The holidays can be a joyful - and challenging - time for parents of breastfed babies, especially when food reactivity is involved. In this episode, I chat with Dr. Trill from Free to Feed, an expert in supporting families navigating infant food sensitivities.

Dr. Trill walks us through:

• How to identify true food reactivity versus what might be latching difficulties
• What an elimination diet might look like
• Tips for managing your own nutrition and well-being
• Strategies to enjoy holiday meals without stress or guilt
• What to expect long-term
  This episode is full of evidence-backed, practical guidance to help you feel confident and supported. Be sure to share it with your support people or your friends and family who may be navigating these challenges.

Connect with Dr. Trill:

Website: https://www.freetofeed.com 

Social Media: @free.to.feed

Connect with Pamela:

Website: www.brimfamilycare.com

Social Media: @brim.familycare
Support The Brimful Podcast:

buymeacoffee.com/brim.familycare

In this episode, Pamela sits down with Alix Meyers, doula and founder of Tenderly, a practice dedicated to supporting neurodivergent families through fertility, pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Alix shares her path from a career in marketing to becoming a doula, the journey of discovering neurodivergence within her own family, and how her lived experience shaped the neuro-affirming lens she brings to her work.

Together, Pamela and Alix explore the sensory, communication, and executive-function realities that can shape a birthing or postpartum experience, especially for those who may not yet realize they're neurodivergent. They discuss why so many birthing people don’t receive the support they need, how masking can disguise overwhelm, and how simple shifts in practice can help birth workers provide truly neuro-affirming care.

Alex also shares how virtual doula support can be a powerful accessibility tool, what families can expect when working with her online, and the upcoming self-paced birth planning course she’s creating specifically with neurodivergent brains in mind.

In this episode:
• How Alix discovered her path into birth work
• Why neurodivergence often goes unrecognized until the postpartum period
• Sensory overload, executive functioning, communication differences, and how they shape the perinatal experience
• What “neuro-affirming care” actually means
• Tips for advocating for your needs with care providers
• How virtual doula support creates accessibility for neurodivergent families
• A peek into Alex’s upcoming neuro-affirming birth planning course

If you or someone you support is navigating pregnancy or postpartum with a neurodivergent lens, this conversation offers clarity, validation, and tools for cultivating a more supported experience.

Connect with Alex:
Website - https://www.lovetender.ly/

Social Media - @lovetender.ly_doula

Email - [email protected]

Support Brim Lactation & Family Care:
If you’d like to support the podcast and ongoing educational work, you can do so here:
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/brimfamilycare

More episodes, services, and offerings: www.brimfamilycare.com

In This Episode:

• How breastfeeding can lower stress hormones and inflammation — key factors linked to depression.
  

• How exclusive breastfeeding supports better sleep quality and quantity for mothers.
  

• The bidirectional link between mental health and lactation: each impacts the other.
  

• The protective effects of breastfeeding for trauma survivors.
  

• How poor or dismissive support increases depression risk, and positive support decreases it.
  

• Rethinking the idea of “permission to quit” through the lens of autonomy, respect, and real care.
  

References Mentioned:

Kendall-Tackett, K. A. (2015). Depression in New Mothers: Causes, Consequences, and Treatment Alternatives. Available via PubMed Central: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4842365/

Key findings: Breastfeeding reduces cortisol and inflammation, improves sleep, and protects against depression — especially in trauma survivors.

Dennis, C.-L., & McQueen, K. (2016). The relationship between infant-feeding outcomes and postpartum depression: A longitudinal study. CMAJ Open, 4(1), E103–E109. https://www.cmajopen.ca/content/4/1/E103

Study of 380 mothers in Calgary: 88% experienced feeding difficulties. When support was perceived as positive, risk of postpartum depression dropped from 14.9% to 5.25%. Negative or dismissive support did not improve outcomes.

Connect with us:

Host: Pamela Tessmann, IBCLC www.brimfamilycare.ca Instagram: @brim.familycare

Buy Me a Coffee to support the show: buymeacoffee.com/brim.familycare

Guest: Erin Dykstra, IBCLC Sweet Spot Lactation Instagram: @sweetspotlactation

Find a Lactation Consultant in BC

https://bclca.wildapricot.org/

In this episode, I’m joined by Janelle Fontaine, Registered Massage Therapist and founder of Nurturing the Mother. Janelle's practice focuses on perinatal and postpartum bodywork, helping parents heal, reconnect, and restore balance after pregnancy and birth.

Through her hands-on work and teaching, Janelle is transforming how we understand postpartum recovery. She offers specialized post–cesarean and scar tissue massage, and she also trains other RMTs and health professionals to provide this essential care in their own practices.

We talk about what real postpartum recovery looks like, the often-overlooked impact of c-section scars, and how compassionate touch can help rebuild trust and connection within the body after birth.

Whether you’re a new parent, a perinatal professional, or someone passionate about holistic healing , this conversation will leave you feeling grounded, inspired, and deeply seen.

