Makes Milk with Emma Pickett: breastfeeding from the beginning to the end

Louise’s story might be a difficult listen if you have suffered from depression, anxiety, or postnatal depression, but it is a story that she feels is helpful to share, and I am so grateful that she has. 

Louise Chappell went into her pregnancy and birth excited and happy, but after her son Robin was born, anxiety and trauma surfaced, and she became fixated on her feelings of inadequacy over breastfeeding and fear. It was the chance meeting of a former-health visitor friend that finally got her the care she needed - a seven week stay in a mother and baby unit, plus medication and talking therapy. Throughout her stay she continued to breastfeed as she recovered, and it slowly transformed into a happy bonding experience.

Find Louise on Facebook @louisechappell

Leeds Bosom Buddies is on Instagram @leedsbosombuddies

Information on antidepressants and breastfeeding here:

Antidepressants and Breastfeeding - The Breastfeeding Network

PANDAS for PND support: Postnatal depression – PANDAS Foundation UK

My new book, ‘Supporting the Transition from Breastfeeding: a Guide to Weaning for Professionals, Supporters and Parents’, is out now.

You can get 10% off the book at the Jessica Kingsley press website, that's uk.jkp.com using the code MMPE10 at checkout.

Follow me on Twitter @MakesMilk and on Instagram  @emmapickettibclc or find out more on my website www.emmapickettbreastfeedingsupport.com

This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC, and produced by Emily Crosby Media.

Sometimes our children can be our greatest teachers. That’s certainly what my guest this week, Bec, believes. 

Although she was a midwife before she was a mother, Bec has learnt so much about mothering and herself since having Lily two and half years ago. Their journey began with a peaceful water birth at 42 weeks, but continued with vomiting and possible reflux, leading to breast refusal. Bec talks openly about that breast refusal period and how it felt. Since those early struggles, they have slowed down together, and learnt to take each day as it comes. Lily is now a thriving boobie monster toddler.

My new book, ‘Supporting the Transition from Breastfeeding: a Guide to Weaning for Professionals, Supporters and Parents’, is out now.

You can get 10% off the book at the Jessica Kingsley press website, that's uk.jkp.com using the code MMPE10 at checkout.

Follow me on Twitter @MakesMilk and on Instagram  @emmapickettibclc or find out more on my website www.emmapickettbreastfeedingsupport.com

This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC, and produced by Emily Crosby Media.

It’s a pleasure to have Molly Morgan back with me today, to answer your questions about starting nursery and breastfeeding. 

You can find out more about Molly on Instagram at @molly_foxandthemoon and www.foxandthemoon.co.uk

My new book, ‘Supporting the Transition from Breastfeeding: a Guide to Weaning for Professionals, Supporters and Parents’, is out now.

You can get 10% off the book at the Jessica Kingsley press website, that's uk.jkp.com using the code MMPE10 at checkout.

Follow me on Twitter @MakesMilk and on Instagram  @emmapickettibclc or find out more on my website www.emmapickettbreastfeedingsupport.com

Questions answered - 

1:59 Do I need to gradually reduce my 10-month-old’s day feeds and feeding to sleep for naps, so that he's more prepared for starting nursery?

5:57  My 18-month-old still won't eat at nursery, but takes pumped milk. I'm now being told to limit breastfeeding and sending pumped milk. What do I do?

9:04 I’m preparing for going back to work, not feeding as much during the day, and when I finally do feed my child, there's a lot of milk in my breasts and they are being sick. Is this normal? Is this a worry?

11:25 What practical things does someone need to think about if they're going back to work at six months? 

18:11 My one-year-old refuses milk when at nursery, even though I provided him with bottles. I think that this is adding to him being very up and down at nursery. What can we do?

20:51 How do we know a baby is getting enough milk/fluids? Should they be drinking intuitively at 13 months?

23:27 What do I do when a 12/13-month-old asks for a breastfeed the minute we pick up from nursery, sometimes to the point of being very upset if they don't get it straight away?

29:15 I'll be going back to work four days a week, from 7am to 6:30pm and my son will be going to nursery. Will he manage on a feed before and after work?

38:11 Most nurseries don't exclude children with hand, foot and mouth disease, but it can end breastfeeding journeys. What are your thoughts?

42:34 My child is a Velcro baby. Would nursery or a childminder be better if they're very sensitive and higher needs?

51:12 My 10-month-old is refusing solids because they're teething. They refuse bottles and cups. Will he be okay for 8.5 hours?

