Explore every episode of the podcast Makes Milk with Emma Pickett: breastfeeding from the beginning to the end
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gabrielle's story - tandem feeding and the protection of breastfeeding | 11 Nov 2025 | 01:01:17 | |
This week I’m speaking to the lovely Gabby from Edinburgh about her experiences with tandem breastfeeding her two children, who are three and a half years and 10 months old. Gabby discusses the practicalities and challenges of her tandem feeding journey, including co-sleeping, night weaning, and dealing with her eldest child's sleep apnea. She shares her struggles with breastfeeding her younger child, who initially refused to latch due to her infection, and the steps she took, including seeking professional help, to successfully re-establish breastfeeding. Gabby also talks about her health conditions, including Ehlers-Danlos Hypermobility Syndrome and Ankylosing Spondylitis, and how breastfeeding has proven to be protective for her own health. 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, that's uk.jkp.com using the code MMPE10 at checkout.
Resources mentioned - We talked about Carla Rodrigues https://www.latchworld.co.uk/ Stretched to the Limits by Rachel Fitz-Desorgher https://www.hachette.co.uk/titles/rachel-fitz-desorgher-2/stretched-to-the-limits/9781839972492/
This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC, and produced by Emily Crosby Media. | |||
| Low milk supply with Caoimhe Whelan IBCLC | 04 Nov 2025 | 01:08:36 | |
This week, I’m talking to the wonderful Caoimhe Whelan IBCLC, an Irish lactation consultant and author, about her specialist subject, primary low milk supply. Caoimhe shares her research on insufficient glandular tissue and its impact on breastfeeding mothers and families. We talk about antenatal and postnatal support, the complexities of diagnosing low milk supply, and the role of technology and galactagogues. You can find out more about Caoimhe on her website https://latch.ie/ and find her research at https://internationalbreastfeedingjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13006-025-00699-4 You can find out more about her fabulous book here: Practical Breastfeeding | Book by Caoimhe Whelan, Lauren Rebbeck, Nicola O'Byrne | Official Publisher Page | Simon & Schuster 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.
Resources mentioned - https://www.lowmilksupply.org/about https://professoramybrown.co.uk/breastfeeding-grief
This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC, and produced by Emily Crosby Media. | |||
| Hannah's story - IGT and working with Imogen Unger IBCLC | 16 Sep 2025 | 01:15:49 | |
This week, I’m joined by two special guests: Hannah Clapham, mum of two and a holistic sleep coach, and Imogen Unger, a seasoned lactation consultant with over 20 years of experience. Hannah has Insufficient Glandular Tissue (IGT) and struggled with her first breastfeeding experience. She was better-prepared for her second experience, bolstered by Imogen's support, and continues to breastfeed her two-year- old son to this day. We discuss the complexities of diagnosing and managing low milk supply and how the right support can make the difference. Find Imogen on her website https://www.imogenunger.com/ or on Instagram @imogenibclc. Hannah is @littlenestsleep on Instagram. 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 Other resources mentioned - Caoimhe Whelan is an IBCLC with a particular knowledge of low milk supply: https://latch.ie/ Finding Sufficiency: Breastfeeding with insufficient glandular tissue https://www.lllgbbooks.co.uk/store/p230/FindingSufficiency.html Breastfeeding Grief and Trauma https://professoramybrown.co.uk/breastfeeding-grief
This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC, and produced by Emily Crosby Media. | |||
| Breastfeeding and allergies | 30 Jan 2024 | 01:08:45 | |
Allergic reactions can be swift and frightening, but they can also be persistent and confusing. They are not only distressing for the baby, but also for their carers too, and the treatment often involves elimination diets for the nursing parent. This week I’ve got Kaya Thorpe IBCLC with me, who has personal and professional experience of coping with allergies in infants. Kaya explains what allergies are, how they present in babies and how we can treat them. Find out more about Kaya at The Milk Hub www.themilkhub.co.uk or www.lowestoftandwaveneybreastfeeding.co.uk Find out more about breastfeeding and chest feeding older babies and children in my book Supporting Breastfeeding Past the First Six Months and Beyond: A Guide for Professionals and Parents Get 10% off my books with the code MMPE10 from 21st December 2023. Find them at https://uk.jkp.com/collections/author-emma-pickett-pid-240164 Follow me on Twitter @MakesMilk and on Instagram @emmapickettibclc or find out more on my website www.emmapickettbreastfeedingsupport.com Resources mentioned Infant milk information from First Steps Nutrition Trust - https://infantmilkinfo.org/ Dr Chris van Tulleken article - https://allergynorthwest.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Allergy-CMPA-Overdiagnosis-Industry-BMJ-2018.pdf This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC, and produced by Emily Crosby Media. | |||
| The one with the abscess and the breastfeeding | 23 Jan 2024 | 01:07:11 | |
