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

Emma Pickett - Board Certified Lactation Consultant
  • 4.7 (12)
  • Parenting
  • Updated Weekly

A companion to your infant feeding journey, this podcast explores how to get breastfeeding off to a good start (and how to end it) in a way that meets everyone's needs.Emma Pickett has been a Board Certified Lactation Consultant since 2011. As an author (of 5 books), trainer, volunteer and breastfeeding counsellor, she has supported thousands of families to reach their infant feeding goals.Breastfeeding/ chest feeding may be natural, but it isn't always easy for everyone. Hearing about other parent's experiences and getting information from lactation-obsessed experts can help.

  1. 1d ago

    Sophie's story - aversion and a natural term journey

    This week, I’m talking to the lovely Sophie from North London about feeding her two children, Sadie (7) and Zach (4½), and what aversion and older child weaning can look like. Sophie describes training with the Breastfeeding Network, from an in-person 12-week helper course to a rigorous six-month supporter course, and her plans for helpline and drop-in support. She shares Sadie’s breech birth by C-section, pain that began at six weeks, later support with latch and a posterior tongue-tie division, and a long period of feeding on one side. During pregnancy with Zach, Sophie developed intense breastfeeding aversion and emergency-weaned Sadie. Zach’s VBAC attempt ended in a C-section with some complications and COVID-related separation, but breastfeeding went smoothly. Zach’s feeding tapered gradually with the help of some boundaries set by Sophie. His last feed was just three weeks before our conversation. My picture book on how breastfeeding journeys end, The Story of Jessie’s Milkies, is available from Amazon here -  The Story of Jessie's Milkies. In the UK, you can also buy it from The Children’s Bookshop in Muswell Hill, London. Other book shops and libraries can source a copy from Ingram Spark publishing. You can also get 10% off my books on supporting breastfeeding beyond six months and supporting the transition from breastfeeding at the Jessica Kingsley press website, by going to https://bit.ly/JKPbooks and using the code MMPE10 at checkout. Follow me on Instagram  @emmapickettibclc or find out more on my website www.emmapickettbreastfeedingsupport.com  Resources mentioned -  Breastfeeding Network https://www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/get-involved/train-to-be-a-registered-volunteer/   This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC, and produced by Emily Crosby Media.

  2. Aug 3

    Using an SNS with Johanna Sargeant IBCLC

    I’m so pleased to be joined by the brilliant Joanna Sargent IBCLC this week. Johanna will bring her expertise on using a supplemental nursing system (SNS), also called at-breast supplementation or supply line feeding. Joanna shares her personal experience of low supply and using an SNS from 10 days to six months, and we explore how an SNS can support milk production, avoid bottle preference, and reduce the unsustainable burden of triple feeding. Johanna describes how an SNS works, cleaning and flushing tubes, and practical troubleshooting such as managing flow rate, positioning the “straw,” and using a necklace to stop babies pulling tubing. We compare products and discuss using NG tubes and syringes as a low-cost trial option. This is a great episode for both parents who might need to try an SNS, but also listeners who work in infant feeding. My picture book on how breastfeeding journeys end, The Story of Jessie’s Milkies, is available from Amazon here -  The Story of Jessie's Milkies. In the UK, you can also buy it from The Children’s Bookshop in Muswell Hill, London. Other book shops and libraries can source a copy from Ingram Spark publishing. You can also get 10% off my books on supporting breastfeeding beyond six months and supporting the transition from breastfeeding at the Jessica Kingsley press website, by going to https://bit.ly/JKPbooks and using the code MMPE10 at checkout. Follow me on Instagram  @emmapickettibclc or find out more on my website www.emmapickettbreastfeedingsupport.com  Resources mentioned -  You can find Johanna at  https://www.instagram.com/milkandmotherhood?igsh=MTNxaGJqYjJ1ZmZ3ZQ== And https://milkandmotherhood.com Her podcast is https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-latch-revolution/id1841874307 Her presentations are available at https://www.goldlearning.com/ce-library/all-lectures/at-breast-supplementation-devices-detail and https://www.babiesincommon.com/forprofessionals/exploring-supplemental-feeders-workshop (20th August 2026 workshop) The Ardo SNS is available here https://www.ardomedical.co.uk/shop/p,233,supplemental-nursing-system-sns.html?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=19267684314&gbraid=0AAAAAD-Zrl7Ucv7LJJ7zq85tUN30amSFD&gclid=CjwKCAjwq6DQBhBVEiwA4ZD5XCuFaFZ5s8p1vyJPbdmJIcbc1Ywmcx98-PFRSPHv9W_iAT6cGzcFaxoCLrIQAvD_BwE This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC, and produced by Emily Crosby Media.

