In this episode of Behind the Latch, Margaret Salty interviews Dr. Jimi Francis, a pioneering IBCLC, researcher, and assistant professor at the University of Texas in San Antonio. Together, they explore Dr. Francis’s inspiring journey from being a young mother and breastfeeding advocate to becoming a leading researcher in maternal and infant nutrition.

The Roots of Advocacy:

Dr. Francis shares her incredible story of breastfeeding as a teen mom in rural Nevada and how those experiences ignited her lifelong passion for helping mothers and babies.

From Advocate to Researcher:

Learn how Dr. Francis pursued her master’s and PhD to study maternal-infant nutrition, focusing on groundbreaking topics such as breast milk composition and yeast infections.

The Fresh Milk Study:

Dr. Francis discusses her long-running research on the factors that cause babies to refuse stored milk, the role of reactive oxygen species, and how storage containers and maternal nutrition impact milk quality.

Supporting Military Families:

Dr. Francis talks about her work with the Foundation for Milk, which provides breastfeeding support to military families worldwide. She highlights the challenges military families face and the innovative programs her organization offers, such as 40-hour community health worker training and upcoming boot camps for dads and grandparents.

Tools for the Future:

Discover Dr. Francis’s research on biosensors to track milk transfer and how this emerging technology could empower mothers while addressing the gaps in postpartum breastfeeding support.

Advice for Aspiring Lactation Consultants:

Dr. Francis emphasizes the importance of ongoing education, mentorship, and expanding your skillset to support mothers beyond the early days of breastfeeding.

Dr. Jimi Francis’s groundbreaking research and dedication to supporting breastfeeding families are truly inspiring. Whether you’re an IBCLC student, practicing consultant, or maternal health advocate, this episode is packed with actionable insights and innovation.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• Learn more about the Foundation for Milk: https://foundationformilk.org
• Follow the Foundation on X: @TXforMILK
• Foundation’s Substack: Foundation for Milk Substack

If you found this episode helpful, please subscribe to Behind the Latch and leave a review. Don’t forget to share this episode with your colleagues and fellow IBCLCs!

Connect with Me:

Have questions or suggestions for future episodes? Reach out to Margaret at margaretsalty.com or connect with me on social media:

• Instagram: @margaretsalty
• Facebook: Margaret Salty

Credits:

• Hosted by: Margaret Salty
• Guest: Dr. Jimi Francis
• Music by: The Magnifiers, "My Time Traveling Machine"

Hashtags and Keywords:

#IBCLC #LactationSupport #MilkComposition #MaternalHealth #BreastfeedingResearch #LactationMentor #MargaretSalty