In this episode we are honoured to share three stories ofbreastfeeding mothers who for different reasons had to triple-feed their babies in the early weeks after birth. We hope that their stories  can help our listeners who are also facing the challenges of triple-feeding.

While ‘triple-feeding’  is not an official medical term – it’s widely used in the breastfeeding world to indicate that the baby needs to receive nourishment in a number of different ways, e.g directly at the breast, via expressed milk,donor milk and formula.

Today we are exploring how it may feel to have breastfeeding problems early on or to be faced with a triple-feeding plan.

It may feel as if it’s ‘all gone wrong’ and the dreams youhad about feeding your baby are in ruins. With conflicting information and lack of support your confidence about breastfeeding your baby may seem compromised.Fortunately, babies are very adaptable and resilient, and so are their parents! With time, patience and, if necessary, skilled help, it is almost always possible to get feeding back on track after a difficult start. It is most certainly always possible to have a close, warm and happy feeding relationship with your baby – even if it might look different from what you had expected.

‘Three Keeps’ is the concept that has been widely shared inLa Leche League from our Charity’s inception. It focuses not only on expressing milk to feed baby, but also on the connection between mother and baby and howprotecting and encouraging skin to skin between baby and mother can help get breastfeeding back on track after a challenging start.

A holistic model of support offered by LLL is discussed andthe listeners are encouraged to reach out to LLLGB if breastfeeding support and information is needed.

LLLGB is a charity that offers mother to mother and parentto parent support for breastfeeding and chestfeeding. The charity was founded by seven mothers in 1956 and since then has accumulated a wealth of knowledge that is now supported by the latest scientific evidence and research.

Episode Notes:

For breastfeeding support and informationplease visit: www.laleche.org.uk

https://laleche.org.uk/getting-breastfeeding-on-track-after-a-difficult-start-the-3-keeps/

https://laleche.org.uk/five-ways-help-breastfeeding-doesnt-go-expected/

https://laleche.org.uk/my-baby-needs-more-milk/

https://laleche.org.uk/weaning-from-supplements/

https://laleche.org.uk/whats-big-deal-skin-skin/

https://laleche.org.uk/jaundice/

https://laleche.org.uk/feeding-late-preterm-babies/

Sarah and Maria talk about how nursing may feel around this age and stage. This milestone is often deeply connected to breastfeeding goals, expectations and the context within which we are parenting. We reflect on our own inner voice and the way we speak to ourselves about what’s ‘right’, what’s ‘enough’, or what we ‘should’ be doing and how this inner voice shapes our behaviour and may conflict with the external expectations.

When we are exhausted, touched out, or just need time to eat a meal in peace, the solution given to us is to stop breastfeeding. As if our needs can only be met if we are no longer breastfeeding. Our needs matter and we should not have to choose between meeting our children’s needs and our own.

La Leche League philosophy values the unique relationship between mother and baby – that in the early years, a baby’s need to be with their mother is as basic as their need for food.

What does it actually mean when we say we feel guilty and where do those feelings come from?

How can we balance the needs of a breastfeeding toddler with our own wellbeing needs and other responsibilities? How do we approach weaning from breastfeeding if we are ready before the child is.

A holistic model of support offered by LLL is discussed and the listeners are encouraged to reach out to LLLGB if breastfeeding support and information is needed.

LLLGB is a charity that offers mother to mother and parent to parent support for breastfeeding and chestfeeding. The charity was founded by seven mothers in 1956 and since then has accumulated a wealth of knowledge that is now supported by the latest scientific evidence and research.

Episode Notes:

For breastfeeding support and information please visit: www.laleche.org.uk

https://laleche.org.uk/thinking-of-weaning/

https://laleche.org.uk/after-weaning-what-next/

https://laleche.org.uk/breastfeeding-beyond-infancy/

https://laleche.org.uk/breastfeeding-beyond-a-year/

https://laleche.org.uk/breastfeeding-ends-suddenly/

https://laleche.org.uk/still-nursing/

https://open.spotify.com/episode/5EfJddj7oVOxW5kPqVVUTf?si=_w7oA4FgRFW8SBNCH3QzTA

https://open.spotify.com/episode/1eI8gV23ahVcFXdmqXvdQu?si=McEgJhDRTU2XyT_px53GDA

Black Breastfeeding week is celebrated during the last weekof August.