• What inspired Janelle to create Nurturing the Mother

• The power of bodywork in postpartum and cesarean recovery

• Common misconceptions about c-section scars and healing timelines

• The emotional side of postpartum touch and body reconnection

• How Janelle teaches other RMTs to support postpartum clients

• Why postpartum recovery deserves the same care and attention as birth itself

Website: www.nurturingthemother.ca
Instagram: @nurturingthemother

Courses and Resources:

• The Cesarean Recovery Guide (for parents and clients):
  nurturingthemother.thinkific.com/courses/the-cesarean-recovery-guide

Website: brimlactation.ca
Instagram: @brim.familycare

Support the Brimful Podcast:

buymeacoffee.com/brim.familycare

In this episode of Brimful, Pamela sits down with Jacob Engelsman, IBCLC, (He/Him) - lactation consultant, educator, and author of Lactation for the Rest of Us - to talk about making infant feeding support more inclusive, accessible, and rooted in real-life experiences.

Jacob shares what inspired his book, the gaps he sees in traditional lactation education, and how we can move toward care that celebrates diversity and meets families where they are. Together, Pamela and Jacob discuss breaking down barriers in the field, centering compassion over perfection, and building a culture of feeding support that truly fits the rest of us.

Whether you’re a parent, perinatal professional, or advocate for family-centered care, this episode offers insight, honesty, and a refreshing perspective on what inclusive lactation support can look like.

Learn more about Jacob’s (He/Him) work:
Website: https://www.lactationfortherestofus.com
Instagram: @lactationfortherestofus

Connect with Pamela (She/Her) (Host):
Website: https://www.brimfamilycare.ca
Instagram: @brim.familycare

Support this podcast and the work we do:
buymeacoffee.com/brim.familycare

In this episode, we sit down with Cayla Solomon, the compassionate and knowledgeable founder of Sleeping Beauties. Cayla is dedicated to transforming sleep for individuals and families through her unique, holistic approach. Her philosophy centers on addressing the root causes of sleep disruptions while considering family dynamics and paramedical factors, offering a truly bespoke and sustainable path to better rest.

• The Science of Sleep: Cayla shares key insights into why sleep challenges occur and how they impact overall well-being.

• Holistic Solutions: Discover how Cayla’s approach goes beyond conventional sleep training to address every aspect of a family’s life, ensuring no root issue is overlooked.

• Empowering Families: Hear real-life stories of how Cayla has supported families in regaining control of their sleep and mental health.

• Practical Advice: Get tips and actionable strategies for improving sleep, even in complex or unique situations.

• Parents struggling with their child’s sleep patterns.

• Individuals experiencing personal sleep challenges.

• Anyone curious about the connection between sleep, mental health, and family dynamics.

Cayla Solomon is a sleep expert with a difference. Through Sleeping Beauties, she offers unbiased, tailored support that avoids one-size-fits-all solutions. Cayla’s dedication to empowering families and addressing the deeper causes of sleep disruption has made her a trusted guide for achieving long-lasting change.

• 🌐 Visit her website: Sleeping Beauties

• 📸 Follow her on Instagram: @OfficialSleepingBeauties

• 📧 Connect with Cayla: Send her a message

• A downloadable sleep progression guide: Get Your Free Guide Here

• Workbook: Transform Contact to Independent Sleep. Get yours for only $27 Here

We’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode!

• Join the Conversation: Share your sleep challenges or breakthroughs by tagging us on Instagram @brim.familycare

• Leave a Review: If you enjoyed this episode, rate and review our podcast! Your feedback helps us bring more valuable content to listeners like you.

Follow Us: Stay connected for more episodes on perinatal mental health, parenting, and wellness:

• Instagram: @brim.familycare

• Website: brimfamilycare.com

Tune in now and unlock the secrets to a good night's sleep! 🌙

In this insightful episode, we sit down with Kirsten Werner, RMT, owner of Cumberland Village Wellness and founder of Wellness Business Coaching. Kirsten shares her inspiring journey from certified aromatherapy massage practitioner in 2001 to becoming a Registered Massage Therapist in 2008, and how she has built a thriving practice deeply rooted in the Comox Valley community.

We dive into her unique offerings, including infant and toddler massage classes, post-surgical care for mastectomy, top surgery and c-section patients. Kirsten also reveals her passion for teaching—helping parents connect through touch and guiding wellness practitioners to create sustainable, successful businesses.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The incredible benefits of baby and toddler massage for connection, development, and relaxation.
• How Kirsten supports clients recovering from surgeries, including her specialized training for mastectomy care.
• The role of therapeutic c-section massage in postpartum recovery and wellness.
• Kirsten’s approach to helping wellness practitioners build aligned, profitable practices.
• Her connection to the community fuels her work.

Connect with Kirsten Werner:

• Website: Cumberland Village Wellness
• Instagram: @cumberlandvillagewellness & @wellnessbusinesscoaching
• Wellness Business Coaching: Learn more here

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• Mastectomy Guide for Health Professionals training
• Infant Massage classes and workshops

Get Involved:
Love this episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your community. Let us know what resonated most by tagging us on Instagram @brim.familycare or connect with us at our website www.brimfamilycare.com

Let Kirsten’s passion and expertise inspire your journey in wellness, whether you’re seeking healing touch for yourself or tools to build a fulfilling business.

