boundaries in place, and getting to grips with nursing manners, can help a breastfeeding journey to continue. As Terri describes, she ‘fell back in love with breastfeeding’ once she started to look after her own needs in the nursing relationship.Terri is on instagram as @terridellMy 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.

The breadth of experiences that people from the LGBTQI+ community go through cannot possibly be covered in one episode, but today we’re making a start on how to support the community with lactation in its many forms.I’m speaking to BJ Woodstein IBCLC, who is also a doula, an academic and a translator, about the many choices open to Queer parents, including induced lactation, feeding after surrogacy and SNS chest feeding, as well as the discrimination that many face during medical care and in the workplace.Follow BJ on Instagram @‌bjwoodsteinHer website is www.bjwoodstein.comAnd her book, We’re Here! A Practical Guide to Becoming an LGBTQ+ Parent by B.J. Woodstein - PraeclarusPressMy 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 - Some listings and resources mentioned here (US focused): Our Favorite Queer and Trans-Centered Resources for Families and Birth Workers — Birthing Advocacy Doula Trainings (badoulatrainings.org)UK directory here: The Great LGBTQ UK Business Directory! http://lesbemums.comThis podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC, and produced by Emily Crosby Media.