Its aim is to amplify Black women’s voices and lived experiences which have historically been underrepresented.

In LLL, stories matter. Sharing our stories connects us withsomething bigger — the global community of mothers and peers, learning from and supporting each other.

We invite you to access our free support and connect with others. Everyone’s experience is different, so today we’re really excited to welcome five families onto the podcast to share their perspectives. 

 The following questions are explored in this discussion:

- Why breastfeeding matters to this group of women

- What were the expectations of what motherhood would look like and what were the challenges when it came to receiving breastfeeding support

- What information and resources they found helpful on theirnursing journeys

 A holistic model of support offered by LLL is discussed andthe listeners are encouraged to reach out to LLLGB if breastfeeding support and information is needed.

LLLGB is a charity that offers mother to mother and parentto parent support for breastfeeding and chestfeeding. The charity was founded by seven mothers in 1956 and since then has accumulated a wealth of knowledge that is now supported by the latest scientific evidence and research.

Episode Notes:

For breastfeeding support and information please visit: www.laleche.org.uk

 https://laleche.org.uk/i-needed-a-likeminded-community/

https://laleche.org.uk/natashas-journey-breastfeeding-mother-to-lll-leader/

https://laleche.org.uk/supporting-a-breastfeeding-mother/

 https://laleche.org.uk/thinking-about-lll-leadership/

 https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/dope-black-mums-podcast/id1570141425

In this episode by LLLGB, volunteer breastfeedingcounsellors Sarah Fletcher and Maria Yasnova facilitate a discussion with Mothers and Parents from four families that received breastfeeding support from La Leche League GB.

We continue with the question of Adjusting toMotherhood/Parenthood and dive deeper individual stories.

We celebrate triumphs and honour challenges. We reflect on expectations and adjusting to reality.

The following questions are explored in this honest andheart-warming discussion:

-            What have we expected parenthood to feel like?

-            How did adjustment to life with a small person look like?

-            What has helped to feel more in control of or at peace with the new reality?

-            Where has parenthood led you?

A holistic model of support offered by LLL is discussed andthe listeners are encouraged to reach out to LLLGB if breastfeeding support and information is needed.

LLLGB is a charity that offers mother to mother and parentto parent support for breastfeeding and chestfeeding. The charity was founded by seven mothers in 1956 and since then has accumulated a wealth of knowledge that is now supported by the latest scientific evidence and research.

Episode Notes:

For breastfeeding support and informationplease visit: www.laleche.org.uk

https://llli.org/news/what-is-d-mer/

https://laleche.org.uk/dont-enjoy-breastfeeding/

https://laleche.org.uk/adjusting-to-motherhood/

https://laleche.org.uk/breastfeeding-in-community-needed-now-more-than-ever/

What happens at LLL meeting?

In this episode by LLLGB, volunteer breastfeedingcounsellors Sarah Fletcher and Maria Yasnova catch up with one of LLLGB professional advisors – infant sleep researcher Professor Helen Ball.

Helen is an Anthropologist and Director of the Infancy & Sleep Centre at Durham University. In her latest book How Babies Sleep she brings together science, anthropological insight and experience to help provide parents with information on what to expect during the first 365 nights with a new baby.

The past century and a half has seen rapid change in thenature of adult lives in the West and we’ve needed babies’ sleep to comply. The mismatch we have created has caused our babies’ biology to be framed as ‘baby sleep problems’, and infants are often ‘treated’ using behavioural and clinicalinterventions.

The following topics are explored in this insightful andreassuring episode:

1. What we can expect baby sleep to look like during the first year
2. What impact culture has on our understanding of babies’ sleep
3. What parents need to be able to support their child’s sleep needs.

A holistic model of support offered by LLL is discussed andthe listeners are encouraged to reach out to LLLGB if breastfeeding support and information is needed.

LLLGB is a charity that offers mother to mother and parentto parent support for breastfeeding and chestfeeding.

The charity was founded by seven mothers in 1956 and since then has accumulated a wealth of knowledge that is now supported by the latest scientific evidence and research.

Episode Notes:

For breastfeeding support and informationplease visit: www.laleche.org.uk

https://laleche.org.uk/safe-sleep-the-breastfed-baby/

https://laleche.org.uk/breastfeeding-at-night/

https://www.basisonline.org.uk/about-us/

Helen’s Book:

https://www.lllgbbooks.co.uk/store/p263/How-Babies-Sleep.html

This episode is a tribute to Naomi Stadlen, who died on 06June 2025.