As a self-confessed TV addict, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to talk to Lauren Heeley, Senior Script Editor at Emmerdale, about representations of breastfeeding on TV. We begin with Lauren’s own story, a struggle to get help when an infection became an abscess just weeks after her daughter was born. Then at around 20 minutes, we discuss breastfeeding in some of our favourite, and not so favourite shows, including Friends, The Office (US) Game of Thrones and the notorious, Little Britain. Find out more about breastfeeding and chest feeding older babies and children in my book Supporting Breastfeeding Past the First Six Months and Beyond: A Guide for Professionals and Parents Get 10% off my books with the code MMPE10 from 21st December 2023. Find them at https://uk.jkp.com/collections/author-emma-pickett-pid-240164 Watch the clips we talk about here - Friends: The one with the breastmilk Season 2 Episode 2 https://youtu.be/D2RNE-RttKg?si=n33-2s8JZblKC7Xb Friends: The one where Rachel has a baby. Season 9 Episode 1 https://youtu.be/PCNqt7qnXwo?si=-ZKCFFJiGPpO7ShF The Office US Season 6 Delivery Part 2 https://youtu.be/pS9rTOEN3FY?si=TJ8UlROW7on-stqw Peep Show - Luxury Milk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NtiyNv7zCbQ A Dark Adapted Eye - https://youtu.be/sE1hYGKNXt0?si=_i2Tnz4LHGYKmh-j Little Britain https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DuPBbFOiygo Follow me on Twitter @MakesMilk and 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. | |||
| All things poo! | 16 Jan 2024 | 01:13:09 | |
This might not be the episode to listen to while you are eating your breakfast. We’re talking poo. We’re covering texture, colour, smell, frequency - all the questions you ever wanted to ask, but were afraid to ask. And who better to answer those questions than Charlotte Treitl, IBCLC and founder of the Baby Poo Gallery? Charlotte and I discuss every aspect of poo from newborn to potty training, via allergies, when to seek medical help, elimination communication and much more. You can find follow Charlotte on Instagram @themilkrebel or find out more about her here About Us – Breastfeeding Support The Baby Poo Gallery is on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/babypoogallery Find out more about breastfeeding and chest feeding older babies and children in my book Supporting Breastfeeding Past the First Six Months and Beyond: A Guide for Professionals and Parents Get 10% off my books with the code MMPE10 from 21st December 2023. Find them at https://uk.jkp.com/collections/author-emma-pickett-pid-240164
This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC, and produced by Emily Crosby Media. | |||
| Unsettled babies | 09 Jan 2024 | 01:14:21 | |
Parenting an unsettled baby can be distressing and frustrating, especially when you feel like your concerns are not being heard. My guest this week, Shel Banks IBCLC, is working to help parents to address their worries, calm their babies and ultimately calm them. In our conversation, we touch on colic, reflux and faltering growth, looking at what each term really means and how they can be addressed. We also talk supplements, exclusion diets and probiotics. Find out more about Shel at www.shelbanks.co.uk or follow her on Instagram @shel_banks or Facebook www.facebook.com/ShelBanksIBCLC Find out more about breastfeeding and chest feeding older babies and children in my book Supporting Breastfeeding Past the First Six Months and Beyond: A Guide for Professionals and Parents Get 10% off two of my books with the code MMPE10 from 21st December 2023. Find them at https://uk.jkp.com/collections/author-emma-pickett-pid-240164 Follow me on Twitter @MakesMilk and on Instagram @emmapickettibclc or find out more on my website www.emmapickettbreastfeedingsupport.com Resources mentioned 20 Myths about Colic - Shel Banks http://babyem.co.uk/20-myths-about-colic/ Managing the baby with colicky symptoms - Shel Banks https://shelbanks.co.uk/managing-baby-colicky-symptoms NICE guidance on reflux https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng1 NICE guidance on faltering growth https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng75 Cochrane Review on diet changes for infant colic https://www.cochrane.org/CD011029/BEHAV_diet-changes-infant-colic Cochrane Review on probiotics to prevent infantile colic https://www.cochrane.org/CD012473/BEHAV_probiotics-prevent-infantile-colic This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC, and produced by Emily Crosby Media. | |||
| Diabetes and breastfeeding | 02 Jan 2024 | 01:02:34 | |
Can I still breastfeed with type 1 diabetes? What will happen to my baby now that I have gestational diabetes? In this episode, I’m talking to Lucy Lowe, an IBCLC specialising in working with diabetes in pregnancy. We talk about how gestational diabetes is diagnosed and treated, what steps you can take to prepare for breastfeeding a baby if you have any type of diabetes, and how to get more support. Find out more about breastfeeding and chest feeding older babies and children in my book Supporting Breastfeeding Past the First Six Months and Beyond: A Guide for Professionals and Parents Get 10% off two of my books with the code MMPE10 from 21st December 2023. Find them at https://uk.jkp.com/collections/author-emma-pickett-pid-240164 Follow me on Twitter @MakesMilk and on Instagram @emmapickettibclc or find out more on my website www.emmapickettbreastfeedingsupport.com Resources mentioned Free online antenatal course: https://abm.me.uk/product/team-baby-online-course/ Language Matters article https://www.diabetes.org.uk/resources-s3/2018-09/language-matters_language%20and%20diabetes.pdf https://www.laleche.org.uk/diabetes-and-breastfeeding/ https://www.lowestoftandwaveneybreastfeeding.co.uk/ https://www.breastfeedingsupportnorwich.com/ NICE guidelines: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng3 https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/qs109 https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/life-with-diabetes/pregnancy This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC, and produced by Emily Crosby Media. | |||
| Happy Christmas from Makes Milk | 24 Dec 2023 | 00:13:49 | |
