Behind the Latch

Margaret Salty
  • 5.0 (19)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The Behind the Latch with Margaret Salty is your essential companion for lifelong growth in the field of lactation consulting. Whether you're a student, a newly certified IBCLC, or an experienced consultant, this podcast is designed to support your ongoing journey. Each episode brings you expert interviews, real-world case studies, and the latest research updates—giving you practical insights you can apply directly to your work with breastfeeding families. Hosted by Margaret Salty, an experienced IBCLC, educator, and mentor, this podcast is here to guide you as you build your knowledge, sharpen your skills, and continue to evolve in your practice. The field of lactation is dynamic, and learning never stops. The IBCLC Mentor Podcast will help you stay inspired, stay informed, and stay connected to your purpose.

  1. 6D AGO

    The High Lipase Myth: What’s Really Happening to Stored Breastmilk With Dr. Jimi Francis

    What We Talk AboutThe origin of the “high lipase” breastmilk myth and how it spread through the lactation community Why biologically it does not make sense that some mothers produce excess lipase in milk What lipase actually does in human milk and why it is critical for infant fat digestion What parents are actually noticing when milk smells “soapy,” “metallic,” or “rancid” How riboflavin oxidation and free radical reactions may contribute to off flavors in stored milk Why exposure to light, oxygen, and heat accelerates nutrient degradation Simple strategies for protecting expressed milk during storage The role of vitamin C and antioxidants in preventing oxidation Why scalding milk may damage valuable nutrients and enzymes How maternal diet influences the fatty acid profile of breastmilk The relationship between omega-3 and omega-6 fats in human milk Why formula cannot truly replicate human milk oligosaccharides or fatty acid complexity How breastfeeding exposes infants to diverse food flavors that shape lifelong eating patterns Why maternal nutrition matters—but breastfeeding remains resilient even with imperfect diets Future research questions about the human milk metabolome and maternal diet Key Takeaways for CliniciansThe “high lipase milk” explanation for off-smelling stored milk may not be supported biologically or experimentally. Off flavors may instead result from nutrient oxidation, particularly involving riboflavin and free radical reactions. Protecting milk from light, oxygen, and heat exposure may help reduce degradation. Scalding milk may stop some reactions but can also damage enzymes, vitamins, and bioactive components. Maternal intake of vitamin C and antioxidants may influence milk stability during storage. Maternal diet does influence certain components of milk, especially fatty acid composition and water-soluble vitamins. The fatty acid profile of milk largely reflects the mother’s dietary fat intake. Human milk oligosaccharides vary between mothers and environments, making them difficult to replicate in formula. Even when milk has an unusual smell, it is often still safe for infants, and strategies like dilution with fresh milk can help babies accept it. Human milk remains one of the most biologically protected food systems in nature, even when maternal diets are imperfect. GuestDr. Jimi Francis, PhD, RD, IBCLC https://drjimi.net/ References referred to in the discussion about Lipase in Human Milk: Allen, L. H. (2012). B vitamins in breast milk: Relative importance of maternal status and intake, and effects on infant status and function. Advances in Nutrition, 3(3), 362–369. https://doi.org/10.3945/an.111.001172 Bauman, D. E., & Bruce Currie, W. (1980). Partitioning of Nutrients During Pregnancy and Lactation: A Review of Mechanisms Involving Homeostasis and Homeorhesis. Journal of Dairy Science, 63(9), 1514–1529. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(80)83111-0 Chappell, J. E., Francis, T., & Clandinin, M. T. (1985). Vitamin A and E content of human milk at early stages of lactation. Early Human Development, 11(2), 157–167. https://doi.org/10.1016/0378-3782(85)90103-3 Daniel, A. I., Shama, S., Ismail, S., Bourdon, C., Kiss, A., Mwangome, M., Bandsma, R. H. J., & O’Connor, D. L. (2021). Maternal bmi is positively associated with human milk fat: A systematic review and meta-regression analysis. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 113(4), 1009–1022. https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/nqaa410 Demmelmair, H., & Koletzko, B. (2018). Lipids in human milk. Best Practice and Research: Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, 32(1), 57–68. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.beem.2017.11.002 Dickton, D., & Francis, J. (2018). Case review: food pattern effects on milk lipid profiles. J Nutr Health Food Eng, 8(6), 467–470. https://doi.org/10.15406/jnhfe.2018.08.00311 Donovan, S. M., Aghaeepour, N., Andres, A., Azad, M. B., Becker, M., Carlson, S. E., Järvinen, K. M., Lin, W., Lönnerdal, B., Slupsky, C. M., Steiber, A. L., & Raiten, D. J. (2023). Evidence for human milk as a biological system and recommendations for study design—a report from “Breastmilk Ecology: Genesis of Infant Nutrition (BEGIN)” Working Group 4. