In a special episode of the Boobingit Podcast, we sit down with Ashley James—TV presenter, broadcaster, DJ, and mum-of-two—to talk about the judgment parents face when it comes to feeding choices and why it’s time for change.

Ashley first rose to fame on Made in Chelsea and has since built a successful career in broadcasting, regularly appearing on shows like This Morning and Good Morning Britain. As a passionate advocate for body confidence, mental health, and parenting rights, she has used her platform to speak openly about the realities of motherhood—including the highs and lows of breastfeeding.

In this episode, we dive into the findings of a new report from MAM, which surveyed 1,000 British parents. The report found that 63% of parents face intense criticism in early parenthood – 17% for their baby’s public behaviour, 16% for feeding choices, and a growing 15% for using a dummy. 

Ashley shares her own experience with mum-shaming and online backlash, and we discuss why feeding choices—especially breastfeeding—continue to be such a divisive topic.

We also explore:

• The realities of breastfeeding in the public eye and how Ashley has handled criticism.
• The role of education and public awareness in shifting societal attitudes.
• How parents can feel more confident in their feeding choices despite outside opinions.
• Ashley’s advice for new mums facing judgment—whether online or in real life.

Within this episode, host Ruth talks about The Nourish Consultancy, where she helps businesses and organisations create breastfeeding-friendly workplaces. Want to find out more? Visit https://www.thenourishconsultancy.com/

In this special Christmas episode of the boobingit podcast, Kathryn Stagg IBCLC discusses alcohol intake whilst breastfeeding.

With so much mixed messaging around breastfeeding and alcohol, Kathryn helps set the record straight. She provides us with the most up-to-date research on alcohol and breastfeeding, dispelling myths and out-dated information along the way.

During this episode we also touch on important topics including mastitis and bedsharing. Plus, Kathryn shares her advice on dealing with other people's judgements during the festive season!

About Kathryn Stagg

Kathryn Stagg is a lactation consultant, holistic sleep coach, published author and mum of four boys.

Kathryn is a twins specialist and set up the charitable organisation Breastfeeding Twins and Triplets UK.

Our Podcast Sponsors – Ardo UK

This episode is brought to by Ardo UK and their brand-new Melia Wearable Double Electric Breast Pump—a game-changer for busy breastfeeding parents.

In this episode we speak with Lucy Ruddle IBCLC about breastfeeding grief, and what that can look like for different people.

As a Lactation Consultant, speaker and author, Lucy has helped thousands of families breastfeed successfully. In this episode Lucy talks to us about what breastfeeding grief is, and how Professor Amy Brown helped open up the conversation about this difficult and complex subject matter. Lucy openly discusses her own personal experience with breastfeeding grief and how it made her a more compassionate breastfeeding supporter.

During the conversation we explore the idea of generational breastfeeding grief and how it can impact families and idea systems around breastfeeding. Lucy finishes by telling us when her new book 'Understanding Breastfeeding Grief' will be published.

Our podcast sponsors - Boobie Jewels

We are delighted to let you know the sponsors of this special boobingit episode are Boobie Jewels, the premier breast milk jewellery brand.

If you are looking for a unique and sentimental way to commemorate your breastfeeding experience then look no further than Boobie Jewels.  Each piece is custom-made using your very own breast milk, creating a beautiful keepsake that captures the bond between you and your baby. From stunning rings to elegant necklaces, Boobie Jewels offers a range of designs to suit your style.

As a special offer for our listeners, use the code BOOBINGIT10 at checkout to get 10% off your order. Visit boobiejewels.co.uk and create your timeless keepsake today!

We're kicking off the 2024 series of the boobingit podcast looking at how we can create a breastfeeding legacy. Our special guest is mama of two and business owner Petrina O'Halloran.

Petrina lives in County Clare, Ireland with her husband and two daughters. Her breastfeeding experiences inspired her to start her own business Mamas Boobie Box in 2021, which seen her create special breastfeeding gift boxes for new mothers. From there she has expanded her range of products as well as become a well-known breastfeeding advocate - both online and offline. As well as being a boobingit contributor she regularly appears on radio to talk about breastfeeding matters.