Happy Christmas. I hope you’re having a lovely time, whether you’re celebrating with family and friends or tucked up at home. In this short episode, I want to offer you a few words of encouragement if you’re having a challenging time, and to answer a few common questions about food and alcohol consumption. If you need more support with your breastfeeding at this time of year, you can call the National Breastfeeding Helpline on 0300 100 0212. They’re open everyday from 9.30am to 9.30pm. Find out more about breastfeeding and chest feeding older babies and children in my book Supporting Breastfeeding Past the First Six Months and Beyond: A Guide for Professionals and Parents My book on supporting the end of breastfeeding: Supporting the Transition from breastfeeding: a guide to weaning for professionals, supporters and parents is out in February and can be pre-ordered here: Supporting the Transition from Breastfeeding: A Guide to Weaning for Professionals, Supporters and Parents: Amazon.co.uk: Pickett, Emma: 9781839977855: Books Follow me on Twitter @MakesMilk and 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. | |||
| Breastfeeding boundaries and big feelings | 19 Dec 2023 | 01:15:54 | |
There aren’t many things in a little person’s life that they have control over. When you start to impose boundaries or limit their autonomy over breastfeeding, you can often find that some big feelings come out in response. This week, I’m joined by parenting mentor Shelley Clarke, to talk about how we can help our little people experience those big feelings safely, what learning we may need to do about ourselves, and how you can strengthen your relationship as you negotiate change. Find out more about Shelley on her website - www.shelleyclarke.com Find out more about breastfeeding and chest feeding older babies and children in my book Supporting Breastfeeding Past the First Six Months and Beyond: A Guide for Professionals and Parents Follow me on Twitter @MakesMilk and on Instagram @emmapickettibclc or find out more on my website www.emmapickettbreastfeedingsupport.com Resources mentioned - The Aware Parenting Institute - www.awareparenting.com This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC, and produced by Emily Crosby Media. | |||
| Oversupply | 12 Dec 2023 | 01:12:10 | |
Many parents worry that they won’t make enough milk for their child to thrive, but oversupply is much less talked about. For families who experience it though, it can cause pain, worry and lots of stress. This week I’m joined by fellow IBCLC Alice Lucken to identify the signs of oversupply, its causes, and what you can do to ease it. We talk about pumping, positioning, block nursing and supplements, as well as well-meaning advice to avoid. Follow Alice on Instagram @babyetaluk or go to her website Home - Baby et Al Find out more from my article on oversupply: “You’ve got so much milk! You’re so lucky!” “No, I’m bloody not”: oversupply, ‘colic’ and ‘reflux’ — Emma Pickett IBCLC (squarespace.com) Find out more about breastfeeding and chest feeding older babies and children in my book Supporting Breastfeeding Past the First Six Months and Beyond: A Guide for Professionals and Parents Follow me on Twitter @MakesMilk and on Instagram @emmapickettibclc or find out more on my website www.emmapickettbreastfeedingsupport.com Resources mentioned - The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding: The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding (lllgbbooks.co.uk) UK Human Milk Bank - Breast Milk Donation, BreastMilk Storage, UKAMB This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC, and produced by Emily Crosby Media. | |||
| Breastfeeding after loss | 05 Dec 2023 | 01:29:11 | |
Deborah’s story is a long one and it deserves to be. The story of her multiple losses helps us to understand why her breastfeeding journey with her son had the impact that it still does today. This may not be an easy listen for anyone who has experienced baby loss themselves but it’s also a story of hope and repair. It’s a valuable listen for anyone who works with new families and needs to better understand the rainbow baby journey. Breastfeeding can do a lot of very special things, including changing a parent’s relationship with their own body. Running gets a shout out too! Follow Deborah on Instagram @_spilling_the_milk and @mother_runner_ Get support for baby loss at Together, for every baby - Charity for Babies | Tommy's (tommys.org) and Aching Arms – the charity bringing comfort after baby loss Find out more about breastfeeding and chest feeding older babies and children in my book Supporting Breastfeeding Past the First Six Months and Beyond: A Guide for Professionals and Parents
This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC, and produced by Emily Crosby Media. | |||
| Dealing with family pressure | 28 Nov 2023 | 01:04:01 | |
‘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. In this episode, Raksha and Lauren share their stories of difficult relatives, and we share some tips for dealing with them. You can find more from me on this topic in A first Christmas - The Natural Parent Magazine And support from other parents here Breastfeeding Older Babies and Beyond | Facebook Find out more about breastfeeding and chest feeding older babies and children in my book Supporting Breastfeeding Past the First Six Months and Beyond: A Guide for Professionals and Parents
This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC, and produced by Emily Crosby Media. | |||
| Becky’s story - a solo motherhood journey | 09 Sep 2025 | 00:47:14 | |
Part two of our exploration of solo mums by choice features Becky's breastfeeding journey with her two-year-old son, Struan. Becky shares her experience with day weaning, initially influenced by societal pressures to stop breastfeeding to improve sleep, but ultimately finding a balance that works for her and Struan. The conversation also delves into Becky’s considerations for having a second child through IVF, her decision-making process around solo motherhood, and her support network. You can follow Becky on Instagram at @rracquah85 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.
