The boobingit podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode we speak with Lucy Ruddle IBCLC about breastfeeding grief, and what that can look like for different people.

As a Lactation Consultant, speaker and author, Lucy has helped thousands of families breastfeed successfully. In this episode Lucy talks to us about what breastfeeding grief is, and how Professor Amy Brown helped open up the conversation about this difficult and complex subject matter. Lucy openly discusses her own personal experience with breastfeeding grief and how it made her a more compassionate breastfeeding supporter.

During the conversation we explore the idea of generational breastfeeding grief and how it can impact families and idea systems around breastfeeding. Lucy finishes by telling us when her new book 'Understanding Breastfeeding Grief' will be published.

Our podcast sponsors - Boobie Jewels

We are delighted to let you know the sponsors of this special boobingit episode are Boobie Jewels, the premier breast milk jewellery brand.

If you are looking for a unique and sentimental way to commemorate your breastfeeding experience then look no further than Boobie Jewels.  Each piece is custom-made using your very own breast milk, creating a beautiful keepsake that captures the bond between you and your baby. From stunning rings to elegant necklaces, Boobie Jewels offers a range of designs to suit your style.

As a special offer for our listeners, use the code BOOBINGIT10 at checkout to get 10% off your order. Visit boobiejewels.co.uk and create your timeless keepsake today!

We're kicking off the 2024 series of the boobingit podcast looking at how we can create a breastfeeding legacy. Our special guest is mama of two and business owner Petrina O'Halloran.

Petrina lives in County Clare, Ireland with her husband and two daughters. Her breastfeeding experiences inspired her to start her own business Mamas Boobie Box in 2021, which seen her create special breastfeeding gift boxes for new mothers. From there she has expanded her range of products as well as become a well-known breastfeeding advocate - both online and offline. As well as being a boobingit contributor she regularly appears on radio to talk about breastfeeding matters.

In this episode Petrina talks to use about how we can preserve a breastfeeding legacy for future generations. We look at the power of storytelling as a way of sharing our breastfeeding experiences. Petrina recalls how it was a conversation with her grandmother, who breastfed all 13 of her children, which inspired her to create her latest product, the Boobie Journal.

Petrina also takes us through how breastfeeding rates in Ireland have changed over the years and the impact this has had on families and society. We finish by looking at how the loss of generational breastfeeding knowledge requires a greater need for breastfeeding education and support in Ireland and beyond.

Our special guest for this episode is Dr Sharon Silberstein - medical doctor, IBCLC and Tongue tie specialist. Known as The Breastfeeding Doctor, Sharon has been working in the field of Breastfeeding Medicine for the last 10 years. She runs the Dr Silberstein Clinic in London, which is dedicated to delivering a holistic approach to Infant Feeding.

Sharon is the only doctor who practices breastfeeding medicine full time in the UK and she runs the only UK clinic that offers breastfeeding medicine as its speciality. As she explains in the podcast, she takes a holistic approach to breastfeeding and her clinic offers the services of an Osteopath, Speech and Language Therapist, Child Psychiatrist and Gynaecologist.

In this episode Sharon talk to us about induced lactation for same sex and adoptive couples - what exactly it involves and how best to go about it. Sharon works with a variety of same sex couples, couples who choose surrogacy and even transgender couples. She shares the advice she gives her perspective parents about lactation and how best they can physically and mentally prepare for the journey.

“Anyone who wants to induce lactation needs to know that this is a process and it’s quite time-consuming and laborious. They need to be prepared to do the work as it isn’t always very easy.”

Our podcast sponsors for this episode are Fraupow.  They are an award-winning breastfeeding brand offering a selection of breast pumps and exclusive midwife support for breastfeeding mothers.

Fraupow was founded by Sunita Boyes, a passionate breastfeeding mama, who is on a mission to support all mothers on their breastfeeding and pumping journey.

