Episode Summary:

In this episode of The IBCLC Mentor Podcast, Margaret Salty interviews Robin Lommori, a midwife, IBCLC, and founder of Mama Well, a coaching program dedicated to helping parents manage gestational diabetes. Together, they explore the impact of gestational diabetes on breastfeeding outcomes, how outdated advice is affecting families, and how lactation professionals can better support these parents.

The Path to Midwifery and Lactation Support:

Robin shares her journey into midwifery and lactation, inspired by her own birth experiences and the desire to improve outcomes for families. She discusses how her work as a midwife led her to recognize the gaps in gestational diabetes management and inspired her to create Mama Well.

Rethinking Gestational Diabetes Management:

Robin and Margaret discuss the challenges of traditional gestational diabetes management and why many parents receive outdated dietary advice. Topics include:

• The difference between glucose tolerance testing in hospitals vs. out-of-hospital births
• Why excessive carbohydrate intake can worsen blood sugar control
• The importance of a protein-first approach to managing gestational diabetes
• How lifestyle factors such as meal timing, exercise, and stress management play a role

Gestational Diabetes and Breastfeeding Outcomes:

Gestational diabetes can lead to complications in newborns and impact breastfeeding success. Robin shares insights on:

• How blood sugar instability in newborns increases the risk of unnecessary supplementation
• Why routine Q3 blood sugar checks may not always be necessary in out-of-hospital births
• The role of prenatal hand expression in improving early breastfeeding success
• Strategies to support milk supply and reduce the risk of delayed lactogenesis

Managing Low Milk Supply and Mastitis in Gestational Diabetic Parents:

Robin and Margaret dive into the common breastfeeding challenges faced by parents with gestational diabetes and how IBCLCs can help. Topics include:

• The link between poorly controlled blood sugar and delayed milk production
• How inflammation contributes to mastitis and strategies to manage it
• Why focusing on hydration, nutrition, and breast emptying is crucial for milk supply
• Practical advice on managing mastitis, including probiotics, ibuprofen, and sunflower lecithin

Empowering Families Through Education and Collaboration:

Robin emphasizes the importance of empowering parents to take control of their health by:

• Encouraging home glucose monitoring and teaching parents how to check their newborn’s blood sugar if needed
• Working with midwives and pediatricians to ensure comprehensive postpartum care
• Supporting long-term health by educating parents about their increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes

Advice for IBCLCs and Students:

Robin offers guidance for IBCLCs and aspiring lactation consultants who want to learn more about gestational diabetes and holistic approaches to care:

• Shadow a midwife or birth center to learn about out-of-hospital approaches
• Advocate for updated gestational diabetes management protocols in hospitals
• Educate clients about the importance of blood sugar control for breastfeeding success

Guest Info:

Robin Lommori is a midwife and IBCLC based in Phoenix, Arizona, specializing in out-of-hospital birth and gestational diabetes coaching through Mama Well.

🔗 Find Robin Online:

🌐 Website: mamawellcoaching.com

📸 Instagram: @mamawellcoaching

Connect with Me:

Have questions or suggestions for future episodes? Reach out to Margaret at [email protected] or connect on social media:

• Instagram: @margaretsalty
• Facebook: Margaret Salty’s IBCLC Community

Credits:

• Hosted by: Margaret Salty
• Music by: The Magnifiers, "My Time Traveling Machine"

Hashtags & Keywords:

#IBCLC #LactationSupport #BreastfeedingEthics #MedicalEthics #LactationResearch #BreastfeedingMedicine #IBCLCMentorPodcast #MargaretSalty