Makes Milk with Emma Pickett: breastfeeding from the beginning to the end
A companion to your infant feeding journey, this podcast explores how to get breastfeeding off to a good start (and how to end it) in a way that meets everyone's needs. Emma Pickett has been a Board Certified Lactation Consultant since 2011. As an author, trainer, volunteer and breastfeeding counsellor, she has supported thousands of families to reach their infant feeding goals. Breastfeeding may be natural, but it isn't always easy for everyone. Hearing about other parents' experiences and getting information from lactation-obsessed experts can help.
Episodes
Hayley’s story - twin challenges after a Covid baby
Today, I’m talking to Hayley, a midwife and IBCLC from Queensland’s Sunshine Coast in Australia. Hayley’s first baby, Isla was conceived in Scotland in March 2020. Her return to Australia at 30 weeks with her husband Rob involved costly flights, and a two week hotel quarantine stay. After having an induction at 42+2, Hayley describes returning to on-call night work when Isla was 14 months and how
Hannah's story - breastfeeding as a comfort through grief, gentle weaning
I’m delighted to be joined by a fellow ABMer today - Hannah Shaw from Morecambe. She’s a peer supporter and newly qualified probationary breastfeeding counsellor. We talk about ABM training and about Hannah’s two breastfeeding journeys. Hannah describes early struggles feeding her first child, Holly, including sore bleeding nipples, positioning issues and six months of rugby hold, then breastfeed
Jo's story - neurodivergent, taking 5 weeks to transfer milk, feeding at 2
This week, the brilliant Jo from Cheshire, mum to two-year-old Cecilia, is here to talk about breastfeeding beyond infancy alongside Jo’s neurodivergence. Jo shares her long conception journey, pregnancy complicated by preeclampsia, a five-day induction ending in an emergency C-section, and subsequent PTSD. Ceci struggled to latch and transfer milk in the early weeks. We discuss how Jo overcame th
Becky's story - twins from NICU to exclusive breastfeeding
I’m joined this week by the lovely Becky from Southampton to talk about breastfeeding her identical twins, Sully and Knox. Becky shares the shock she and her wife Sarah felt when discovering they were expecting twins. The pregnancy was monitored closely due to a shared placenta, and then growth restriction led to a 35-week C-section in Bournemouth because Southampton lacked NICU space. Her babies
Sharnaé's story - nipples shields, hospitalization and a weaning journey
This week, I’m delighted to be joined by listener Sharnaé Storm from New Zealand. We’re talking about breastfeeding her three-year-old son Enzo. Sharnaé shares how night weaning and ending the bedtime feed happened gently through repeated “cuddles for sleep” affirmations, with breastfeeding temporarily increasing during illness (recent RSV). She describes early breastfeeding challenges, flat nippl
Clarisse's story - tandem feeding but only a year apart
This week I’m talking to brilliant mum of two Clarisse Allen, from South London, about tandem feeding with a small age gap after Clarisse became pregnant when her first baby was six months old. Clarisse describes a four-hour first labour with a birth-before-arrival home birth, early breastfeeding that looked good on paper but felt hard due to worry about weight gain and latch pain, mastitis, and m
ADHD and breastfeeding with Kathryn Stagg IBCLC
This week, I’m delighted to be joined by returning guest, the fabulous Kathryn Stagg IBCLC—also a musician, parent, and qualified neurodiversity coach—to discuss ADHD and breastfeeding. Kathryn explains ADHD subtypes, why the label can be misleading, common overlap with autism and other neurodivergences, and how diagnosis often follows identification in a child. She shares about her own assessment
Hannah's story - being an older mum, an IVF story
This week, I’m welcoming Hannah Norris all the way from Melbourne, Australia, to talk about becoming a mother through IVF in her 40s and breastfeeding both her daughters. Hannah describes giving birth to her first baby, Twyla, in London during COVID: plans for a home birth changed, she advocated for herself when her platelets dropped, and she had a positive hospital birth despite limited access fo