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 117, S61–S86. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajcnut.2022.12.021 Dror, D. K., & Allen, L. H. (2018). Overview of nutrients in humanmilk. Advances in Nutrition, 9, 278S-294S. https://doi.org/10.1093/advances/nmy022 Evans, T. J., Ryley, H. C., Neale, L. M., Dodge, J. A., & Lewarne, V. M. (1978). Effect of storage and heat on antimicrobial proteins in human milk. Archives of Disease in Childhood, 53(3), 239–241. https://doi.org/10.1136/adc.53.3.239 Francis, J. (2015). Effects of Light on Riboflavin and Ascorbic Acid in Freshly Expressed Human Milk. Journal of Nutritional Health & Food Engineering, 2(6), 2–4. https://doi.org/10.15406/jnhfe.2015.02.00083 Francis, J., & Dickton, D. (2020). Feeding and refusal of expressed and stored human (FRESH) milk study - a short communication. J Nutr Health Food Eng, 8(6), 391–393. https://doi.org/10.15406/jnhfe.2018.08.00301 Francis, J., & Egdorf, R. (2020). Maternal Nutrient Metabolism and Requirements in Lactation. In B. Marriott, D. F. Birt, V. Stalling, & A. Yates (Eds.), Present Knowledge in Nutrition (11th ed., pp. 67–81). Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/c2018-0-02422-6 Francis, J., Rogers, K., Brewer, P., Dickton, D., & Pardini, R. (2008). Comparative analysis of ascorbic acid in human milk and infant formula using varied milk delivery systems. International Breastfeeding Journal, 3(1), 19. https://doi.org/10.1186/1746-4358-3-19 Francis, J., Rogers, K., Dickton, D., Twedt, R., & Pardini, R. (2012). Decreasing retinol and αtocopherol concentrations in human milk and infant formula using varied bottle systems. Maternal and Child Nutrition, 8(2), 215–224. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1740- 8709.2010.00279.x Hamosh, M., Clary, T. R., Chernick, S. S., & Scow, R. O. (1970). Lipoprotein lipase activity of adipose and mammary tissue and plasma triglyceride in pregnant and lactating rats. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA)/Lipids and Lipid Metabolism, 210(3), 473–482. https://doi.org/10.1016/0005-2760(70)90044-5 Hampel, D., Shahab-Ferdows, S., Islam, M. M., Peerson, J. M., & Allen, L. H. (2017). Vitamin concentrations in human milk vary with time within feed, circadian rhythm, and singledose supplementation. Journal of Nutrition, 147(4), 603–611. https://doi.org/10.3945/jn.116.242941 Jensen, D. R., Gavigan, S., Sawicki, V., Witsell, D. L., Eckel, R. H., & Neville, M. C. (1994). Regulation of lipoprotein lipase activity and mRNA in the mammary gland of the lactating mouse. Biochemical Journal, 298(2), 321–327. https://doi.org/10.1042/bj2980321 Krebs, N. F., Belfort, M. B., Meier, P. P., Mennella, J. A., O’Connor, D. L., Taylor, S. N., & Raiten, D. J. (2023). Infant factors that impact the ecology of human milk secretion and composition—a report from “Breastmilk Ecology: Genesis of Infant Nutrition (BEGIN)” Working Group 3. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 117, S43–S60. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajcnut.2023.01.021 Lackey, K. A., Williams, J. E., Meehan, C. L., Zachek, J. A., Benda, E. D., Price, W. J., Foster, J. A., Sellen, D. W., Kamau-Mbuthia, E. W., Kamundia, E. W., Mbugua, S., Moore, S. E., Prentice, A. M., K, D. G., Kvist, L. J., Otoo, G. E., García-Carral, C., Jiménez, E., Ruiz, L., … McGuire, M. K. (2019). What’s normal? Microbiomes in human milk and infant feces are related to each other but vary geographically: The inspire study. Frontiers in Nutrition, 6. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2019.00045 Lee, H., Padhi, E., Hasegawa, Y., Larke, J., Parenti, M., Wang, A., Hernell, O., Lönnerdal, B., & Slupsky, C. (2018). Compositional dynamics of the milk fat globule and its role in infant development. Frontiers in Pediatrics, 6. https://doi.org/10.3389/fped.2018.00313 Lemons, J. A., Moye, L., Hall, D., & Simmons, M. (1982). Differences in the composition of preterm and term human milk during early lactation. Pediatric Research, 16(2), 113–117. https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198202000-00007 Mitoulas L.R.*, Kent, J. C., Cox, D. B., Owens, R. A., Sherriff, J. L., & Hartmann, P. E. (2002). Variation in fat, lactose and protein in human milk over 24 h and throughout the first year of lactation. British Journal of Nutrition, 88(1), 29–37. https://doi.org/10.1079/bjnbjn2002579 Nommsen, L. A., Lovelady, C. A., Heinig, M. J., Lönnerdal, B., & Dewey, K. G. (1991). Determinants of energy, protein, lipid, and lactose concentrations in human milk during the first 12 mo of lactation: The DARLING Study. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 53(2), 457–465. https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/53.2.457 Nommsen-Rivers, L., Black, M. M., Christian, P., Groh-Wargo, S., Heinig, M. J., Israel-Ballard, K., Obbagy, J., Palmquist, A. E. L., Stuebe, A., Barr, S. M., Proaño, G. V., Moloney, L., Steiber, A., & Raiten, D. J. (2023). An equitable, community-engaged translational framework for science in human lactation and infant feeding—a report from “Breastmilk Ecology: Genesis of Infant Nutrition (BEGIN)” Working Group 5. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition,...