Tune in and let the healing begin!

In this episode, we delve into the critical but often overlooked topic of perinatal mental health, discussing the challenges faced by both parents during the perinatal period. We'll explore perinatal mood disorders, such as postpartum depression and anxiety, and how they impact not only mothers but fathers and partners as well.

Our special guest, Tasha Page, a registered social worker specializing in perinatal mental health, gives us an inside look at what a typical counseling session looks like with her. She shares her approach to providing compassionate, personalized care and guiding parents through their emotional struggles during infertility, pregnancy and postpartum.

Tasha also talks about her fertility support group, which provides a safe, supportive space for individuals and couples navigating the often difficult and emotionally taxing journey of infertility.

Whether you're a parent, parent-to-be, or someone facing fertility challenges, this episode offers valuable insights and resources for mental health and emotional well-being during the perinatal period.

Tune in to learn more about how you can prioritize mental health during one of life’s most transformative experiences.

Credits:

Produced by: Pamela Tessmann

Music by: PK Tessmann

Contact info: 

Tasha Page - www.glaciercounselling.com, [email protected]

Pamela Tessmann - www.brimfamilycare.com, [email protected]

Books Recommendations:

• I had a miscarriage Jessica Zucker

• Good Moms have Scary Thoughts- Karen Klieman

For something a little more academic: 

• In (M)other Words, Andrea O'Reily

• How to Keep House While Drowning, KC Davis 

The book Tasha is working on is slated to be called Barren: An Exploration of the Journey to Parenthood and will be published by Demeter press next year (2025). 

They have a number of amazing books on the experience of mothering, pregnancy loss, etc 

https://demeterpress.org/

Recommended Resources to Have Listed Nearby:

Emergency Mental Health 9-88 Call or text 24/7

Crisis Line

Text: 250-800-3806 6pm – 10pm 7 days per week

Call: 1-888-494-3888 24/7

Postpartum Support International

www.postpartum.net

helpline for access to resources: 1.800.944.4773

-        Access to online resources in multiple languages

-        Online support groups on a wide variety of topics

-        Local support and specialized coordinators

-        Directory of therapists with training specific to perinatal mental health

Pacific Post Partum Support Society

www.postpartum.org

Help line to speak to a support Counselor: 1-855-255-7999

-        Online support groups.

-        Excellent online resources with information about perinatal mental health for all members of the family in multiple languages.

In this episode, your host Pamela returns to share essential insights into the early days of feeding your baby. Although this episode comes a bit late, missing World Breastfeeding Week, Pamela makes up for it with valuable advice and information for new parents.

• Introduction to Lactation:

• Understanding the process of milk production in the mammary glands.

• The role of key hormones like prolactin and oxytocin in milk production and release.

• The three stages of milk production and how they impact your breastfeeding journey.

• Challenges and Solutions in Early Lactation:

• Common challenges in the second stage of lactation, such as delayed milk production and how to address them.

• Importance of skin-to-skin contact and hand expression in promoting milk production.

• Tips for managing the early days of breastfeeding, including the "Day 2 Syndrome."

• Role of an IBCLC:

• What is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and how they can support you.

• Differences between IBCLCs, lactation counselors, and La Leche League leaders.

• How to find an IBCLC and advocate for better access to their services in Canada.

• Advocacy and Support:

• Ways to advocate for IBCLC care in your community and workplace.

• How to support new parents through practical help, encouragement, and sharing accurate information about breastfeeding.

• Organizations and initiatives that support breastfeeding and how you can contribute.

• Petition to Include IBCLCs in BC Medical Services

• Canadian Lactation Consultant Association

• Local Milk Banks and Breastfeeding Support Groups

• Sound Birth Services Resources

References:

https://bmcpregnancychildbirth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12884-016-0876-1

https://internationalbreastfeedingjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13006-022-00523-3#:~:text=Women%20giving%20birth%20by%20Cesarean,initiation%20of%20breastfeeding%20%5B11%5D.

• Have questions or need more information? Email Pamela at [email protected].

• Don’t forget to rate the show and share it with your friends!

Credits:

Produced by Pamela Tessmann

Music by PK Tessmann

Thank you for joining us today! We hope this episode provides you with the knowledge and confidence you need as you embark on your infant feeding journey. Until next time, take care!

In this episode, Pamela sits down with osteopath Sarah Clement and dentist James Chen to discuss oral restrictions in infants. Discover what they are, how they affect breast/chest and bottle feeding & infant wellness, when a frenectomy might be a good option, and how pediatric bodywork can help.

* This episode is for informational purposes only and should not be a substitute for advice from a registered Midwife or Medical Doctor. If you have concerns, please see your care provider or IBCLC Lactation Consultant.

Contact Info:

Sarah Clement: [email protected], www.viosteopathy.ca/growing-bodies-wellness

Dr. Chen: www.downstreamdental.com

Pamela Tessmann, IBCLC: brimfamilycare.com, [email protected]

Credits:

Produced by Pamela Tessmann

Music by PK Tessmann