We mentioned Stacey Zimmels @feedeatspeak on Instagram

 And here’s my nursing strike article:

"It's like a switch has flipped": The older baby nursing strike - The Natural Parent Magazine

This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC, and produced by Emily Crosby Media.

In this episode I’m talking about natural term breastfeeding with someone who has both personal and professional experience of it. Olivia Hinge is an IBCLC, midwife and mum of three, currently breastfeeding her youngest child (who makes a sleepy appearance in the episode).

We talk about the realities of breastfeeding support on the maternity ward and what training Olivia would provide to all hospital staff if she had a magic wand, as well as Olivia’s own breastfeeding and weaning journey. Olivia’s brand new book on infant feeding is available now.

Find Olivia on Instagram @olivia_lactation_consultant

and get her new book here https://www.yellowkitebooks.co.uk/titles/olivia-hinge/a-judgement-free-guide-to-feeding-your-baby/9781399731904/

My new book, ‘Supporting the Transition from Breastfeeding: a Guide to Weaning for Professionals, Supporters and Parents’, is out now.

You can get 10% off the book at the Jessica Kingsley press website, that's uk.jkp.com using the code MMPE10 at checkout.

Follow me on Twitter @MakesMilk and on Instagram  @emmapickettibclc or find out more on my website www.emmapickettbreastfeedingsupport.com

This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC, and produced by Emily Crosby Media.

Volunteer breastfeeding peer supporters are among the unsung heroes of the breastfeeding and chest feeding world. This week we’re exploring who they are and what they do. 

I’m joined by two peer supporters, Hilary and Katrina, who volunteer for Treasure Chest, in York. We talk about how they came to train as supporters, what they enjoy and find challenging about the role, and how they help families with their feeding journey.

Maybe being a peer supporter is something that you might be interested in? Check out what’s available locally, or in the UK, visit the Breastfeeding Network website to see if there’s a project near you: What is peer support? - The Breastfeeding Network. You can also train with the Association of Breastfeeding Mothers from anywhere in the UK: Breastfeeding Training – ABM

Find out more about Treasure Chest on Instagram at @treasurechestyork or on their website https://treasurechest.org.uk/

We talk in the episode about child loss and bereavement, as Hilary’s son Kester died when he was two. Hilary recommends some useful resources here: https://www.careforthefamily.org.uk/support-for-you/family-life/bereavement-support/bereaved-parent-support/

My new book, ‘Supporting the Transition from Breastfeeding: a Guide to Weaning for Professionals, Supporters and Parents’, is out now.

You can get 10% off the book at the Jessica Kingsley press website, that's uk.jkp.com using the code MMPE10 at checkout.

Follow me on Twitter @MakesMilk and on Instagram  @emmapickettibclc or find out more on my website www.emmapickettbreastfeedingsupport.com

This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC, and produced by Emily Crosby Media.

It’s my pleasure to be joined this week by Rakhee to talk about her gradual weaning journey with her daughter Isla. 

It was lack of sleep and aversion connected to her cycle that made Rakhee consider putting in some boundaries with Isla when she was around 18 months. With the support of her husband, Sandy, she made these changes very slowly, allowing for Isla to adapt and grow as she went. Eventually they ended their breastfeeding journey this year, when Isla was 3 years old.

This story touches on post-nursery feeds, aversion, and fear or anxiety over a child’s distress.

My new book, ‘Supporting the Transition from Breastfeeding: a Guide to Weaning for Professionals, Supporters and Parents’, is out now.

You can get 10% off the book at the Jessica Kingsley press website, that's uk.jkp.com using the code MMPE10 at checkout.

Follow me on Twitter @MakesMilk and on Instagram  @emmapickettibclc or find out more on my website www.emmapickettbreastfeedingsupport.com

This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC, and produced by Emily Crosby Media.

This summer bonus episode is a replay of episode 5, where I explore your motivations for weaning, and whether a refresh on nursing manners could help. I talk about ways you can upskill to meet your child’s needs without the breast, how to cut down on the number of feeds and how you can talk with your child to wean with kindness and authenticity.

I’m taking a break over the summer holidays, and replaying a few of my most popular episodes. I’ll be back with a brand new episode on 3rd September 2024.

My new book, ‘Supporting the Transition from Breastfeeding: a Guide to Weaning for Professionals, Supporters and Parents’, is out now.

You can get 10% off the book at the Jessica Kingsley press website, that's uk.jkp.com using the code MMPE10 at checkout.

