Supportive Breast Friend

Shelby Nelson

Welcome to Supportive Breast Friend- a podcast where we share the highs, lows, and letdowns of feeding a baby. Each week I'll chat with a parent about the experience of feeding their baby. Each conversation will feature new challenges and solutions, because this is not a one-size-fits-all kind of thing. I'll be talking to other feeding professionals about various topics and getting all the helpful info to make your journey an informed one. Whether you're offering the breast, bottle, formula, donor milk, or a combo, you don't have to do this alone. Your Supportive Breast Friend is here to help.

  1. 4d ago

    ABCs of Breastfeeding: Part 1 (Attachment - Milk Storage)

    In this special recap episode, I'm bringing together the first half of the ABCs of Breastfeeding series (A through M) into one practical, easy-to-follow guide for expecting and new parents. Whether you've been following along from the beginning or you're just discovering the series, this episode is packed with evidence-based tips to help you feel more prepared and confident on your breastfeeding journey. We'll cover everything from hand expression and feeding cues to milk supply, latch, pumping, milk storage, and more...plus the common misconceptions that can leave parents feeling overwhelmed in those early weeks. In this episode, we'll cover: -A is for Antenatal Expression -B is for Breastfeeding Benefits -C is for Colostrum -D is for Demand -E is for Expression -F is for Formula -G is for Growth Spurts -H is for Hand Expression -I is for Intake -J is for Jaundice -K is for Kangaroo Care -L is for Latch -M is for Milk Storage Whether you're currently pregnant, feeding a newborn, or supporting someone who is, this episode is a great place to start (and a handy resource to save for later). If you've enjoyed the ABCs series so far, be sure to subscribe so you don't miss the second half of the alphabet! Host Contact Info: Instagram- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@supportivebreastfriend⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email- shelby.lactation@outlook.com Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss any of the interviews or feeding info, and if you enjoy the show, please rate, review, and share. Every interaction helps more parents find Supportive Breast Friend and the support that comes with it. Talk soon, breasties! Keywords: breastfeeding, attachment, milk storage, colostrum, hormones, growth spurts, kangaroo care, latch, formula, induced lactation

  2. Jul 15

    We Need To Have PT For Breasts!!! (Mastitis, Inflammation, and Milk Removal After Breast Trauma with Katie Clark, IBCLC)

    Breast trauma and inflammation can make pumping and milk removal more challenging than many parents realize. In this week's episode, Katie Clark, IBCLC (@the.breastfeedingmama) explores an emerging theory about how breast trauma and inflammation may impact milk removal, pumping, and overall breastfeeding success. We discuss the latest lactation guidance on inflammation, practical strategies to support healing, and ways to optimize milk transfer and pumping when breastfeeding isn't going as planned. Whether you're an exclusively pumping parent, combining breastfeeding and pumping, or supporting lactating families as a healthcare professional, this conversation offers evidence-informed insights and practical tips you can put into practice right away. Links discussed in the episode: -ABM Updated Mastitis Protocol -Best Probiotics for Breastfeeding Moms Katie Clark's Contact Info: -Website -Instagram Host Contact Info: Instagram- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@supportivebreastfriend⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email- shelby.lactation@outlook.com Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss any of the interviews or feeding info, and if you enjoy the show, please rate, review, and share. Every interaction helps more parents find Supportive Breast Friend and the support that comes with it. Talk soon, breasties! Keywords: breast trauma, mastitis, pumping, inflammation, lactation support, IBCLC, milk flow, breast surgery, clogged ducts, inflammation reduction

  3. Jul 10

    How I Got Ready for The IBCLC Exam (and PASSED, EEEK!)

    This week I'm doing a quick breakdown of what I used to study for the exam, the timeline for studying, what I wish I would have done differently, and why I think living and breathing lactation + infant feeding led to exam day success. Links to materials mentioned: -Margaret Salty Exam Prep Materials -LER Question Bank -Mometrics IBCLC Exam Flash Cards -Breastfeeding Atlas -Case Studies in Breastfeeding Have more questions? Get at me on IG or in my email! Host Contact Info: Instagram- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@supportivebreastfriend⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email- shelby.lactation@outlook.com Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss any of the interviews or feeding info, and if you enjoy the show, please rate, review, and share. Every interaction helps more parents find Supportive Breast Friend and the support that comes with it. Talk soon, breasties! Keywords: IBCLC exam, lactation, breastfeeding, study tips, certification, healthcare education, exam preparation, lactation consultant

  4. Jul 1

    It's All Connected!! (Torticollis, Body Tension, and Better Feeding with Kimberly Nowotny, Pediatric PT)

    Feeding challenges aren't always about latch or milk supply. Sometimes, what's happening in the rest of a baby's body plays a much bigger role than parents realize. In this episode, pediatric physical therapist Kimberly Nowotny joins me to talk about torticollis, body tension, and how a baby's movement and positioning can impact feeding. We discuss the early signs to watch for, why early intervention matters, and how physical therapy can support not only breastfeeding but your baby's overall development. Whether you're struggling with painful feeds, a baby who seems to prefer one side, or you're simply curious about how the body influences feeding, this conversation is packed with practical, reassuring information for parents. Want to connect with Kimberly? Check out @babybegin and request an evaluation with her to get support with your baby's development. Here's their website, too: babybegin.com Host Contact Info: Instagram- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@supportivebreastfriend⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email- shelby.lactation@outlook.com Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss any of the interviews or feeding info, and if you enjoy the show, please rate, review, and share. Every interaction helps more parents find Supportive Breast Friend and the support that comes with it. Talk soon, breasties! Keywords: torticollis, infant feeding, early intervention, body tension, positioning, pediatric physical therapy, head shape, developmental milestones, parent tips