    1h 6m

  2. FEB 25

    Advocacy in Action: Securing Pumps for NICU Families with Mina Ognjanovic, IBCLC

    What We Talk AboutHow Mina’s grandmother’s experience as a wet nurse shaped her path into lactation Why “hospital-grade” doesn’t actually mean anything in marketing—and what truly defines a multi-user pump The critical first 7 days postpartum and why delayed access to an effective pump can permanently impact supply Why wearable pumps and personal-use pumps often fail NICU mothers trying to establish supply The surprising insurance paradox: why WIC families often receive pumps faster than privately insured hospital employees How some insurance plans (including certain HMOs and United Healthcare) do not recognize hospital-grade pumps as a covered benefit The behind-the-scenes work required to secure an E0604 pump rental through a DME supplier Why case management buy-in was one of the biggest roadblocks—and how Mina overcame resistance How embedding a lactation-specific workflow into Epic improved communication and reduced delays Why some hospitals profit from pump rentals—and why that raises ethical concerns How her hospital partnered with WIC to house 10 loaner hospital-grade pumps onsite The importance of prenatal pump planning when a NICU admission is anticipated What still isn’t fixed—and why the work continues Key Takeaways for CliniciansThe first 7 days postpartum are physiologically critical for establishing milk supply. Delays in effective milk removal can make supply difficult to recover later. Not all pumps are equal. Wearable pumps and personal-use pumps may not provide adequate stimulation for separated NICU mothers. Insurance status can directly affect pump access timing, functioning as a social determinant of lactation success. Securing a hospital-grade pump typically requires: A prescriptionDiagnosis coding (NICU admission)Coordination with a DME supplierCase management involvement Standardizing communication within the EHR can dramatically improve workflow and reduce lost time. Patients should not bear the burden of navigating DME suppliers while managing a critically ill infant. Advocacy is within the scope of the hospital lactation consultant role—even when it requires challenging institutional norms. One practical first step: map your current NICU pump access process and identify where delays occur. 👩‍🏫 GuestMina Ognianovich, IBCLC https://minalactation.com/ 📝 Connect with Margaret📬 Email: hello@margaretsalty.com 📸 Instagram: @margaretsalty 📘 Facebook: Margaret Salty Hosted by: Margaret Salty Music by: The Magnifiers – My Time Traveling Machine #BehindTheLatch #NICULactation #HospitalGradePump #BreastfeedingEquity #IBCLC #LactationAdvocacy #MaternalHealth #PublicHealthLactation #NICUParents #BreastmilkIsMedicine

    40 min

  3. FEB 18

    Barriers, Mentorship & Equity in Lactation Certification with Mandy Golman, PhD, MS, RN, IBCLC