Alexandra's story - breastfeeding after reduction
This week’s guest is the inspiring Alexandra Baskerville, who is talking about breastfeeding after breast reduction surgery aged 19. Alexandra describes having very large breasts as a teen, choosing reduction surgery in 2010, and later becoming a mother at 34. Her daughter Connie’s birth was a home birth, and early feeding was complicated by Connie’s small size, slow weight gain, nipple pain, susp
Natalie's story - a tandem feeding journey and feeding through aversion
This week, I’m talking to Dr Natalie Ashburner, a Bedford-based child and adolescent psychiatrist, about breastfeeding her three-year-old Ruben and seven-month-old Dylan.. Natalie describes night weaning Ruben during her second trimester using a gradual approach with a weaning book, flexible boundaries, and partner support, and explains how bedtime and sleeping arrangements shifted, including movi
Sophie's story - aversion and a natural term journey
This week, I’m talking to the lovely Sophie from North London about feeding her two children, Sadie (7) and Zach (4½), and what aversion and older child weaning can look like. Sophie describes training with the Breastfeeding Network, from an in-person 12-week helper course to a rigorous six-month supporter course, and her plans for helpline and drop-in support. She shares Sadie’s breech birth by C
Using an SNS with Johanna Sargeant IBCLC
I’m so pleased to be joined by the brilliant Joanna Sargent IBCLC this week. Johanna will bring her expertise on using a supplemental nursing system (SNS), also called at-breast supplementation or supply line feeding. Joanna shares her personal experience of low supply and using an SNS from 10 days to six months, and we explore how an SNS can support milk production, avoid bottle preference, and r
Daniella and Katie - Being an older mum
Today, I’m delighted to be joined by Katie and Daniella to talk about the experience of being an older mum. Daniella, 43 is a solo mum in Birmingham. She shares how her daughter Remi self-weaned gradually after daytime feeds ended around age 3–4, describing a comfort-led “symbolic” latch, continued co-sleeping, and not experiencing weaning blues; she also reflects on early challenges including sev
Alexis' story - breastfeeding a baby with a cleft palate
Today I’m talking to the amazing Alexis White from Canterbury, New Zealand, about feeding her son Flynn. Her older daughter, Norah’s birth did not go to plan, but breastfeeding did, and Norah was breastfed until she weaned herself when Alexis was pregnant again. After a victorious home VBAC birth, early breastfeeding seemed normal, but by day six Flynn had lost 11.5% of his birth weight and then f
Naomi's story - breastfeeding grief with a 2nd journey
This week I’m speaking to Naomi Cappallo on Vancouver Island about feeding their two daughters, Clara (6) and Juniper (3), focusing on breastfeeding grief after a second journey that didn’t go as hoped. Naomi describes early pain with Clara, brief formula top-ups for early weight loss, and eventually breastfeeding through the pandemic until age two, using boundaries to reduce frequent toddler feed
Charlotte's story - a mastitis journey
This week I’m speaking to the lovely Charlotte Bowie from Oxfordshire, mum to nearly three-year-old Felix, about toddler breastfeeding, extreme sleep disruption (including split nights), and her struggle with repeated bouts of mastitis. Charlotte’s recurrent mastitis has spanned across nearly three years, including multiple antibiotic courses, a confirmed breast abscess drained via ultrasound-guid
Jessica's story - inverted nipples, breastfeeding grief and finding solutions
This week I’m joined from Sydney in Australia, by midwife Jessica Baker to talk about breastfeeding her two daughters and the grief and mental health impact when feeding doesn’t go to plan. Jessica describes anticipating difficulty due to inverted nipples, having a home birth with Vada followed by special care admission, early nipple-shield use, severe engorgement, and missed support because staff
The Bradford project - poems and stories