This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC, and produced by Emily Crosby Media. | |||
| Breastfeeding and returning to work | 21 Nov 2023 | 00:48:53 | |
Returning to work and continuing to feed your little one can feel daunting. My guest this week, historian Genova Messiah, has been listening to the experiences of women returning to work from the 1950s onwards, and coupled with her own experience and training as a peer supporter, she couldn’t be a better person to talk to about how to work with your employer to get the best for them and your family. What are your legal rights in the UK? How can you make your return to work as easy as possible? Follow Genova on instagram: @yum.mumma Find out more about breastfeeding and chest feeding older babies and children in my book Supporting Breastfeeding Past the First Six Months and Beyond: A Guide for Professionals and Parents Follow me on Twitter @MakesMilk and on Instagram @emmapickettibclc or find out more on my website www.emmapickettbreastfeedingsupport.com Resources mentioned in this episode - Genova’s episode for the Childcare voices podcast: Breastfeeding (on-the-record.org.uk) Accommodating breastfeeding employees in the workplace | Acas Continuing to breastfeed when you return to work - Maternity Action This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC, and produced by Emily Crosby Media. | |||
| When breastfed babies see paediatricians | 14 Nov 2023 | 01:01:01 | |
This week, I have the honour of talking to Dr Vicky Thomas, consultant paediatrician and gastroenterologist. She’s here to talk about how paediatricians support families in the UK, some of the reasons why somebody might go to see a paediatrician if they're a breastfeeding family, and we talk about lots of things doctory and infant feeding. Resources mentioned - Breastfeeding the Brave - Lyndsey Hookway Some of Melissa Bartick’s work: Suboptimal breastfeeding in the United States: Maternal and pediatric health outcomes and costs (wiley.com) Adrienne Hedger’s cartoon here #12: 21 Too-Real Comics That Capture The Highs And Lows Of Breastfeeding | HuffPost UK Parenting (huffingtonpost.co.uk) The Lullaby Trust - Safer sleep for babies, Support for families Find out more about breastfeeding and chest feeding older babies and children in my book Supporting Breastfeeding Past the First Six Months and Beyond: A Guide for Professionals and Parents Follow me on Twitter @MakesMilk and 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. | |||
| Starting solid food | 07 Nov 2023 | 01:05:08 | |
This week we’re talking weaning as in starting food, rather than weaning from the breast. I’m joined by Cordelia Uys, an NCT breastfeeding counsellor who supports parents with introducing solids, to answer your questions about all things food. You can hear more from Cordelia on her website https://www.cordeliauys.co.uk/ and follow here on instagram @cordeliauys. Questions answered in this episode - 2:10 Why is the recommendation to introduce solids around six months? Find out more about breastfeeding and chest feeding older babies and children in my book Supporting Breastfeeding Past the First Six Months and Beyond: A Guide for Professionals and Parents Follow me on Twitter @MakesMilk and on Instagram @emmapickettibclc or find out more on my website www.emmapickettbreastfeedingsupport.com Resources mentioned - Choking video: Children First Aid: Choking baby - YouTube Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (UK) on feeding in the first year, with discussion on why solids at 6 months: Feeding in the first year of life: SACN report - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) November 2022 newsletter — First Steps Nutrition Trust (discussion of allergy studies) Why Starting Solids Matters - Pinter & Martin Publishers (pinterandmartin.com) The Baby-led Weaning Cookbook (penguin.co.uk) For more resources and Instagram accounts to follow see Transcript This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC, and produced by Emily Crosby Media. | |||
| Breastfeeding positions | 31 Oct 2023 | 01:01:28 | |
Finding a way to effectively and comfortably feed your baby can sometimes feel like a challenge. Luckily, there are wonderful people like my guest, Maddie McMahon, who can help with all things positioning, attachment and so much more. In our wide-ranging conversation, we talk about Maddie’s charity, Maddie’s Miracle, why cross-cradle hold isn’t for everyone, alternative feeding positions, and whether pain is ‘natural’ in breastfeeding. Find out more about Maddie on her website - https://maddiemcmahon.com/ Find out more about breastfeeding and chest feeding older babies and children in my book Supporting Breastfeeding Past the First Six Months and Beyond: A Guide for Professionals and Parents Resources mentioned - My Book: Why Doulas Matter - The Birth Hub Why Mothering Matters - Pinter & Martin Publishers (pinterandmartin.com) How to Become a Doula - Developing Doulas Mobile Breastfeeding Support - Maddie's Miracle (maddiesmiracle.org.uk) Breastfeeding Resources – Cambridge Breastfeeding Alliance BASIS – Baby Sleep Information Source (basisonline.org.uk)
This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC, and produced by Emily Crosby Media. | |||
| Lactation and fertility | 24 Oct 2023 | 00:54:36 | |
Trigger warning: This episode discusses fertility struggles, miscarriage and early pregnancy loss. Fertility and breastfeeding can be confusing, with conflicting information coming from friends, family and medical practitioners, so in this episode I speak to the knowledgeable Carol Smyth IBCLC to try and make sense of the issue. We talk about what effect breastfeeding has on your hormones, when periods return after birth, nursing and assisted conception, charting and perimenopause. You can find more from Carol, including her articles about fertility at www.carolsmyth.co.uk The books Carol mentioned are Taking Charge Of Your Fertility: The Definitive Guide to Natural Birth Control, Pregnancy Achievement and Reproductive Health by Toni Weschler Find out more about breastfeeding and chest feeding older babies and children in my book Supporting Breastfeeding Past the First Six Months and Beyond: A Guide for Professionals and Parents Follow me on Twitter @MakesMilk and 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. | |||
| Catherine's weaning story | 17 Oct 2023 | 01:02:23 | |