    In this episode of Behind the Latch, Margaret sits down with Dr. Mandy Golman, PhD, MS, RN, IBCLC, MCHES, professor at the University of Texas at Tyler, to discuss her powerful qualitative study exploring the perceptions, barriers, and facilitators to obtaining the IBCLC certification among U.S. healthcare practitioners. Margaret first encountered this research as a poster presentation at the ILCA Conference in Tampa — and immediately knew it was a conversation the field needed to hear. Dr. Golman’s study, expected to be published later this year, examines who is able to enter the IBCLC pathway — and who is not — through a public health and equity lens. With 19,000 IBCLCs serving the United States and 93% identifying as white, the findings raise important questions about access, mentorship, compensation, and structural barriers within our profession. Together, Margaret and Dr. Golman unpack what the data reveal — and what must change. 🔍 What We Talk AboutHow Dr. Golman’s background in maternal-child health and public health shaped this research Why workforce diversity in lactation care is a public health issue The perception that the IBCLC credential “adds weight” professionally — but often without financial return Why many hospital-based IBCLCs are required to certify without institutional financial support The persistent bias that IBCLCs must also be RNs to be considered “legitimate” Financial barriers beyond tuition — unpaid clinical hours, childcare, lost wages, transportation Why indirect costs often delay certification for years Mentorship as the central bottleneck in the IBCLC pipeline The lack of standardized mentorship processes and consistent training experiences Why “mass emailing IBCLCs” to find a mentor reflects a broken system What a centralized, structured mentorship model could look like The role of state coalitions, professional organizations, and grant funding Medicaid reimbursement challenges and why payment structures matter for access How passion alone cannot sustain a workforce without structural support What meaningful reform could look like — starting with mentorship 🧠 Key Takeaways for IBCLCs & StudentsThe IBCLC credential is highly valued — but the pathway remains structurally inequitable. Indirect costs (lost wages, unpaid hours, childcare) are often more prohibitive than exam fees. Mentorship access is inconsistent and frequently the biggest barrier to certification. Without structural support and compensation reform, the field risks burnout and limited diversity. Improving mentorship infrastructure could significantly expand access and representation. Workforce diversity is foundational to culturally responsive lactation care and trust-building. Public health advocacy must include strengthening the IBCLC pipeline — not just improving breastfeeding rates. 👩‍🏫 GuestDr. Mandy Golman, PhD, MS, RN, IBCLC, MCHES Professor, University of Texas at Tyler 📝 Connect with Margaret📬 Email: hello@margaretsalty.com 📸 Instagram: @margaretsalty 📘 Facebook: Margaret Salty Music by: The Magnifiers – My Time Traveling Machine

    33 min

  4. FEB 11

    From Wonder to Publication: Writing a Case Study Without a PhD with Indira Lopez-Bassols, IBCLC