This week we’re celebrating the stories of the Bradford Project, a massive art, poetry and storytelling project led by artist Lisa Creagh in the Bradford area. Alongside Lisa, I’m joined by two participants, Aamta Waheed and Reena Kler, to talk about their breastfeeding experiences and how the project has helped them to understand their mothering journey. We’ll also hear poems from Hannah, Sonia a
Alice's story - diabetes, feeding in pregnancy and a self-weaning journey
This week I’m talking to Liverpool-based public health doctor Alice Lacey-Campbell about tandem feeding, breastfeeding an older child, and breastfeeding with type 1 diabetes. Alice shares how her nearly five-year-old, Asha, breastfeeds only occasionally now after a “false stop,” often for emotional regulation, and describes dry nursing through pregnancy when her milk dried up around nine weeks. We
Emily's Story - OCD and breastfeeding as a midwife
This week, I’m joined by the lovely Emily, a Norfolk midwife and mother to Effie (8 months). We’re talking about breastfeeding alongside significant perinatal mental health challenges. Emily describes exclusively breastfeeding, co-sleeping safely, and introducing solids carefully due to anxiety, then shares how pregnancy and early postpartum intensified OCD, contamination fears, and intrusive thou
Dating and breastfeeding
Dating while breastfeeding isn’t often talked about, so this week I’m joined by Frankie (29, Sheffield) and Anna (40, Lancashire) to talk about their experiences. They share candid ‘dating profiles’, then explore their breastfeeding lives and family situations: Anna recently weaned their five-year-old after nursing aversion began when their two-year-old was born, and they co-parent their youngest
Weaning and natural term breastfeeding Q&A with Carly from Seedpod Part 2
This week, we have the return of the brilliant Carly Facius, Midwife, IBCLC, Women's Circle Facilitator and Aware Parenting Mentor. She’s joining me to answer your questions about weaning and natural term breastfeeding in two back-to-back episodes. In part 2, we delve into question topics ranging from night weaning and bedtime routines to dealing with biting, hitting and kicking. To find a li
Weaning and natural term breastfeeding Q&A with Carly from Seedpod Part 1
This week, we have the return of the brilliant Carly Facius, Midwife, IBCLC, Women's Circle Facilitator and Aware Parenting Mentor. She’s joining me to answer your questions about weaning and natural term breastfeeding in two back-to-back episodes. This is Part 1.We delve into question topics ranging from weaning a toddler while tandem feeding, coping with a distressed child at night, and wha
Jade's story - pregnant with HG and breastfeeding
Sometimes, our plans for feeding don’t work out. That’s what happened to my guest this week, Jade Feeney from north west London. Jade had hoped to tandem feed, but ended up weaning her eldest daughter during pregnancy due to hyperemesis gravidarum (HG). She shares a “dream” first breastfeeding experience with her eldest, later identifying cow’s milk protein intolerance when weaning solids, but whe
Jessica's story - a breastfeeding police officer
This week, I’m speaking to the brilliant Jessica, a police officer in Stirling, Scotland, about combining breastfeeding with police work and shift patterns. Jessica shares life with her two daughters, Nora (nearly 10) and Harriet (nearly 2), describing responsive breastfeeding, co-sleeping, and how Harriet settles well for her father and grandmother when Jessica works rotating day shifts and back
Isabella's story - tandem feeding and tandem weaning
Today I’m talking to the lovely Isabella from near Vienna, Austria, about breastfeeding her two sons, Jonathan (2½) and Valentin (1). Isabella describes generally good breastfeeding support and mixed feeding norms in Austria, and how her early postpartum pain settled with midwife help. She became pregnant unexpectedly when Jonathan was 10 months old while using natural family planning, and assume
Sam’s story - natural term feeding, tandem feeding and breastfeeding advocacy