We are releasing part of our discussion with Naomi which we recorded in February 2025.

Naomi was a retired psychotherapist and LLL Leader. She saw a mother’s role as unique and one that needs to be better understood and their crucial contributions recognised. She felt we need more words to validate what mothersare doing, especially as they start to relate to their babies, and then as they continue relating to their growing children, for the rest of their lives.

LLLGB is a charity that offers mother to mother and parentto parent support for breastfeeding and chestfeeding. The charity was founded by seven mothers in 1956 and since then has accumulated a wealth of knowledgethat is now supported by the latest scientific evidence and research.

Episode Notes:

For breastfeeding support and information please visit:www.laleche.org.uk

Naomi Stadlen’s books:

What Mothers Do

https://www.lllgbbooks.co.uk/store/p183/HowMothersLove.html

⁠https://www.lllgbbooks.co.uk/store/p235/WhatMothersLearn.html⁠

⁠https://www.lllgbbooks.co.uk/store/p253/WhyGrandmothersMatter.html⁠

⁠https://pinterandmartin.com/products/a-grand-quarrel⁠

In this episode by LLLGB, volunteer breastfeedingcounsellors Sarah Fletcher and Maria Yasnova invite fellow LLLGB Leaders, Sophia Berman and Justine Fieth, to reflect on their personal early parenting journeys.

Before our baby arrives we may have a vision of what that time will be like.

When the reality of this transition differs from our expectations we may find ourselves on an emotional rollercoaster - it can be helpful to know that adjustingto having a baby can take time and is an ongoing process.

That having challenges, even feeling overwhelmed, is a normal experience. Pain, tiredness, your birth experience, and how much support you have will all affect how youfeel.

We are discussing the following:

- What we may expect motherhood to feel like

- What adjusting to life with a small person may look like

- What has helped us to find our feet in becoming parentsand the importance of support all round in those early stages of Parenthood.

Everyone’s experience is different, we hope you may hearsomething that resonates with you.

Watch this space for future episodes exploring other perspectives, experiences and journeys. Please get in touch with us on [email protected] toshare yours!

 A holistic model of support offered by LLL is discussed and the listeners are encouraged to reach out to LLLGB if breastfeeding support and information is needed.

LLLGB is a charity that offers mother to mother and parentto parent support for breastfeeding and chestfeeding. The charity was founded by seven mothers in 1956 and since then has accumulated a wealth of knowledge that is now supported by the latest scientific evidence and research.

Episode Notes: For breastfeeding support and informationplease visit: www.laleche.org.uk

https://laleche.org.uk/adjusting-to-motherhood/

Beginning BreastfeedingSupporting a Breastfeeding Mother
Out & About With Your Breastfed Baby
Safe Sleep & The Breastfed Baby
When A Mother Is Unwell
Why Come To LLL Meetings
So what do you do? a mother’s story
Breastfeeding & Postnatal Depression

https://laleche.org.uk/recreating-the-lying-in-month

https://laleche.org.uk/five-ways-help-breastfeeding-doesnt-go-expected/

LLLI Articles & stories
Why breastfeeding is good for mothers’ mental health, anarticle by Katheen Kendall-Tackett

Other websites
www.biologicalnurturing.com
www.breastfeedingmadesimple.com/Depression.html
www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Postnataldepression

Breastfeeding Network – anxiety and breastfeeding

‘Motherhood’ poem is written and recorded by Jessica Starr

In this episode by LLLGB, volunteer breastfeedingcounsellors Sarah Fletcher and Maria Yasnova discuss the shift in the nursing relationship with our growing baby and the need for mothers to be able to voice their needs.

Breastfeeding is a foundation of human relationships and when we are communicating our needs to our growing baby and meeting their needs responsively, we are modelling respect for the needs of others.

This gradual evolution of the unconditional response to our newborn to being able to set some boundaries may not always feel comfortable. Baby biting, feeling ‘touched out’, nursing aversion during ovulation as well as needing orwanting to be away from our baby can provoke feelings of guilt and confusion.

The following topics are explored in this informal andopen-hearted episode:

-   A baby’s intense need to be with his mother whichis as basic as the need for food

-   How to take our own feelings into account whenbuilding a relationship at the breast

-  How breastfeeding may look and feel around 8months and up to walking stage.