    In this episode of Behind the Latch, Margaret interviews Indira Lopez-Bassols, IBCLC, educator, and PhD candidate based in London, about her journey from clinical lactation consultant to published author in the Journal of Human Lactation. Indira shares the story behind her case study, “Assisted Nursing: A Case Study of an Infant With a Complete Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate” and her recent reflection piece, “Three Seeds of Inspiration: How I Published My First Case Study Without a PhD” . Together, they unpack what holds IBCLCs back from publishing, how to move from clinical wonder to academic writing, and why research must become more accessible to practicing clinicians. What We Talk AboutIndira’s work in a specialist NHS breastfeeding clinic in the UKTeaching future lactation consultants and pursuing a PhD in breastfeeding educationThe three “seeds of inspiration” that moved her from reader to authorWhy attending a JHL writing session at ILCA changed everythingWhat an editor told her when she doubted whether her case was “spicy” enoughWhy you do not need a PhD to write and publish a case studyHow she structured her first case study by studying medical literature methodologyThe powerful cleft lip and palate case that became her first JHL publicationAssisted nursing using a nipple shield and NG tube to support direct breastfeeding Why cleft lip and palate infants are often assumed unable to breastfeed — and how this case challenged that assumptionThe emotional dimension of clinical practice: witnessing the “impossible”Why wonder is the essential ingredient for writingBurnout, mechanistic care, and losing the capacity to recognize aweMaking research accessible for non-academic IBCLCsHer creation of the international Research Hub through the Centre for Breastfeeding Education and Research The Three Seeds of InspirationIndira describes three pivotal moments: 1. Reading a Case Study A published case study on biological nurturing sparked the realization: “Maybe I could do this too.” 2. Attending a JHL Writing Session At ILCA, editors clearly explained manuscript types and encouraged non-academic clinicians to submit. When Indira expressed doubt, she was told simply: “Just write them.” 3. Witnessing the Impossible Supporting a mother determined to breastfeed her infant with a complete unilateral cleft lip and palate became the turning point. The dyad exclusively fed mother’s own milk, used no bottles, and later transitioned to direct breastfeeding without assistance after surgeries. That clinical experience — rooted in creativity, persistence, and humility — demanded to be shared. Key Takeaways for IBCLCsYou do not need a PhD to publish.Case studies are about documenting what you witnessed, not proving expertise.If you are already reading journals, you are closer than you think.Study the structure of published case studies — they provide your map and compass.Wonder is a clinical skill — but burnout can dull it.Research must be accessible to frontline clinicians.Our field is still young — there is enormous opportunity for contribution. The Research HubIndira created the International Research Hub through the Centre for Breastfeeding Education and Research (CBER): Free monthly online research discussionOpen to IBCLCs worldwideSafe space to say “I don’t understand this statistic”Designed to make research approachable and collaborative Her mission: make research less intimidating and more joyful. GuestIndira Lopez-Bassols, BA (Hons), MSc, IBCLC Founder, Centre for Breastfeeding Education and Research (CBER) Assisted Nursing: A Case Study of an Infant With a Complete Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate Three Seeds of Inspiration: How I Published My First Case Study Without a PhD Connect with Margaret📬 Email: hello@margaretsalty.com 📸 Instagram: @margaretsalty 📘 Facebook: Margaret Salty Music by: The Magnifiers – My Time Traveling Machine

    31 min

  5. JAN 21

    Mentorship That Matters: Training the Next Generation of IBCLCs with Kristina Chamberlain, CNM, ARNP, IBCLC

    As more people pursue the IBCLC credential, mentorship has become one of the most critical—and misunderstood—components of lactation education. In this episode, Kristina and I take a close look at Pathway 2 and Pathway 3 mentorship, clarifying what mentors are actually responsible for and why mentorship must go beyond observation and paperwork. Kristina explains that effective mentorship is engaged, relational, and intentional. We discuss how mentors model professionalism, communication, boundaries, and ethical care—not just clinical skills. We also talk openly about the fears many IBCLCs have about becoming mentors, including concerns about readiness, time, liability, and “doing it right,” and why those fears shouldn’t stop experienced clinicians from stepping into mentorship roles. This conversation also highlights the structural supports built into Pathway 2 programs, the additional lift often required in Pathway 3 mentorship, and why access to high-quality mentorship remains a major barrier to growing and diversifying the IBCLC workforce. Throughout the episode, Kristina shares practical, experience-based strategies for both mentors and mentees—and a hopeful vision for how mentorship could be better supported and valued across the profession. 🔍 What We Talk AboutThe difference between mentoring vs. supervising clinical hoursWhat IBCLC mentors are truly responsible for in Pathway 2 and Pathway 3How students should be gradually and ethically integrated into hands-on careCommon gaps students face when transitioning from coursework to clinical practiceTools that support mentorship, including IBLCE outlines and LEAARC skill checklistsWhy learning from multiple mentors can strengthen clinical competenceLiability, affiliation agreements, and student protections in Pathway 2 programsThe professional and personal benefits of becoming a mentorCharging for mentorship: ethics, equity, and value exchangeWhy mentorship is part of our professional obligation as IBCLCsWhat Kristina hopes the future of lactation mentorship will look like 🧠 Key TakeawaysMentorship is an active teaching relationship, not passive oversight.Students need meaningful, hands-on experience—not observation alone.You do not need to be a “perfect” IBCLC to be an effective mentor.Mentorship strengthens clinical skills, confidence, and professional growth.Supporting mentors is essential to the future of the lactation profession. 👩‍🏫 GuestKristina Chamberlain, CNM, ARNP, IBCLC Clinical Instruction in Lactation: https://www.amazon.com/Clinical-Instruction-Lactation-Teaching-Generation/dp/1939807948 LEAARC Criteria for Endorsed Courses: https://leaarc.org/docs/2022%20Endorsed%20Courses%20Core%20Curricula%20FINAL%201.pdf 📝 Connect with Margaret📬 Email: hello@margaretsalty.com 📸 Instagram: @margaretsalty 📘 Facebook: Margaret Salty Hosted by: Margaret Salty Music by: The Magnifiers – My Time Traveling Machine