This week, I’m talking to the brilliant Sam Kennedy Christian from Herne Bay, Kent, about her breastfeeding journey while 29 weeks pregnant and feeding her three-year-old. We discuss gentle night weaning using a clock and flexibility during illness or distress, co-sleeping changes ahead of a new baby, and Sam’s previous tandem feeding experience when her eldest breastfed until six years old, inclu
Georgina's story - slow to solids
Today, I’m joined by the lovely Georgina Gregor from Devon to talk about her breastfeeding journeys with her two children, three-year-old Amaya and nine-month-old Lucas. Georgina recounts early breastfeeding pain, mastitis, hospital readmission for Amaya’s 13.7% weight loss, and a later tongue-tie diagnosis and release at 10 months linked to solids difficulties. Amaya’s disinterest in food and lov
Breastfeeding in palliative care with Dr Laura Thomas
This week, I’m honoured to be joined by Dr. Laura Thomas, a community pediatrician from Reading, La Leche League leader, and breastfeeding peer supporter, to talk about breastfeeding in pediatric palliative care. Laura explains her day-to-day work with neurodiversity and neurodisability, her training and her own breastfeeding experiences. We discuss Laura’s masters project using a questionnaire fo
Auden's story - a non-binary nursing journey
This week, I’m pleased to be joined by Auden Krauska, a non-binary parent of two originally from Wisconsin now living near Copenhagen, to talk about their nursing journeys and the complexities of lactation alongside gender dysphoria and healthcare systems. Auden describes binding, being misgendered, considering top surgery but delaying it to lactate, and stopping testosterone to conceive. Their fi
Emma's story - breastfeeding and being hospitalised
This week, I’m joined by the brilliant Emma Erskine-Fox, a Bristol-area lawyer, ABM peer supporter, and mother, to talk about breastfeeding her daughter Isabelle to nearly age four, including a gentle self-weaning ending. Emma describes being breastfed herself, antenatal education that helped normalise cluster feeding, an induced birth ending in an emergency caesarean, early latch and weight-loss
Danielle's story - an IGT journey
This week, I’m welcoming Danielle Kyaligonza, who joins me from Uganda to talk about her breastfeeding journey with insufficient glandular tissue (IGT). Danielle describes a positive planned C-section birth in Cheshire, but on day five her baby Annie had lost 13% of birth weight and was later found to be severely dehydrated. This led to hospital admission, formula supplementation, and a traumatic
Emily's story - 'bainne', allergies and an unplanned separation
This week I’m talking to the lovely Emily from Glasgow about breastfeeding her two-year-old son Finn alongside multiple IgE food allergies and an unplanned separation. Emily and Finn call breastfeeding “bainne” (Gaelic for milk) to avoid confusion because Finn is allergic to cow’s milk. We discuss Finn’s allergy protocols, EpiPen use, contact reactions, and attempts at the milk ladder that caused
Nicole's story - squiggly motherhood, exclusive breastfeeding and a home birth
This week, I’m honoured to be joined by Nicole from South London, the host and founder of the Squiggly Motherhood podcast. Nicole started the podcast because she couldn’t find motherhood content that reflected her experience as an exclusively breastfeeding Black mother working in a senior corporate role, and she wanted space for the two truths that motherhood can be both hard and loved at the same
Breastfeeding a 5 year old with Natalie and Dana
I’ve got two amazing mums for you this week in a bumper episode about feeding five year olds.Natalie, in Cornwall, breastfeeds her 5-year-old daughter Georgia mainly at bedtime (and occasionally in the morning or when ill), and describes how continuing breastfeeding helped with starting school, bedtime regulation, co-sleeping, and meeting Georgia’s high attachment needs. She discusses societal pre
Exclusive pumping with Dr Kelsey Bianca
This week, I’m pleased to be joined by Dr. Kelsey Bianca, an academic researcher and certified lactation counselor from Maryland, USA. Dr. Bianca shares her personal experience with breastfeeding and exclusive pumping, which inspired her PhD thesis - a qualitative study of women who exclusively expressed milk. She discusses her research work involving pumping, the decisions parents face, and her s