Catherine’s story touched on a lot of elements: managing with tongue tie, triple feeding, looking after yourself, setting feeding goals and knowing when parent-led weaning and putting in boundaries feels right. We look at managing the big feelings of little people, the aware parenting philosophy, the importance of support and that final breastfeed when the time comes. You can find Catherine on instagram as @stroudgentlesleepsupport, where you can follow her link to learn more about her professional life. Catherine’s new project is Stroud Motherhood Collective. You can find more about that on instagram @stroudmotherhoodcollective or at stroudmotherhood.com. Shout out to gbsn.org.uk who get a mention - the wonderful Gloucestershire Breastfeeding Support.
This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC, and produced by Emily Crosby Media. | |||
| Weaning a neurodivergent child - Eleanor’s story | 10 Oct 2023 | 00:57:13 | |
Are there additional challenges to weaning a neurodivergent child? What strategies can we employ to wean with care and kindness when neurodivergence is involved? In the next two episodes, I’m sharing two different perspectives, from Eleanor and Faith. In this episode, I speak to Eleanor about weaning her first child, Anna. Both Eleanor and Anna have recently been diagnosed with autism. We discuss the prevalence of neurodivergence in the breastfeeding supporter world, the similarities and differences between weaning her neurodivergent and neurotypical children, and Eleanor shares some resources that can be of help to parents and supporters. Find out more about breastfeeding and chest feeding older babies and children in my book Supporting Breastfeeding Past the First Six Months and Beyond: A Guide for Professionals and Parents Follow me on Twitter @MakesMilk and on Instagram @emmapickettibclc or find out more on my website www.emmapickettbreastfeedingsupport.com Resources mentioned in this episode - Eleanor Campbell is @Eleanor.ibclc on Instagram and her website is www.eleanor-campbell-breastfeeding.com @DrAimeeGrant on Twitter Reframing Autism | Celebrating & nurturing Autistic identity This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC, and produced by Emily Crosby Media. | |||
| Weaning a neurodivergent child - Faith’s story | 10 Oct 2023 | 01:00:12 | |
Are there additional challenges to weaning a neurodivergent child? What strategies can we employ to wean with care and kindness when neurodivergence is involved? In the next two episodes, I’m sharing two different perspectives, from Eleanor and Faith. In this episode, I speak to Faith about weaning her son, Addison. We talk about having a newborn during the Covid lockdown, nursing manners, and leaning into your child’s passions to find alternatives to breastfeeding as you wean. Find out more about breastfeeding and chest feeding older babies and children in my book Supporting Breastfeeding Past the First Six Months and Beyond: A Guide for Professionals and Parents Follow me on Twitter @MakesMilk and 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. | |||
| Q&A on weaning | 03 Oct 2023 | 00:46:07 | |
Our weaning topic isn’t over yet, but this week, I wanted to answer some of your questions about weaning. You can find a list of the questions and when they come up below, and if you have a question that I haven’t covered yet, do message me on Instagram @emmapickettibclc and I’ll answer it in a later episode. Find out more about breastfeeding and chest feeding older babies and children in my book Supporting Breastfeeding Past the First Six Months and Beyond: A Guide for Professionals and Parents Follow me on Twitter @MakesMilk and on Instagram @emmapickettibclc or find out more on my website www.emmapickettbreastfeedingsupport.com Questions answered in this episode -
This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC, and produced by Emily Crosby Media. | |||
| Tandem feeding | 26 Sep 2023 | 00:59:28 | |
Continuing to breastfeed/ chest feed during pregnancy is normal but not always well understood. Many people feel pressure to stop nursing their child when a new baby comes along. They may be told that breastfeeding during pregnancy is the problem or weaning in pregnancy is essential to avoid the ‘nightmare’ of tandem feeding. In this episode, I explore the research about breastfeeding during pregnancy, and the experience of feeding two or more children at once. I answer some concerns and questions about tandem feeding, and I speak to Natalia about her experience of nursing and weaning her toddler when her second child was born. Find out more about the benefits of breastfeeding and chest feeding in my book Supporting Breastfeeding Past the First Six Months and Beyond: A Guide for Professionals and Parents Follow me on Twitter @MakesMilk and on Instagram @emmapickettibclc or find out more on my website www.emmapickettbreastfeedingsupport.com Resources mentioned in this episode - You can find a summary of the research on tandem feeding here https://www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/guest-post-breastfeeding-through-pregnancy-and-beyond/ Adventures in Tandem Nursing: Breastfeeding During Pregnancy and Beyond by Hillary Flower Goodbye Mummy's Milk! by Mariapaola Weeks Booby Moon with Two: A storybook for gently weaning Tandem fed toddlers by Yvette Reid Natalia is a birth and postpartum doula based in Ireland and you can find her on Instagram at @10moonsandbeyond. The illustrator who created her cocoon and butterfly colouring pages is @thaiannecavalcanti on Instagram. This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC, and produced by Emily Crosby Media. | |||
| Jenny and Kat's stories - solo motherhood and breastfeeding | 08 Sep 2025 | 01:13:23 | |
I have a bumper edition of Makes Milk for you today, with not one, not two, but three stories of solo motherhood. In this episode, I’m speaking to Jenny and Kat, and in the next, I’ll be speaking to Becky. We’re focusing on the concept of 'solo motherhood' by choice, through the personal experiences of Kat and Jenny, who both conceived with donor sperm and faced various challenges along the way. They discuss their decision-making processes, the hurdles they overcame, including medical and financial challenges, and the support networks they relied upon. As usual, we’ll also cover their breastfeeding stories, the resources they found useful, and how they have gone about ending 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.