The Fraupow hands-free breast pump gives the wearer a freedom and flexibility that other traditional pumps simply cannot. It’s so simple and easy to use, you’ll forget you’re even wearing it. Their hands-free breast pump won Best Breastfeeding Accessory 2022 and Best Wearable Breast Pump 2022.

You can find out more about Fraupow and their support services on fraupow.com.

Induced lactation for same sex and adoptive couplesOur podcast Sponsors - Fraupow

Jo Parkington, midwife and Founder & CEO of Epical Global, is our special guest on the podcast this week.

Jo has worked on the frontline of midwifery within the NHS in the UK and in the private sector for over thirty years. She has been the founder and CEO of a number of organisations, including One to One Midwives which was the first midwifery led organisation to be commissioned by the NHS.

Now as the CEO of Epical, Jo provides midwife virtual care services and digital content resources - working with health insurers, retailers and brands such as the breast pump brand Fraupow.

In this episode we talk about the importance of midwife care and support when it comes to breastfeeding - and how new parents can look to avail of midwife support when they need it most. Specifically Jo talks about the rise of on-demand midwife support and the ways in which technology has transformed how we are able to access breastfeeding and postnatal support.

Jo also discusses the importance of understanding what normal baby behaviour is when breastfeeding and looking after our baby, and why we need to take care of our mental health as new parents.

Our podcast sponsors for this episode are Fraupow.  They are an award-winning breastfeeding brand offering a selection of breast pumps and exclusive midwife support for breastfeeding mothers.

Fraupow was founded by Sunita Boyes, a passionate breastfeeding mama, who is on a mission to support all mothers on their breastfeeding and pumping journey.

The Fraupow hands-free breast pump gives the wearer a freedom and flexibility that other traditional pumps simply cannot. It’s so simple and easy to use, you’ll forget you’re even wearing it. Their hands-free breast pump won Best Breastfeeding Accessory 2022 and Best Wearable Breast Pump 2022.

You can find out more about Fraupow and their support services on fraupow.com.

Sunita Boyes, mama of one and Founder and CEO of the breastfeeding brand Fraupow, is our special guest on the podcast this week.

Fraupow is a breastfeeding support company which designs and develops breastfeeding pumps. Their wearable breast pump has won Best Breast Pump 2021 and Best Wearable Pump 2022.

Born and raised in London, Sunita now lives in Switzerland with her husband and four year old daughter. It was her experience of new motherhood and breastfeeding which motivated her to setup Fraupow in 2020. In this episode we talk about the importance of breastfeeding support and specifically what Fraupow are doing to step up and offer much-needed support to new mamas. Sunita also opens up about her own breastfeeding challenges and how it spurred her on to help other news mothers who may also be struggling.

Sunita reflects: "80% of women quit breastfeeding before they truly want to. Education, support and community are all key to helping a person breastfeed successfully. I don't want new mums to be blind-sided by breastfeeding like I was."

Sunita also announces the new breastfeeding telehealth support service for Fraupow customers - which consists of three 1-2-1 breastfeeding support sessions with a midwife. They also hope to increase the number of Fraupow feedings spots in public spaces across the UK this year.

You can find our more about our podcast sponsors Fraupow on their website fraupow.com.

Our special guest on this episode of the boobingit podcast is Olivia Hinge IBCLC. Olivia is a midwife and lactation consultant from London who has built a lively and engaged social media community in the past few years.

Olivia has helped thousands of families feel supported during their breastfeeding and infant feeding journey - whatever that may look like.

Our focus in this episode is mastitis - which is a painful infection you can get when breastfeeding. We look at how it can happen, the signs and symptoms of it as well as the latest treatment recommendations from the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM).

Helpfully, Olivia explains why some of us may be more inclined to get mastitis than others, and also why mastitis can be more prevalent during Christmas time. She discusses ways in which we can help prevent mastitis as well as the early measures we can take if we suspect mastitis is taking hold.

Finally, Olivia explains what the new ABM protocol on mastitis is and how the new recommendations for treatment are in stark contrast to the advice that went before.