In this episode Petrina talks to use about how we can preserve a breastfeeding legacy for future generations. We look at the power of storytelling as a way of sharing our breastfeeding experiences. Petrina recalls how it was a conversation with her grandmother, who breastfed all 13 of her children, which inspired her to create her latest product, the Boobie Journal.

Petrina also takes us through how breastfeeding rates in Ireland have changed over the years and the impact this has had on families and society. We finish by looking at how the loss of generational breastfeeding knowledge requires a greater need for breastfeeding education and support in Ireland and beyond.

In this Christmas special, we speak with Dr Afif El-Khuffash about everything you need to know about drinking alcohol whilst breastfeeding – during the festive season and beyond.

Afif is a neonatologist, paediatrician and a lactation consultant working at the Rotunda Hospital in Dublin, Ireland. He co-hosts the The Baby Tribe podcast and is also a talented artist whose paintings depict the wide range of emotion, experiences, struggles and elation that come with the breastfeeding journey.

In this episode we speak about safe drinking practices whilst breastfeeding – whether that’s enjoying one drink or more. We uncover the myths surrounding drinking alcohol whilst breastfeeding and how outdated information can be damaging to the breastfeeding relationship.

Afif provides us with the most up-to-date information and guidance around drinking alcohol while breastfeeding so that you can make an informed choice. He finishes by sharing helpful advice on how to prepare and plan for a night out socialising and being away from your breastfed baby.

Our podcast sponsors – il Tutto

From Rocking Chairs and Glider Chairs to Recliner Chairs and Electric Recliner Chairs, iL Tutto have a range of chairs available in stylish colours and premium fabrics. Their nursrey chairs are built to last and to be cherished in the family home for many years.

With their swivel bases and gliding features, arm rests to the right height to support your baby, and high and cushioned backrests, their range will certainly help you soothe your tired body during those long nights with your new baby. 

Until the 25th of December 2023 il Tutto is giving our audience a massive 20% their premium, comfy Nursery chairs, using code BOOB20 at iltutto.co.uk.  

Content creator and actress Melissa Suffield is our special guest on the boobingit podcast this week. Mother of one Melissa regular shares her family life and motherhood journey on her hugely successful social media page The Confident Mama.

In this episode Melissa talks to us about exclusively pumping milk for her son for the first year of his life and what led her to do this.

During the conversation we speak about the lack of information around exclusively pumping in the UK, how it’s not talked about or seen as the ‘done thing’. She explains: “I had a second hand breast pump in case I needed it and this was my lifeline. But no one talked to me about pumping, and there was no information on the NHS – or anywhere else. Because people don’t want you do that, they don’t want you to be pumping exclusively, they want you to be nursing.”

Melissa is open and honest about the pros and cons that come with exclusively pumping – and why she believes people need to do their research first before entering into a journey like this. She finishes by sharing her tips and advice for anyone thinking about exclusively pumping.

Our podcast sponsors – il Tutto

From Rocking Chairs and Glider Chairs to Recliner Chairs and Electric Recliner Chairs, iL Tutto have a range of chairs available in stylish colours and premium fabrics. Their nursrey chairs are built to last and to be cherished in the family home for many years.

With their swivel bases and gliding features, arm rests to the right height to support your baby, and high and cushioned backrests, their range will certainly help you soothe your tired body during those long nights with your new baby. 

Until the 25th of December 2023 il Tutto is giving our audience a massive 20% their premium, comfy Nursery chairs, using code BOOB20 at iltutto.co.uk.  

Mama of two and Youtuber Melanie Murphy is our special guest on the boobingit podcast this week. Melanie lives in Ireland with her family and has been documenting her life on her hugely popular Youtube channel for over ten years.

Melanie talks to us about how her views on breastfeeding completely changed when she had her first baby and how she became a passionate breastfeeding advocate - both online and offline.

As well as sharing her own personal experience of breastfeeding her two children, Melanie discusses the challenges that have come with sharing aspects of her breastfeeding journey on social media. We also look at the deep-rooted negativity surrounding breastfeeding - both in Irish culture and in online and traditional media.

In this episode we also touch on the stigma that exists around breastfeeding and why the act of breastfeeding is often sexualised on social media. We look at what more needs to be done to educate people on the benefits of breastfeeding - not just for baby, but for the mother and society as a whole.