    40 min

  6. JAN 14

    Body-Led Breastfeeding: Understanding Infant Suck Strength with Dr. Ellen Chetwynd

    In this episode of Behind the Latch, Margaret sits down with Ellen Chetwynd, IBCLC, PhD, and longtime Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Human Lactation, to explore a fundamentally different way of understanding breastfeeding challenges: body-led breastfeeding and the Infant Suck Strength Exam (ISSE). Dr. Chetwynd shares how years of clinical practice—and noticing what wasn’t explained by common diagnoses like thrush, Raynaud’s, or tongue-tie—led her to focus more closely on the infant’s body, neurology, and suck function. Together, Margaret and Ellen unpack how the ISSE helps clinicians move beyond appearance-based latch assessment to identify where suck strength is weak, how the tongue is functioning at the breast, and how infant compensation patterns often drive pain, inefficiency, and feeding struggles. This conversation bridges lactation science, cranial nerve physiology, and gentle body-based intervention, offering clinicians practical tools while challenging reductionist approaches to infant oral dysfunction. 🔍 What We Talk AboutHow Ellen entered the field of lactation through nursing and public healthWhy “bucket diagnoses” (yeast, Raynaud’s, tongue-tie) persist in lactation careWhat body-led breastfeeding means—and why the baby is often the primary driverThe clinical gap that inspired development of the Infant Suck Strength Exam (ISSE)Why digital oral exams miss what’s happening at the breastHow the ISSE is performed and what each pull-back reveals about suck strengthWhy the ISSE often functions as both assessment and treatmentInfant compensation patterns: jaw movement, lip use, body tension, and asymmetryThe role of cranial nerves and the cranial base in feeding functionWhy asymmetric latch and “guppy pose” can sometimes worsen dysfunctionGentle, parent-taught techniques to support infant regulation and suck strengthHow bottle-feeding strategies must align with breastfeeding goalsWhen to consider referral for craniosacral or body-based therapyWhy frenotomy alone may destabilize function if body tension isn’t addressedWhat future research is needed to validate and study the ISSE 🧠 Key Takeaways for CliniciansA visually “good” latch can hide significant internal dysfunction.Infant suck strength and tongue function must be assessed during active feeding.Many breastfeeding problems originate in infant neuromuscular coordination—not maternal anatomy.Babies often compensate with their bodies when oral function is inefficient.Gentle pull-back techniques can cue strength and improve function without causing pain.Positioning that supports a neutral cranial base is critical for effective feeding.Body-based approaches may reduce unnecessary procedures and improve long-term outcomes.The ISSE offers clinicians a structured, repeatable way to assess progress over time. 👩‍🏫 GuestEllen Chetwynd, PhD, IBCLC www.bodyledbreastfeeding.com Upcoming Workshop: https://www.bodyledbreastfeeding.com/lactation-support-workshops Self-Paced Courses: https://teachingbabiestonurse.thinkific.com/collections Body-Led Breastfeeding Podcast: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7sxiNwaRMppZ8AfjF98C6K Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/body-led-breastfeeding/id1789167683 Former Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Human Lactation Co-founder, Body-Led Breastfeeding Chapel Hill & Durham, North Carolina 📝 Connect with Margaret📬 Email: hello@margaretsalty.com 📸 Instagram: @margaretsalty 📘 Facebook: Margaret Salty 🎙 Podcast: Behind the Latch Hosted by: Margaret Salty Music by: The Magnifiers – My Time Traveling Machine 🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast app — and don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review! #BehindTheLatch #IBCLC #BodyLedBreastfeeding #InfantSuck #CranialNerves #LactationAssessment #BreastfeedingScience #OutpatientLactation #LactationEducation