  3. Jul 27

    Daniella and Katie - Being an older mum

    Today, I’m delighted to be joined by Katie and Daniella to talk about the experience of being an older mum. Daniella, 43 is a solo mum in Birmingham. She shares how her daughter Remi self-weaned gradually after daytime feeds ended around age 3–4, describing a comfort-led “symbolic” latch, continued co-sleeping, and not experiencing weaning blues; she also reflects on early challenges including severe tongue-tie, oversupply, recurrent mastitis, anxiety about working, and feeling unable to breastfeed in public as Remi got older. Katie, 41 in Suffolk, breastfeeds nearly two-year-old Monty frequently day and night. She discusses sleep changes alongside starting a 4:00 AM job, training as a holistic sleep coach, being a “motherless mother” after her mum died in 2020, and managing perimenopausal cycle-related rage, nipple soreness, and feeding aversion with supplements and support.  Katie’s Instagram is @good_nights_kip and her website is www.goodnightskip.com  Daniella’s Instagram is @‌daniellastaubphotographer and her website is www.daniellastaub.co.uk My picture book on how breastfeeding journeys end, The Story of Jessie’s Milkies, is available from Amazon here -  The Story of Jessie's Milkies. In the UK, you can also buy it from The Children’s Bookshop in Muswell Hill, London. Other book shops and libraries can source a copy from Ingram Spark publishing. You can also get 10% off my books on supporting breastfeeding beyond six months and supporting the transition from breastfeeding at the Jessica Kingsley press website, by going to https://bit.ly/JKPbooks and using the code MMPE10 at checkout. Follow me 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.

  4. Jul 20

    Alexis' story - breastfeeding a baby with a cleft palate

    Today I’m talking to the amazing Alexis White from Canterbury, New Zealand, about feeding her son Flynn. Her older daughter, Norah’s birth did not go to plan, but breastfeeding did, and Norah was breastfed until she weaned herself when Alexis was pregnant again. After a victorious home VBAC birth, early breastfeeding seemed normal, but by day six Flynn had lost 11.5% of his birth weight and then failed to gain despite frequent feeds. Alexis began pumping and syringe top-ups, and at three weeks a lactation consultant identified a hard-to-spot cleft palate. Flynn was later also diagnosed with craniosynostosis. The cleft team told Alexis nutritive breastfeeding wasn’t possible, so she moved to a special cleft bottle while exclusively pumping for about a year, supported by a loaned pump, weigh-ins, and speech and hearing input, including grommets. After surgeries (craniosynostosis first, then cleft repair), Alexis slowly re-taught Flynn to breastfeed using babywearing, a nipple shield, and syringe/tube support. At 14 months he is fully breastfeeding, with ongoing monitoring of hearing and speech. My picture book on how breastfeeding journeys end, The Story of Jessie’s Milkies, is available from Amazon here -  The Story of Jessie's Milkies. In the UK, you can also buy it from The Children’s Bookshop in Muswell Hill, London. Other book shops and libraries can source a copy from Ingram Spark publishing. You can also get 10% off my books on supporting breastfeeding beyond six months and supporting the transition from breastfeeding at the Jessica Kingsley press website, by going to https://bit.ly/JKPbooks and using the code MMPE10 at checkout. Follow me on Instagram  @emmapickettibclc or find out more on my website www.emmapickettbreastfeedingsupport.com  Resources mentioned -  UK Cleft Lip and Palate Breastfeeding Support Group on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CbAoTyibU/?mibextid=wwXIfr  Cleft Lip and Palate Action (CLAPA) - For the UK cleft community https://clapa.com/  CleftNZ https://www.cleft.org.nz/  This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC, and produced by Emily Crosby Media.