Resources recommended - Book - Genevieve Roberts, Going Solo: My choice to become a single mother using a donor https://www.waterstones.com/book/going-solo/genevieve-roberts/9780349421513 Podcast and solo mum courses - The stork and I https://thestorkandi.com/thrivingsolopod/ Podcast - Motherhood Reimagined https://motherhoodreimagined.com/podcast-home/ Podcast - Not by Accident https://notbyaccident.net/
This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC, and produced by Emily Crosby Media. | |||
| Weaning a booby monster | 19 Sep 2023 | 00:59:50 | |
Weaning a booby monster can feel like an impossible task. In this episode, 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. Find out more about breastfeeding and chest feeding older babies and children in my book Supporting Breastfeeding Past the First Six Months and Beyond: A Guide for Professionals and Parents Follow me on Twitter @MakesMilk and on Instagram and Threads @emmapickettibclc or find out more on my website www.emmapickettbreastfeedingsupport.com Resources mentioned in this episode - Nursies When the Sun Shines: A Little Book on Nightweaning, by Katherine C Havener Booby Moon: A weaning book for toddlers, by Yvette Reid Goodbye Mummy's Milk! by Mariapaola Weeks This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC, and produced by Emily Crosby Media. | |||
| Night weaning | 12 Sep 2023 | 00:25:45 | |
Night weaning is often the first step in parent-led weaning. In this episode, I explore how you could approach it and I talk about Dr Jay Gordon’s method and Lyndsey Hookway’s habit-stacking approach. I also discuss why I believe leaving your nursling overnight is not an effective strategy for weaning. Find out more about breastfeeding and chest feeding older babies and children in my book Supporting Breastfeeding Past the First Six Months and Beyond: A Guide for Professionals and Parents Follow me on Twitter @MakesMilk and on Instagram @emmapickettibclc or find out more on my website www.emmapickettbreastfeedingsupport.com Resources mentioned in this episode - Lyndsey Hookway IBCLC This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC, and produced by Emily Crosby Media. | |||
| Types of weaning | 12 Sep 2023 | 00:40:04 | |
In this episode, I ask, when is it natural for a nursling to wean? I also explore common methods of weaning, including ‘Don’t offer, Don’t refuse’, and partial weaning. Find out more about breastfeeding and chest feeding older babies and children in my book Supporting Breastfeeding Past the First Six Months and Beyond: A Guide for Professionals and Parents
This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC, and produced by Emily Crosby Media. | |||
| Making the decision to wean | 05 Sep 2023 | 00:44:46 | |
In this episode, we 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. Find out more about the benefits of breastfeeding and chest feeding in my book Supporting Breastfeeding Past the First Six Months and Beyond: A Guide for Professionals and Parents Follow me on Twitter @MakesMilk and on Instagram @emmapickettibclc or find out more on my website www.emmapickettbreastfeedingsupport.com Resources mentioned in this episode - Online - @Feedeatspeak (Stacy Zimmels on Instagram) Books - Adventures in Tandem Nursing – Hilary Flower Articles - Articles on breastfeeding and sub-fertility – Carol Smyth IBCLC This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC, and produced by Emily Crosby Media. | |||
| Well done for breastfeeding until now | 05 Sep 2023 | 00:24:34 | |
In this first episode, we take a moment to celebrate your breastfeeding/chest feeding journey so far. However long you have fed your baby for, you have given them and yourself a wonderful gift. Even if you are not enjoying things right now or considering bringing things to a close, you have done something amazing and that deserves recognition. So let’s think about what you have shared, and say well done, before you take the next step on your journey. Find out more about the benefits of breastfeeding and chest feeding in my book Supporting Breastfeeding Past the First Six Months and Beyond: A Guide for Professionals and Parents Follow me on Twitter @MakesMilk and 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. | |||
| Welcome to Makes Milk | 17 Jul 2023 | 00:01:46 | |
Welcome to Makes Milk with Emma Pickett. This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC, and produced by Emily Crosby Media. | |||
| Jill's story - struggling to conceive while breastfeeding | 01 Sep 2025 | 01:03:25 | |
This week I’m talking to Jill Nason from Wicklow, Ireland, who has racked up nearly every parenting experience, or so it seems! Jill discusses her first child, Clodagh's, premature birth, NICU stay, and successful breastfeeding journey. With her second child, Cian, she underwent a home birth but faced challenges with sleep training and medical issues. For her third child Seán, a c-section was necessary due to prior medical complications, and she experienced reflux issues. Jill reflects on her struggles with wanting to conceive a fourth child while breastfeeding and how modifying her feeding schedule meant she finally achieved pregnancy while continuing to breastfeed her third child. 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.