Philippa's story - breastfeeding as a blind mum with IGT
My guest this week is an impressive mother of four, Philippa Lomas. She is a single parent. She homeschools her two older children. She trained as an ABM breastfeeding counsellor. She volunteers to support new parents, and she does all this without sight, having been born blind. We’ll be talking about all that, but also her struggles with Insufficient Glandular Tissue (IGT). Philippa shares her ex
Lorah's story - breastfeeding after a thyroid cancer diagnosis
This week’s guest is the amazing Lorah, from Leeds. Lorah is a mother of four, who found herself pregnant with her son, Luca, during her treatment for thyroid cancer. She shares her journey of breastfeeding her four children, who all had different challenges, and the emotional rollercoaster tied to her cancer treatment and weaning. She discusses her support systems and the difficult decision to de
Emilia's story - formula fed my first, breastfed my second
Today’s guest is Emilia Kalyvides, a graphic designer and mum of two from North London. Emilia faced a lot of challenges with feeding her first child, including a tongue tie, extreme pain from her milk coming in, and a postnatal mental health crisis, which led her to choosing to bottle feed. She found out that she was pregnant with her daughter very quickly (they are just 16 months apart) and vowe
Emily's story - being a vet and breastfeeding
This week I’m talking to the brilliant Emily, a farm vet from Bath, about her breastfeeding journey. Emily, who returned to work when her son Arty was six months old, shares the challenges and strategies she used to manage breastfeeding while on call and working with farm animals. We discuss the logistics of expressing milk, handling emergencies, and the adaptability of both mother and child. Emi
Breastfeeding a 4 year old with Madeleine
This week, I’m speaking to the brilliant Madeleine from Leeds about her experience breastfeeding her 4-year-old son, Peter. We discuss how Madeleine managed night weaning and setting boundaries, and how their day to day feeding is going now that Peter is at school. Madeleine shares her personal experiences, including the challenges of breastfeeding while working night shifts as a doctor and the es
New to the show? Start here!
Not sure where to begin? Start here for a quick guide to the show and the episodes that will suit you. This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC, and produced by Emily Crosby Media.
Nipple twiddling, with Hannah and Victoria
This week I’m talking to two nursing mothers about their experience of nipple twiddling and broader 'nursing manners' issues that can arise during breastfeeding. Victoria shares her experience of overcoming twiddling with her son Arran, employing strategies like verbal communication, using alternatives, and creating a dedicated storybook to help him understand. Hannah, in the middle of s
Breastfeeding a 4 year old with Stella and Michelle
This week, I’m speaking to the wonderful Stella and Michelle, about breastfeeding their 4 year old nurslings. They delve into the challenges, societal perceptions, and personal boundaries set throughout their journeys. Both emphasize the importance of following your instincts, setting limits, and maintaining emotional connections. They highlight the misconceptions around breastfeeding older childr
Lindsey's story - weaning Ada
If you’re tandem nursing and wondering how your older child will ever wean when you are constantly feeding your baby, this is the episode for you! My guest this week is the lovely Lindsey Bouchard, a nurse from Massachusetts who has two daughters, Ada and Violet. Lindsey talks about her experience of oversupply and returning to work when Ada was just a few months old. She shares her experiences of
Breastfeeding a 3 yr old with Lara and Michelle
Merry Christmas to you, if you are celebrating this week. I hope you are surrounded by love and joy this holiday season.This episode, I’m speaking to two mums, Lara and Michelle, about their experiences breastfeeding their three year olds. Lara, from South London, has two children: Noor, aged 3, and Layla, who is a newborn. She is tandem feeding them both. Michelle, from Cumbria, has three boys.