  5. Jul 13

    Naomi's story - breastfeeding grief with a 2nd journey

    This week I’m speaking to Naomi Cappallo on Vancouver Island about feeding their two daughters, Clara (6) and Juniper (3), focusing on breastfeeding grief after a second journey that didn’t go as hoped. Naomi describes early pain with Clara, brief formula top-ups for early weight loss, and eventually breastfeeding through the pandemic until age two, using boundaries to reduce frequent toddler feeds. With Juniper, a very fast birth was followed by severe nipple pain, limited breastfeeding support, early formula to cope, and then mastitis, fever, abdominal pain, and a long hospital wait. A pharmacist incorrectly said antibiotics meant they couldn’t breastfeed, which derailed their plans. A midwife/IBCLC later helped them restart breastfeeding and combination feed until Juniper preferred bottles at three months. Naomi shares how their grief persisted in waves, the impact on mental health, and what they wish they’d had in support.  My picture book on how breastfeeding journeys end, The Story of Jessie’s Milkies, is available from Amazon here -  The Story of Jessie's Milkies. In the UK, you can also buy it from The Children’s Bookshop in Muswell Hill, London. Other book shops and libraries can source a copy from Ingram Spark publishing. You can also get 10% off my books on supporting breastfeeding beyond six months and supporting the transition from breastfeeding at the Jessica Kingsley press website, by going to https://bit.ly/JKPbooks and using the code MMPE10 at checkout. Follow me on Instagram  @emmapickettibclc or find out more on my website www.emmapickettbreastfeedingsupport.com  Resources mentioned -  Breastfeeding Grief by Professor Amy Brown   This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC, and produced by Emily Crosby Media.

  6. Jul 6

    Charlotte's story - a mastitis journey

    This week I’m speaking to the lovely Charlotte Bowie from Oxfordshire, mum to nearly three-year-old Felix, about toddler breastfeeding, extreme sleep disruption (including split nights), and her struggle with repeated bouts of mastitis. Charlotte’s recurrent mastitis has spanned across nearly three years, including multiple antibiotic courses, a confirmed breast abscess drained via ultrasound-guided needle aspiration, and a later hospital admission with suspected sepsis. She also shares anxiety around breast lumps due to a family history of breast cancer. We discuss the updated mastitis guidance (avoiding vigorous massage and heat, using ice, anti-inflammatories, gentle lymphatic techniques, and managing hyperlactation/overpumping), and how a virtual consultation with breastfeeding specialist GP/IBCLC Dr Naomi Dow helped Charlotte self-manage and reduce recurrence as she continues to feed Felix. Charlotte would also like to acknowledge the support she received from La Leche League Oxfordshire. One peer supporter, Hannah, in particular was especially kind and supportive and sought advice on mastitis from the professional liaison team. My picture book on how breastfeeding journeys end, The Story of Jessie’s Milkies, is available from Amazon here -  The Story of Jessie's Milkies. In the UK, you can also buy it from The Children’s Bookshop in Muswell Hill, London. Other book shops and libraries can source a copy from Ingram Spark publishing. You can also get 10% off my books on supporting breastfeeding beyond six months and supporting the transition from breastfeeding at the Jessica Kingsley press website, by going to https://bit.ly/JKPbooks and using the code MMPE10 at checkout. Follow me on Instagram  @emmapickettibclc or find out more on my website www.emmapickettbreastfeedingsupport.com  Resources mentioned Find Dr Naomi Dow at https://drnaomidow.com/ and on instagram @‌drnaomidow_bfmed The new mastitis spectrum guidance can be read at https://abm.memberclicks.net/assets/DOCUMENTS/PROTOCOLS/36-mitchell-et-al-2022-academy-of-breastfeeding-medicine-clinical-protocol-36-the-mastitis-spectrum-revised-2022.pdf Charlotte would also like to mention that she received some great support from La Leche League. This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC, and produced by Emily Crosby Media.