Our podcast sponsors - il Tutto

From Rocking Chairs and Glider Chairs to Recliner Chairs and Electric Recliner Chairs, iL Tutto have a range of chairs available in stylish colours and premium fabrics. Their nursrey chairs are built to last and to be cherished in the family home for many years.

With their swivel bases and gliding features, arm rests to the right height to support your baby, and high and cushioned backrests, their range will certainly help you soothe your tired body during those long nights with your new baby. 

Until the 25th of December 2023 il Tutto is giving our audience a massive 20% their premium, comfy Nursery chairs, using code BOOB20 at iltutto.co.uk.  

Infant feeding specialist Alice Lucken joins us to talk about how to recognise low milk supply. As an IBCLC Alice supports families with unsettled babies and infant feeding challenges.

In this episode on low milk supply Alice talks us through the common causes for low milk supply, the signs to look out for and ways in which you can help boost your milk supply for the successful continuation of breastfeeding.

Alice also addresses the common misconceptions around milk supply and the damage that can be caused when we have 'perceived low milk supply'.

Our podcast sponsors - il Tutto

From Rocking Chairs and Glider Chairs to Recliner Chairs and Electric Recliner Chairs, iL Tutto have a range of chairs available in stylish colours and premium fabrics. Their nursrey chairs are built to last and to be cherished in the family home for many years.

With their swivel bases and gliding features, arm rests to the right height to support your baby, and high and cushioned backrests, their range will certainly help you soothe your tired body during those long nights with your new baby. 

Until the 25th of December 2023 il Tutto is giving our audience a massive 20% their premium, comfy Nursery chairs, using code BOOB20 at iltutto.co.uk.  

Our guest on this podcast episode is Karen Hall, who is a breastfeeding counsellor, writer and podcaster. Karen regularly discusses issues around pregnancy, birth and early parenthood and most recently she published her first book, ‘Why Mixed Feeding Matters’. 

We begin our conversation looking at what we mean by the term mixed feeding and how it can carry different meanings within different cultures. We look at the reasons why families choose to mix feed - whether out of necessity or as a lifestyle choice. Throughout this episode we talk about the importance of seeking good breastfeeding support and understanding the pros and cons that can come with mixed feeding.

As well as highlighting some of the potential drawbacks of breastfeeding, Karen also explains how mixed feeding can help a mother continue breastfeeding. She says: “Many people will continue breastfeeding alongside using formula - whether that is something they positively decided before the baby was born or whether it was something they were advised to do by health professionals."

Our podcast sponsors - il Tutto

From Rocking Chairs and Glider Chairs to Recliner Chairs and Electric Recliner Chairs, iL Tutto have a range of chairs available in stylish colours and premium fabrics. Their nursery chairs are built to last and to be cherished in the family home for many years.

With their swivel bases and gliding features, arm rests to the right height to support your baby, and high and cushioned backrests, their range will certainly help you soothe your tired body during those long nights with your new baby. 

Until the 25th of December 2023 il Tutto is giving our audience a massive 20% their premium, comfy Nursery chairs, using code BOOB20 at iltutto.co.uk.  

Our guest on this episode is mother of two Charlotte Wayman. Charlotte speaks to us about her pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding journey with her one year old son Morris, who has Down Syndrome.

During our conversation Charlotte openly discusses her difficult pregnancy with Morris as well as his birth story. She discusses her strong desire to breastfeed despite being told it may not be possible to breastfeed a baby with Down syndrome. We hear of her determination to succeed even when faced with a series of obstacles whilst in hospital with her newborn.

Speaking about one of the earliest experiences in hospital, Charlotte explains: “I said to the hospital he’s not to have any formula, he’s not to have an ng tube placed without my knowledge. When I went down to see him in NICU they’d placed an ng tube “just incase”...the plan we had in place was not being listened to now.”

Thank you to the breastfeeding brand Pippeta for sponsoring this epiosde. Pippeta are an award-winning breastfeeding brand offering a selection of breast pumps and weaning products. Use the code 'boobingit10' to get 10% off online - https://pippeta.com/boobingit10.