Florence's story - returning to breastfeeding after a break
If ever there was someone who ticked all the boxes for breastfeeding challenges, it might be my guest this week. Florence East’s experience of feeding her son, Fred, includes a C-section birth, latching issues, nipple pain, and a diagnosis of tongue tie, which led to the use of nipple shields and eventually, exclusive pumping. She discusses her experiences with triple feeding, renting a hospital
Aisha's story - bigger boobs and two breastfeeding mums
This week, I’m joined by the brilliant Aisha Graham from Bristol. Aisha is mum to a nine-month-old daughter, and a five-year-old son, who her wife Lauren gave birth to. Our conversation delves into the dynamics of a same-sex family, co-nursing decisions, advocating for yourself and the importance of support during complex medical situations, including Aisha’s unexpected appendectomy shortly after
Beatrice's story - natural term breastfeeding and NBH supporting
My guest this week is the fabulous Beatrice Dane, a hypnobirthing instructor and breastfeeding supporter from Melton Mowbray. Bea discusses her early interest in motherhood, and her experiences breastfeeding her first child, Aria, to 4 years and 8 months, and her second child, Sam, who is still feeding today at 2. We touch on the challenges and triumphs of breastfeeding, the impact of family and p
Caprice's story - Black Mothers Matter
Today, I’m talking to the brilliant Caprice Fox, an educator and advocate from Bristol, about her experiences and advocacy work related to breastfeeding and inclusivity. We discuss the importance of representation and inclusive practices in breastfeeding campaigns and the damage of micro-agressions. Caprice shares her personal story and talks about her co-parenting journey with her wife, Holly. We
Amy's story - breastfeeding through losses
This week, I’m honoured to be joined by Amy Viniski, a breastfeeding peer supporter and mindful breastfeeding practitioner, to share her personal experiences with pregnancy loss while breastfeeding. Amy candidly shares the emotional and physical challenges she faced through multiple losses, including an ectopic pregnancy and miscarriages. We discuss the misconceptions surrounding breastfeeding and
Gabrielle's story - tandem feeding and the protection of breastfeeding
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 young
Low milk supply with Caoimhe Whelan IBCLC
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
Maryam's story - being a doctor with breastfeeding challenges
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 fami
Weaning Q&A with Carly from Seed Pod, Part 2
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 qu
Weaning Q&A with Carly from Seed Pod, Part 1
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 qu
Research on breastfeeding beyond two with Joelle Morgan
This week, I’m speaking to Joelle Morgan, an NHS research midwife, about her recent qualitative study on the experiences and challenges of breastfeeding beyond two years in the UK. We start off with Joelle’s own breastfeeding journey and how she came to carry out the research. She shares insights from mothers on social media support, the lack of healthcare guidance on weaning, and the underreprese
Ruth's story - breastfeeding with craniosynostosis
This week, I’m talking to Ruth from Lincolnshire about her experiences breastfeeding her son Rowan, who was diagnosed with craniosynostosis - a condition in which a baby's skull bones fuse too early, leading to an unusually shaped head and potential brain issues. Ruth established breastfeeding despite Rowan's early medical challenges, including a NICU stay with a collapsed lung, and has
PMDD and breastfeeding with Lucy Webber IBCLC
The brilliant Lucy Webber IBCLC returns to talk to me today, and this time about a subject that is personal to her - PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder). Lucy shares her personal experiences with PMDD, the importance of recognizing its symptoms, and the need for proper support. We talk about the challenges families face with the impact of returning menstrual cycles on lactation, especially whe
Claire's story - milk donation after loss. Part 2
This week’s story will be a difficult listen for some, but such an important story to share. I’m talking to Claire-Michelle Pearson about being a ‘Snowdrop donor’ at Hearts Milk Bank after the death of her son, Rupert. We’ve split the episode into two parts. Part 2 is about her milk donation journey and the birth of Rory, her five-month old (and we do make a reference to other losses more briefly.