Resources mentioned - Carol Smyth IBCLC for fertility and breastfeeding https://www.carolsmyth.co.uk/breastfeeding-resources/posts/2017/june/breastfeeding-fertility-and-subfertility-1/ Breastfeeding support in Ireland https://www.cuidiu.ie/ @lyndsey_hookway for sleep information
This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC, and produced by Emily Crosby Media. | |||
| Summer holiday replay - Dads and breastfeeding with Scott Mair - Part 2 | 25 Aug 2025 | 01:17:43 | |
This summer bonus episode is a replay of episode 76, where I speak to Scott Mair from Fatherhood Solutions. I’m taking a break over the summer holidays. I’ll be back with a brand new episode on 2nd September 2025. In this 2nd part of my conversation with Scott, we answer questions on natural term breastfeeding, dealing with comments from family members, where to go for advice, and sex and intimacy after birth. I’m grateful to Scott for joining me in some honest and open, and not always easy, conversations. Find out more from Scott on Instagram @fatherhood__solutions_ 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.
This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC, and produced by Emily Crosby Media. | |||
| Summer holiday replay - Dads and breastfeeding with Scott Mair - Part 1 | 18 Aug 2025 | 01:06:29 | |
This summer bonus episode is a replay of episode 75, where I speak to Scott Mair from Fatherhood Solutions. I’m taking a break over the summer holidays. I’ll be back with a brand new episode on 2nd September 2025. Scott is an ex-military dad of seven children, and one grandchild, who specialises in fathers’ mental health and inclusion. Who better to answer your questions about how dads can support breastfeeding, how non-feeding partners can form a bond with their babies, and how to overcome embarrassment about breastfeeding in public? This episode is part one and we continue talking next week with a focus on natural term breastfeeding. Find out more from Scott on Instagram @fatherhood__solutions_ 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.
This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC, and produced by Emily Crosby Media. | |||
| Grannies and breastfeeding with Jan Edye IBCLC | 11 Aug 2025 | 01:08:56 | |
This week, I’m joined by a breastfeeding legend - Jan Edye. Jan was one of the first people to qualify as an IBCLC in the UK, and has run her local breastfeeding support session for decades. She’s a fount of all knowledge and it’s a joy to have her on the show. We’re talking about grannies and breastfeeding. From how to talk about past experiences, to what to do if you stay over to help, to what Jan’s dream post-natal class for grannies would look like. You can find more about Jan at https://breastfeedingnorfolk.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.
Books mentioned - Practical Breastfeeding by Caoimhe Whelan Saggy Boobs and other breastfeeding myths by Valerie Finigan The Food of Love by Kate Evans Breastfeeding and the fourth trimester by Lucy Webber This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC, and produced by Emily Crosby Media. | |||
| Phoebe's story - moving to exclusive pumping | 04 Aug 2025 | 00:59:36 | |
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 - @madametirelait 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.
This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC, and produced by Emily Crosby Media. | |||
| Amy's story - Breastfeeding and MS | 28 Jul 2025 | 00:50:09 | |
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.
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. | |||
| A Q&A on tandem feeding with Nicola de Sousa | 21 Jul 2025 | 01:13:24 | |
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.jersey 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.
This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC, and produced by Emily Crosby Media. | |||
| Maryam's story - being a doctor with breastfeeding challenges | 28 Oct 2025 | 00:55:20 | |
This week I’m talking to the fabulous Maryam, a doctor and mother from Manchester, about her breastfeeding journey. Despite initial struggles, including mixed advice, nipple shields, a tongue-tie, and pump issues, Maryam remained determined and successfully transitioned back from triple feeding to exclusive breastfeeding. We explore the emotional and physical challenges she faced, the role of family support, and the impact of her experiences on her professional perspective as a doctor. Maryam also highlights the importance of culturally competent breastfeeding support and the innovative efforts of the Medics Lactation Community (MiLC) in providing peer support and educational resources for doctors. Find out more about MiLC at https://www.facebook.com/share/g/14LwrHajAd9/?mibextid=wwXIfr And the Education network - https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1749BkEGfr/?mibextid=wwXIfr 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.