Our podcast sponsors - The Bshirt

Sustainable breastfeeding clothing brand The Bshirt helps breastfeeding mamas dress with style and comfort. Founded in 2017 by two mothers, The Bshirt is a brand on a mission to help new mothers breastfeed in public with confidence whilst also addressing clothing waste.

The Bshirt clothing range includes nursing tops and dresses as well as maternity wear and baby clothing. Loved by mamas around the world, The Bshirt also offer customers the chance to buy pre-loved versions of their clothing as well as rent clothing – further adding to their sustainable credentials.

You can find out more about The Bshirt and shop their range via their website thebshirt.clothing. Use our exclusive discount code ‘BSHIRTOFFER15’ to get 15% off at the checkout.

Stacey Zimmels from Feed Eat Speak is our special guest on the boobingit podcast this week. Stacey is an IBCLC lactation consultant and qualified feeding & speech therapist as well as a mama of two.

Stacey has built a lively and engaged social media community over the years and through that has helped thousands of families feel supported during their breastfeeding and infant feeding journey – whatever that may look like.

Stacey gives give us an insight into the work she does and why she’s passionate about sharing her own breastfeeding experiences in an effort to normalise the difficulties that can come from breastfeeding.

Stacey talks at length about two of her specialist areas – that of allergies and reflux in breastfed babies. She shares the complexities that surround allergies – particularly cows milk protein allergy – and the first steps you can take to get help.

In terms, of reflux, Stacey outline the two main types of reflux that a baby can experience, with practical tips and information parents can try to help alleviate the discomfort and symptoms their baby is experiencing.

Our podcast sponsors – Bon + Bear

Bon + Bear is an online store and support network aimed at helping new Mamas secure the very best experience of early motherhood, no matter the journey.  As a brand they offer style-led newborn and parenting essentials, including beautiful baby wraps, breastfeeding covers and baby gifts.

Founded by mama of two MJ Barton, Bon + Bear’s vision is to ensure Mamas feels empowered, happy and confident during the fourth trimester. Fuelled by MJ’s own experience, the company was set-up with the aim of helping just one Mama who might have also encountered similar challenges regarding feeding, reflux and confidence.

Central to Bon + Bear’s offering is its ‘Modern Essentials’ product collection, which features its award-winning Baby Wrap and Nursing Cover. These, like all the products in the range, were conceived and designed by MJ with the aim of making a Mama’s journey into motherhood stylish, practical and fuss-free.

You can find out more about Bon + Bear and shop their beautiful range of products on bonandbear.com. You can also follow Bon + Bear on Instagram.

Kiddada Green, the co-founder of Black Breastfeeding Week, is my guest on the podcast this week. Kiddada lives in Detroit, and also the Founding Executive Director of Black Mothers Breastfeeding Association, which was first set up in 2007 to reduce racial inequities in breastfeeding support for black families.

As a thought leader and innovator, Kiddada has made huge strides in the area of breastfeeding support, and policy making. She serves on various committees and special projects and has had work published internationally in Breastfeeding Medicine and other noteworthy publications. It’s no surprise she has been the recipient of many awards for the work she does and continues to do in support of black maternal and child health.

Celebrating 10 years of Black Breastfeeding Week

Black Breastfeeding Week has been running since 2012 and is marking its 10th anniversary this year.

Looking back on the past ten years, Kiddada explains the reasons why she and her other co-founders Kimberly Seals Allers and Anayah Sangodele-Ayoka first felt the need to set up Black Breastfeeding Week to bring greater awareness to breastfeeding in black and brown communities.

Kiddada tells us about the exciting things in store for this year's Black Breastfeeding Week celebration, including an awards ceremony happening in New York City on 30th August. She also lets us know about the fundraising they are doing to support the work of Black Breastfeeding Week - which is run purely by volunteers.

Kiddada also explains the poignancy of this year's theme: 'A New Foundation'

Kiddada gives us an insight into how she and her co-founders came up with this year's theme 'a new foundation' - how it organically came about and how ultimately they were inspired by Beyonce's new album Renaissance.