Claire's story - milk donation after loss. Part 1
This week’s story will be a difficult listen for some, but such an important story to share. I’m talking to Claire-Michelle Pearson about being a ‘Snowdrop donor’ at Hearts Milk Bank after the death of her son, Rupert. We’ve split the episode into two parts. Part 1 covers Claire’s pregnancy with Rupert and his loss. Part 2 is about her milk donation journey and the birth of Rory, her five-month ol
Hannah's story - IGT and working with Imogen Unger IBCLC
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 breastfee
Becky’s story - a solo motherhood journey
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
Jenny and Kat's stories - solo motherhood and breastfeeding
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
Jill's story - struggling to conceive while breastfeeding
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
Summer holiday replay - Dads and breastfeeding with Scott Mair - Part 2
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 a
Summer holiday replay - Dads and breastfeeding with Scott Mair - Part 1
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 b
Grannies and breastfeeding with Jan Edye IBCLC
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 Ja
Phoebe's story - moving to exclusive pumping
This week’s episode is a prime example of how everyone’s situation is unique, and every solution must be too. My guest is Phoebe, a nurse from Paris, France. Phoebe shares her experiences, including her initial plans to breastfeed, facing issues like inverted nipples, her daughter Adele’s jaundice and weight loss, and conflicting advice from healthcare professionals. At four months postpartum, aft
Amy's story - Breastfeeding and MS
This week I’m talking to Amy Winterbourne, a mother of two from Watford, about her experience breastfeeding after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). Amy shares her journey of breastfeeding her eldest son, William, until he was two and a half, and how she weaned him gently during her pregnancy with her younger son, James. She then delves into her MS diagnosis when James was nearly one, d
A Q&A on tandem feeding with Nicola de Sousa
My guest this week has personal and professional experience of tandem feeding to share with us. Nicola De Sousa is an infant feeding coach from Jersey, in the Channel Islands. She fed her toddler Mikayla, all through her pregnancy and alongside her infant Diogo.We talk about Nicola’s experience of feeding both her children, but also from 28:30 we answer your questions about tandem feeding. For de
Golnessa's story - triandem feeding
My guest this week shares her amazing journey of triandem feeding - what she calls the ‘path of least resistance’, though I think the rest of us would describe her as inspirational. Golnessa is a GP from Fife in Scotland, and is currently breastfeeding her three children, Gus (10 months), Gertie (3 years) and Gilligan (5 years). We talk about the challenges, logistics and the emotional support inv
Listeners Q&A
In honour of this being officially my 100th episode, I’m answering listeners’ questions this week. We cover natural term breastfeeding, weaning older children, dealing with conflict with family and a response to a request to share my own breastfeeding story.If you’d like to read the questions, you’ll find each one in Bold in the transcript for this episode.My new picture book on how breastfeeding
Preparing for puberty with confidence, with Tara Ghosh
We’re trying something a little different this week - Tara and I have created a section of the show especially for young people. If someone in your life would like to know more about periods, breast development and what else can change from the age of about 8 to 12 years, they should listen from 46:45 onwards.My guest this week, Tara Ghosh, is a certified women's health coach and period educa
Cara and Jodie's stories - breastfeeding with a Pavlik harness
If you have a baby, or are supporting parents of a baby, who has a Pavlik Harness, the chances are that you haven’t found much information about how to combine a Pavlik Harness with breastfeeding. I’m hoping this episode helps.I’m speaking to Cara from Midlothian, and Jodie from Essex, both twin mums who have breastfed babies through their treatment for hip dysplasia. They share their personal jo
Shonagh's story - tandem feeding
We often cover struggles and challenges on this podcast, but my guest this week, Shonagh Johnson, from East Lothian, is a great example of how well tandem breastfeeding can go. Although she had some nipple sensitivity, Shonagh found feeding her first daughter Freya relatively easy after a swift home birth. Despite having no expectations of how long they would feed for, she carried on throughout h
Pumping and flanges with Amber Clark IBCLC
Every so often a project comes along with the potential to radically change the experience of lactating parents. My guest this week, Amber, has one such project.Amber Clark is an infant feeding specialist nurse and IBCLC working in Wessex. Her work, the Early Breast Milk Improvement Project is all about improving outcomes for pumpers by fitting flanges properly and increasing pumping efficiency.I
Becca's story - returning to breastfeeding after exclusive pumping
Sometimes the thing we need most is the space and time to figure it out ourselves.My guest this week, Becca from Oxfordshire, had a challenging start to breastfeeding her son, Rupert. A combination of a tongue tie, slightly inverted nipples, and troubles latching, led to severe nipple damage just days after Rupert’s birth. Becca turned to exclusive pumping to let her nipples heal, and days turned
Louise's story - a crisis of confidence second time around
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
Vicky's story - working as a nurse while breastfeeding
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 deliv