This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC, and produced by Emily Crosby Media. | |||
| Golnessa's story - triandem feeding | 14 Jul 2025 | 01:04:56 | |
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). 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.
This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC, and produced by Emily Crosby Media. | |||
| Listeners Q&A | 07 Jul 2025 | 01:13:56 | |
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.
This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC, and produced by Emily Crosby Media. | |||
| Preparing for puberty with confidence, with Tara Ghosh | 30 Jun 2025 | 01:10:46 | |
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.
Resources mentioned or recommended - Books - This Period in my Life by Saskia Bouja Website -
This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC, and produced by Emily Crosby Media. | |||
| Cara and Jodie's stories - breastfeeding with a Pavlik harness | 23 Jun 2025 | 00:54:05 | |
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-dysplasia 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.
This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC, and produced by Emily Crosby Media. | |||
| Shonagh's story - tandem feeding | 16 Jun 2025 | 01:03:08 | |
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 @shonaghmack 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.
This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC, and produced by Emily Crosby Media. | |||
| Pumping and flanges with Amber Clark IBCLC | 09 Jun 2025 | 01:06:17 | |
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-toolkit And the research that inspired Amber here - https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/08903344241296036 Amber is @empoweredbirthuk on Instagram or you can contact her at amberclarkibclc@gmail.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.
This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC, and produced by Emily Crosby Media. | |||
| Becca's story - returning to breastfeeding after exclusive pumping | 02 Jun 2025 | 01:03:46 | |
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.
This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC, and produced by Emily Crosby Media. | |||
| Louise's story - a crisis of confidence second time around | 26 May 2025 | 00:50:04 | |
My guest this week is Dr. Louise Goldsmith, a urologist and aspiring IBCLC from North London. Louise successfully breastfed her first daughter but was taken aback when that previous history didn’t protect her from a crisis of confidence second time around. Carrie’s feeding style was very different to Paloma’s, which surprised Louise and her husband, and they feared she was not receiving enough milk. But after a weigh-in confirmed that she had in fact gained weight since birth, things started to get on track. At six months, Carrie is now successfully breastfeeding, and her older daughter, Paloma has got in on the act, returning to breastfeeding after a year of being weaned. Louise is now tandem feeding both daughters. 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 bookshops 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.
This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC, and produced by Emily Crosby Media. | |||
| Vicky's story - working as a nurse while breastfeeding | 19 May 2025 | 00:55:54 | |
Vicky, my guest this week, is a fantastic example of successful breastfeeding at work. She is a nurse in a busy intensive care unit, who takes regular breaks to pump in a dedicated room, with the full support of her manager and colleagues. This success story is even better when you hear how she got to this place - her daughter Evie’s birth was painful and distressing, ending with a ventouse delivery. She struggled to breastfeed in the hospital, relying on expressing and syringes, and continued to struggle through pain and a staph infection at home. Vicky’s determination to breastfeed kept her going through the pain for seven months and three tongue tie divisions, before she and Evie settled into the feeding relationship they continue today. 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 bookshops 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.
This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC, and produced by Emily Crosby Media. | |||
| Babywearing and breastfeeding | 12 May 2025 | 01:13:11 | |
Many breastfeeding parents also choose to carry their baby in a sling or wrap as they go about their day. There are so many carriers out there to choose from that it can be an overwhelming decision. That’s where my guest today can help. Lizzy Allen is a babywearing consultant, but she's also a breastfeeding peer supporter, trained with the ABM. She runs Chester Sling Library, which offers support to families in person in Chester and in Northeast Wales and also online to families around the UK. We’re talking today about babywearing, how to choose a carrier that suits you and your baby, and most importantly about the safety of babywearing and breastfeeding. You can find Lizzy online at www.chesterslinglibrary.co.uk/ and @chester_sling_library on Instagram. 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. Lizzy recommends - https://www.carryingmatters.co.uk/2017/08/05/breast-bottle-feeding-safely-sling/ Finding a sling library https://www.carryingmatters.co.uk/sling-pages/ @babywearingeducationnetwork on Instagram Youtube creators @SouthEastSlings @TheBabywearingAcademy @carryingmatters @SheenSlings @SouthEssexSlings @Wrapyouinlove
This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC, and produced by Emily Crosby Media. | |||
| Weaning Q&A with Carly from Seed Pod, Part 2 | 21 Oct 2025 | 00:44:46 | |
This week, we have two back-to-back episodes answering your questions about weaning. To do so, I’m joined by the brilliant Carly Facius, Midwife, IBCLC, Women's Circle Facilitator and Aware Parenting Mentor. We delve into question topics ranging from weaning a toddler while tandem feeding, addressing night-time feeds, and managing breastfeeding with neurodiverse children. 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_ Carly has created a free Guide called “10 Things to Consider When Ending Breastfeeding” for anyone making changes to their feeding rhythm.It offers ideas around setting boundaries, big feelings, play, family dynamics, practicalities and more. You can access it here: https://tinyurl.com/Get-your-Guide-here 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.
Resources mentioned - Breastfeeding Aversion and Agitation https://www.breastfeedingaversion.com/home-baa-aversion-and-agitation This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC, and produced by Emily Crosby Media. | |||