Speaking about the 2022 theme for Black Breastfeeding Week, Kiddada says: "We feel like Black Breastfeeding Week is at a pivitol point. We want to respect the traditions and history of black women and breastfeeding and at the same time look at what's been done despite the historical trauma and atrocities that have happened. We wanted to keep that in mind whilst looking at this new foundation which has been born through community. We're excited by that and what will come in the next ten years."

Podcast sponsors - The Mum Collective

Our sponsor of this episode of the boobingit podcast is the maternity and nursing clothing brand The Mum Collective. If you’re looking for beautiful and sustainable loungewear that’s designed with breastfeeding mamas in mind then look no further! You can shop online at themumcollective.co.uk.

The Mum Collective is kindly giving boobingit listeners 10% of their collection. Shop now at themumcollective.co.uk.

To mark World Breastfeeding Week (1-7 August) we've got Danielle Facey from The Breastfeeding Mentor as our special guest. Danielle is an author, speaker and mama of one and she talks to us about the significance of this year's them from World Breastfeeding Week. She also details how her own breastfeeding journey led her to support people from around the world.

Danielle is a self-care specialist who has dedicated herself to helping empower people to breastfeed on their own terms. Each and every day she educates and entertains people through her hugely popular social media channels. In early 2022 she released her first book ‘Self  Care: The Breastfeeding Edition in early 2022’.

This year's theme for World Breastfeeding Week is 'Step up for Breastfeeding'. Danielle explains the significance of this and why support during breastfeeding is so crucial to helping a person get breastfeeding off to a good start and continue to breastfeed for as long as they wish to.

Danielle talks about her own breastfeeding journey with her son - and how it ultimately led her to seeking online support and from there inspired her to start a blog and share her own knowledge of breastfeeding. In particulate she passionately talks about normalising breastfeeding past infancy and how we can seek support for feeding on our own terms.

To end the podcast, Danielle shares her top three self-care tips for breastfeeding mamas - not to be missed!

Our sponsor of this episode of the boobingit podcast is the maternity and nursing clothing brand The Mum Collective. If you’re looking for beautiful and sustainable loungewear that’s designed with breastfeeding mamas in mind then look no further! You can shop online at themumcollective.co.uk.

The Mum Collective is kindly giving boobingit listeners 10% of their collection when you use the code 'BOOBINGIT' at the checkout. Shop now at themumcollective.co.uk.

In this one-hour special of the boobingit podcast I am joined by broadcaster, campaigner and mama of one Kate Quilton to talk all things breastfeeding.

Many of you will know Kate as the host of TV shows, including Food Unwrapped and a whole host of food and health series for Channel 4. As a breastfeeding mum, Kate does a lot of advocacy work around breastfeeding - on her social media channels and on TV. Not long after having her first baby, Kate made two high profile tv documentaries the first of which was around breastfeeding and looking into why Britain has the lowest number of babies breastfed in the world, and this was then followed up by ‘The Great Formula Milk Scandal’.

In this episode, Kate tells us about when she discovered the power of breast milk through her work, how it inspired and informed her own breastfeeding journey and why she still can't believe she breastfeeds her toddler! We look at the societal and cultural norms which influence our decision to breastfeed, and why there's still so much stigma around breastfeeding and co-sleeping older babies and children.

We also touch on the troubling aspects of infant formula marketing - with Kate quoting some alarming statistics that will really make you think!

Thank you to Ardo medical Ltd for sponsoring this episode of the boobingit podcast.

Ardo is a Swiss family-owned company, supplying products from conception, pregnancy, and birth, which includes their award-winning breast pumps and accessories. They are NHS Approved and WHO Code compliant.

Ardo's new Alyssa Double Electric Rechargeable breast pump recently won a Gold Award in the Made for Mums Awards. To celebrate Ardo are giving boobingit listeners an exclusive £30 off the Alyssa breast pump.