  7. Jun 29

    Jessica's story - inverted nipples, breastfeeding grief and finding solutions

    This week I’m joined from Sydney in Australia, by midwife Jessica Baker to talk about breastfeeding her two daughters and the grief and mental health impact when feeding doesn’t go to plan. Jessica describes anticipating difficulty due to inverted nipples, having a home birth with Vada followed by special care admission, early nipple-shield use, severe engorgement, and missed support because staff assumed she was confident as a midwife. After a tongue and lip tie release with a laser, Vada’s feeding deteriorated, weight loss followed, and Jessica moved onto top-ups and then exclusive pumping, experiencing depression and long-lasting grief despite producing abundant milk. With Olive, early breastfeeding began well but when Olive’s feeding stalled, it led to panic, PTSD symptoms and then EMDR therapy, and medication. Jessica is still feeding two-year-old Olive from one side, having established “booby manners” and realistic expectations around toddler feeding and weaning.  You can follow Jessica’s new business on Instagram @‌cub.andkin My picture book on how breastfeeding journeys end, The Story of Jessie’s Milkies, is available from Amazon here -  The Story of Jessie's Milkies. In the UK, you can also buy it from The Children’s Bookshop in Muswell Hill, London. Other book shops and libraries can source a copy from Ingram Spark publishing. You can also get 10% off my books on supporting breastfeeding beyond six months and supporting the transition from breastfeeding at the Jessica Kingsley press website, by going to https://bit.ly/JKPbooks and using the code MMPE10 at checkout. Follow me 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.

  8. Jun 22

    The Bradford project - poems and stories

    This week we’re celebrating the stories of the Bradford Project, a massive art, poetry and storytelling project led by artist Lisa Creagh in the Bradford area. Alongside Lisa, I’m joined by two participants, Aamta Waheed and Reena Kler, to talk about their breastfeeding experiences and how the project has helped them to understand their mothering journey. We’ll also hear poems from Hannah, Sonia and Sophie, and an extract from the Holding Time podcast, featuring Aisha. You can find out more about the project at https://linktr.ee/holdingtimeproject and on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWtMCVY_Nuktw4w_hd6n54xqkEv3V0utk You can follow Aamta on Instagram @‌aamtawaheedart  My picture book on how breastfeeding journeys end, The Story of Jessie’s Milkies, is available from Amazon here -  The Story of Jessie's Milkies. In the UK, you can also buy it from The Children’s Bookshop in Muswell Hill, London. Other book shops and libraries can source a copy from Ingram Spark publishing. You can also get 10% off my books on supporting breastfeeding beyond six months and supporting the transition from breastfeeding at the Jessica Kingsley press website, by going to https://bit.ly/JKPbooks and using the code MMPE10 at checkout. Follow me 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.

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A companion to your infant feeding journey, this podcast explores how to get breastfeeding off to a good start (and how to end it) in a way that meets everyone's needs.Emma Pickett has been a Board Certified Lactation Consultant since 2011. As an author (of 5 books), trainer, volunteer and breastfeeding counsellor, she has supported thousands of families to reach their infant feeding goals.Breastfeeding/ chest feeding may be natural, but it isn't always easy for everyone. Hearing about other parent's experiences and getting information from lactation-obsessed experts can help.

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