Follow me on Twitter @MakesMilk and on Instagram  @emmapickettibclc or find out more on my website www.emmapickettbreastfeedingsupport.com

Resources mentioned in this episode - 

Nursies When the Sun Shines: A Little Book on Nightweaning, by Katherine C Havener

Booby Moon: A weaning book for toddlers, by Yvette Reid

Goodbye Mummy's Milk! by Mariapaola Weeks

The Aware Parenting Institute

This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC, and produced by Emily Crosby Media.

This summer bonus episode is a replay of episode 2, where I explore why you might want to end breastfeeding/chest feeding. I discuss the misleading advice that some parents receive, the societal pressures, and the guilt that you may be feeling, but also the autonomy that you can have to make this decision for yourself and your family.

I’m taking a break over the summer holidays, and replaying a few of my most popular episodes. I’ll be back with a brand new episode on 3rd September 2024.

My new book, ‘Supporting the Transition from Breastfeeding: a Guide to Weaning for Professionals, Supporters and Parents’, is out now.

You can get 10% off the book at the Jessica Kingsley press website, that's uk.jkp.com using the code MMPE10 at checkout.

Follow me on Twitter @MakesMilk and on Instagram  @emmapickettibclc or find out more on my website www.emmapickettbreastfeedingsupport.com

Resources mentioned in this episode -

Online -

@Feedeatspeak (Stacy Zimmels on Instagram)

Nourishing the Mother podcast – Bridget Wood and Julie Tenner 

Drugs in Breastmilk Service in the UK (https://www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/detailed-information/drugs-in-breastmilk/). 

Other services available include the Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) and the InfantRisk center led by Dr Thomas Hale.

Books - 

Adventures in Tandem Nursing – Hilary Flower

Taking charge of your fertility – Toni Weschler

Why breastfeeding grief and trauma matter – Amy Brown

The book you wish your parents had read (and your children will be glad that you did) – Philippa Perry

Articles - 

Articles on breastfeeding and sub-fertility – Carol Smyth IBCLC

Position Statement on the Shared Caregiving of the Breastfed Child – Breastfeeding for doctors

This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC, and produced by Emily Crosby Media.

‘You’re not feeding him again are you?’ ‘I’m only saying this because I’m worried about you’ ‘Don’t you think she’s a bit old for that now?’ 

Unsupportive comments from family members can be hurtful and stressful for you and your child. Especially when you’re trying to relax and enjoy your holiday.

This summer bonus episode is a replay of episode 16, where Raksha and Lauren share their stories of difficult relatives, and we share some tips for dealing with them.

I’m taking a break over the summer holidays, and replaying a few of my most popular episodes. I’ll be back with a brand new episode on 3rd September 2024.

My new book, ‘Supporting the Transition from Breastfeeding: a Guide to Weaning for Professionals, Supporters and Parents’, is out now.

You can get 10% off the book at the Jessica Kingsley press website, that's uk.jkp.com using the code MMPE10 at checkout.

Follow me on Twitter @MakesMilk and on Instagram  @emmapickettibclc or find out more on my website www.emmapickettbreastfeedingsupport.com

This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC, and produced by Emily Crosby Media.

Today we’re talking about a condition that is surprisingly common in babies, but little known - torticollis.

Alessia Testa had already suffered mastitis following a painful latch on one side by the time her son was six weeks old, but it was her insistence that her son had a head tilt that led to him being diagnosed and treated. With the help of physiotherapy and some simple changes at home, Luca’s neck muscles have stretched and strengthened, and he now feeds well as an 18 month old.

We’re also joined by Nicola Walker, an infant feeding specialist, and senior physiotherapist, to help answer the science questions, and explain how you can get help if you have noticed head tilt or facial asymmetry in your child. We discuss the breastfeeding implications of torticollis, sternocleidomastoid tumour, and plagiocephaly - some big words that can feel intimidating, but support is out there.

My new book, ‘Supporting the Transition from Breastfeeding: a Guide to Weaning for Professionals, Supporters and Parents’, is out now.

You can get 10% off the book at the Jessica Kingsley press website, that's uk.jkp.com using the code MMPE10 at checkout.

Follow me on Twitter @MakesMilk and on Instagram  @emmapickettibclc or find out more on my website www.emmapickettbreastfeedingsupport.com

Resources mentioned - 

@babybegin on Instagram

@kinactive_kids on Instagram 

https://www.cwgenna.com/

This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC, and produced by Emily Crosby Media.