Guest Bio: 

Episode Description 

In this heartfelt episode of the LIFTS Podcast, host Emily Freeman talks with Celeste Miller, a ranch mom from rural Montana, about her journey through breastfeeding challenges, rural isolation, and finding confidence in motherhood.

Celeste shares how her first baby’s health complications made nursing difficult, how she found support the second time around, and what it’s like raising kids while working on a cattle ranch. Together, Emily and Celeste discuss the realities of rural parenting — long drives for care, limited lactation support, and the pressure to “tough it out” — alongside the growing openness among moms to talk about postpartum mental health.

Highlights include:

• Navigating breastfeeding challenges and formula feeding without local support
• Balancing ranch life and parenting in a rural setting
• The importance of community, vulnerability, and practical support for moms
• Why resources like lactation consultants and postpartum support matter in small towns

Celeste’s message:
“You can be tough and still have a hard time — it’s not one or the other.”

Learn more:

• LIFTS Online Resource Guide Category Lactation Supports: https://hmhb-lifts.org/services?service_type=Lactation%20Support
• Read the article from the magazine:  https://hmhb-mt.org/magazine/

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For statewide resources to support Montana families in the 0-3 years of parenting, check out the LIFTS online resource guide at
https://hmhb-lifts.org/