  5. Jun 24

    PART TWO: You're Doing a Good Job!!! (Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Pumping with Cait Reece)

    Okay, FIRST AND FOREMOST- huge congratulations to Cait for passing the IBCLC exam!!!! Results dropped yesterday and we both passed (podcast breakdown coming soon, eeeek!), THANK THE LORDDDD. So proud of you girl, can't wait to see what you do with these letters. In part two of this episode, the gab sesh continues with lactation expert Cait. We talk about the science of pumping, including flange sizing, pump settings, milk removal, and why comfort matters more than most parents realize. We also cover common pumping challenges, exclusive pumping, and practical tips to help you find what works best for your body. Whether you're pumping for a NICU baby, returning to work, or simply trying to make pumping feel more effective, this episode is packed with evidence-based advice to help you pump with more confidence and less frustration. Cait is truly a wealth of knowledge when it comes to all things exclusive pumping and the vast, and sometimes confusing, world of pumps. If you're in need of some assistance in this arena, you really oughta send her a message. Cait's Contact Info: -Instagram (⁠@exclusivelycait_⁠) -Website (⁠Express Yourself Lactation Co.⁠) Host Contact Info: Instagram- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@supportivebreastfriend⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email- shelby.lactation@outlook.com Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss any of the interviews or feeding info, and if you enjoy the show, please rate, review, and share. Every interaction helps more parents find Supportive Breast Friend and the support that comes with it. Talk soon, breasties!

  6. Jun 17

    PART ONE: You're Doing a Good Job!!! (Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Pumping with Cait Reece)

    In Part 1 of my conversation with Cait Reece, NICU nurse and IBCLC candidate (fellow April test taker!), we're diving into the realities of pumping, why so many parents struggle to get the support they need, and some of the biggest myths floating around online. Cait shares how her experience in the NICU led her into lactation work, why flange sizing isn't as simple as measuring your nipples, and what she wishes every pumping parent knew before they ever unboxed a breast pump. Whether you're exclusively pumping, occasionally pumping, or just trying to make sense of all the conflicting advice on social media, this episode is packed with practical guidance and plenty of reassurance that you're not doing it wrong. Cait's Contact Info: -Instagram (@exclusivelycait_) -Website (Express Yourself Lactation Co.) Host Contact Info: Instagram- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@supportivebreastfriend⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email- shelby.lactation@outlook.com Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss any of the interviews or feeding info, and if you enjoy the show, please rate, review, and share. Every interaction helps more parents find Supportive Breast Friend and the support that comes with it. Talk soon, breasties! Keywords: breastfeeding, pumping, lactation, IBCLC, flange sizing, breastfeeding support, NICU, exclusive pumping, lactation education

  7. Jun 10

    My Second Birth Experience (Charlie's Birth Story!!)

    In honor of my sweet little tornado turning 3 this week, I'm sharing Charlie's birth story on the pod. It was ultimately a very positive experience, sandwiched by some unfortunate stuff. But overall, I'll rate it an 8/10. Isaac's was a solid 3/10, sorry kid. Go back and listen to that episode for some context, lol. Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss any of the interviews or feeding info, and if you enjoy the show, please rate, review, and share. Every interaction helps more parents find Supportive Breast Friend and the support that comes with it. Host Contact Info: Instagram- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@supportivebreastfriend⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email- shelby.lactation@outlook.com Talk soon, Breasties! Keywords: birth story, pregnancy, labor, postpartum, breastfeeding, colostrum, induction, epidural, hemorrhage, motherhood

  8. Jun 3

    He's Eating All The Time, TRUST ME (Small Babies, NICU + PICU Experiences, and Doula Life with Malorie Melson)

    This week on Supportive Breast Friend, I’m chatting with birth doula and mom of two, Malorie Melson, about the feeding experiences that changed the course of her motherhood journey...and eventually led her to support other families through birth and postpartum. We get into the reality of breastfeeding through medical challenges, the moments that tested her confidence, and the lessons she learned along the way. We also talk about trusting your instincts, tuning out the noise, and making feeding decisions that work for your family, not the internet's. It's an honest conversation about resilience, motherhood, and finding your way when things don't go according to plan. Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss any of the interviews or feeding info, and if you enjoy the show, please rate, review, and share. Every interaction helps more parents find Supportive Breast Friend and the support that comes with it. Malorie's Contact Info: Instagram - @mydoulaco Website - mydoulaco.com Host Contact Info: Instagram- ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@supportivebreastfriend⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email- shelby.lactation@outlook.com Talk soon, Breasties! Keywords: breastfeeding, birth doula, medical challenges, trusting moms, postpartum support, Houston birth centers, NICU experiences, feeding stories, mom support, birth education

See All (47)

5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Welcome to Supportive Breast Friend- a podcast where we share the highs, lows, and letdowns of feeding a baby. Each week I'll chat with a parent about the experience of feeding their baby. Each conversation will feature new challenges and solutions, because this is not a one-size-fits-all kind of thing. I'll be talking to other feeding professionals about various topics and getting all the helpful info to make your journey an informed one. Whether you're offering the breast, bottle, formula, donor milk, or a combo, you don't have to do this alone. Your Supportive Breast Friend is here to help.

Information

  • Creator
    Shelby Nelson
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    47
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Shelby Nelson
  • Show Website
    Supportive Breast Friend

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