A holistic model of support offered by LLL is discussed andthe listeners are encouraged to reach out to LLLGB if breastfeeding support and information is needed.

LLLGB is a charity that offers mother to mother and parentto parent support for breastfeeding and chestfeeding. The charity was foundedby seven mothers in 1956 and since then has accumulated a wealth of knowledgethat is now supported by the latest scientific evidence and research.

Episode Notes:

For breastfeeding support and informationplease visit: www.laleche.org.uk

https://laleche.org.uk/help-baby-bit/

https://laleche.org.uk/nursing-strikes/

https://laleche.org.uk/dont-enjoy-breastfeeding/

https://laleche.org.uk/dealing-with-criticism/

https://laleche.org.uk/breastfeeding-beyond-infancy/

https://laleche.org.uk/after-weaning-what-next/

https://laleche.org.uk/still-nursing/

https://laleche.org.uk/thinking-of-weaning/

In this episode by LLLGB, volunteer breastfeeding counsellors Sarah Fletcher and Maria Yasnova discuss the complex and sensitive subject for many families, Breastfeeding and Allergies, with Dr Robert Boyle, one of LLLGB’s professional advisors.

Dr Boyle’s research focuses on the development of new waysof preventing, diagnosing and treating allergic disease which affects young people. The episode shines the light on whether food and environmental allergies have become more common, what support parents need when they suspect their infant is impacted by allergies or are living with allergies and discussed current research and medical guidelines. The discussion aims to empower and support breastfeeding families dealing with the symptoms.

A holistic model of support offered by LLL is discussed andthe listeners are encouraged to reach out to LLLGB if breastfeeding support and information is needed.

LLLGB is a charity that offers mother to mother and parentto parent support for breastfeeding and chestfeeding. The charity was founded by seven mothers in 1956 and since then has accumulated a wealth of knowledge that is now supported by the latest scientific evidence and research.

Episode Notes:

For breastfeeding support and informationplease visit: www.laleche.org.uk

For more information on the common symptoms, what may be normal and what needs attention please see the articles below:

https://laleche.org.uk/allergies/

https://laleche.org.uk/breastfeeding-and-a-mothers-diet-myths-and-facts/https://laleche.org.uk/i-think-my-babys-got-colic/

https://laleche.org.uk/unhappy-baby/

https://laleche.org.uk/fussy-evenings-with-a-newborn/

In this episode by La Leche League (LLLGB), volunteer breastfeeding counsellors Sarah Fletcher and Maria Yasnova discuss the pressures of introducing solid food to babies in our society. One of the 10 La Leche League Philosophy Concepts states: ‘For the healthy, full-term baby, human milk is the only food necessary until the baby shows signs of readiness for complementary foods, about the middle of the first year after birth.’

While breastfeeding babies feed themselves pretty much from birth, it is often assumed that eating solids is a skill we need to teach them. It may come as a surprise that babies cancontinue to feed themselves as intuitively and confidently with solids as they have been for months at the breast.

Just like with most other aspects of mothering and breastfeeding, many mothers find themselves under pressure from the well-meaning community as well as online resources to actively pursue introduction of solid foods to babies and are often left baffled by overwhelming and conflicting information about this developmental stage.

In this episode we highlight the importance of sharing meals and food as a social interaction, with a focus on enjoyment, responsiveness and innate babies’ curiosity and dismantle the myth of babies ‘needing’ solids packaged as ‘baby-food’ as they can join in with your family nutrition with someassistance.

We reiterate the importance of ‘responsive feeding’ which means trusting your baby to know his own appetite and share our personal experiences of this stage with our own babies.

A holistic model of support offered by LLL is discussed and the listeners are encouraged to reach out to LLLGB ifbreastfeeding support and information is needed.

LLLGB is a charity that offers mother to mother and parent to parent support for breastfeeding and chestfeeding. The charity was founded by seven mothers in 1956 and since then has accumulated a wealth of knowledge that is now supported by the latest scientific evidence and research.

Episode Notes:

For breastfeeding support, mothers’ stories and information on introducing solid foods to breastfeeding baby please visit: www.laleche.org.uk

To find your local group:

https://laleche.org.uk/find-lll-support-group/

Get your ‘Art of Breastfeeding’ book by La Leche League International:

https://www.lllgbbooks.co.uk/store/p258/Art-of-Breastfeeding.html