    46 min

  7. JAN 7

    Culturally Responsive Lactation Care with Jewish Families with Maya Lott, IBCLC

    In this episode of Behind the Latch, Margaret sits down with former student and practicing IBCLC Maya Lott to explore culturally responsive lactation care through the lens of working with Jewish families. Drawing from Maya’s clinical experience, academic background in Jewish philosophy and law, and her widely shared paper on counseling Jewish families, this conversation offers practical guidance for IBCLCs seeking to build trust, reduce friction, and deliver truly family-centered care. Maya shares how cultural norms, religious practices, and community structures can shape breastfeeding decisions—and how IBCLCs can approach these dynamics with curiosity rather than assumptions. From baby naming practices and modesty considerations to Shabbat, donor milk logistics, and the role of rabbis in healthcare decision-making, this episode provides concrete, respectful strategies clinicians can use immediately in practice. 🔍 What We Talk AboutMaya’s path to becoming an IBCLC through Pathway 2—and why it worked well for her as a parentWhy cultural humility matters in lactation care (and what it looks like in real visits)Breastfeeding as a cultural norm in many Jewish communities—and the pressures that can createBaby naming practices in observant Jewish families and why asking “Does your baby have a name yet?” mattersModesty, family roles, and how they can influence in-home lactation visitsPreparing infants for circumcision (bris) and how this can intersect with feeding supportShabbat, milk removal, and how IBCLCs can collaborate respectfully without practicing religious lawThe role of rabbis in health-related decisions—and why this can be empowering for familiesDonor milk, milk sharing, and kosher kitchen logisticsHow informal milk sharing functions in tight-knit communitiesParallels with other cultural and religious practices (including Muslim milk-kinship laws)Practical language IBCLCs can use to avoid alienation and build rapportWhy curiosity—not expertise in religious law—is the key clinical skill 🧠 Key Takeaways for CliniciansCultural competence starts at the doorstep—small language choices can shape the entire visit.You don’t need to be an expert in religious law to provide excellent care; awareness of considerations is enough.Asking open, respectful questions helps families integrate lactation care with lifelong values.Rabbis (and other faith leaders) often serve as supportive collaborators, not barriers, in healthcare decisions.Donor milk use may be less about theology and more about household logistics—problem-solving builds trust.Many cultural “rules” can feel rigid from the outside but are experienced as empowering within the community.These principles apply far beyond Jewish families—this is a framework for all culturally responsive lactation care. 👩‍🏫 GuestMaya Lott, IBCLC What IBCLCs Need to Know About Counseling Jewish Families: A Lactation Consultant's Guide to Cultural Competence When Working with Dyads who Practice Judaism mayalottibclc.com Tamari Jacob: https://www.instagram.com/onewiththepump/ Miriam Ezagui: https://www.instagram.com/miriam.ezagui/ 📝 Connect with Margaret 📬 Email: hello@margaretsalty.com 📸 Instagram: @margaretsalty 📘 Facebook: Margaret Salty 🎙️ Podcast: Behind the Latch Hosted by: Margaret Salty Music by: The Magnifiers – My Time Traveling Machine 🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast app — and don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review to help other lactation professionals find the show. #BehindTheLatch #IBCLC #CulturalCompetence #CulturallyResponsiveCare #JewishFamilies #LactationEducation #BreastfeedingSupport #DEIInHealthcare #PublicHealthLactation

    41 min

  8. 12/17/2025

    Craniosacral Therapy and Infant Feeding with Meaghan Beames, RMT

    Lactation Exam Mastery Course! Master the IBCLC Exam Today! In this episode of Behind the Latch, Margaret interviews Meaghan Beames, Registered Massage Therapist, educator, and infant craniosacral therapy specialist based in Toronto. Meaghan shares her journey into craniosacral therapy following her own early breastfeeding struggles and explains how this gentle, hands-on modality can support infants experiencing feeding difficulties, poor latch, weak suck, reflux, tension patterns, and post-birth dysregulation. Together, Margaret and Meaghan unpack what craniosacral therapy actually is—and what it is not—moving beyond common misconceptions of it as “woo” or energy work. Meaghan offers a clear, physiology-based explanation grounded in fascia, cranial nerve function, nervous system regulation, and developmental biomechanics, helping clinicians understand how subtle tension patterns from gestation and birth can profoundly affect infant feeding and behavior. Throughout the conversation, they explore the clinical intersections between lactation care and bodywork, including the role of cranial nerves in suck function, the relationship between birth mechanics and oral dysfunction, and how craniosacral therapy may improve outcomes before and after frenotomy. Meaghan also provides practical language clinicians can use with families, guidance on practitioner training and safety, and insight into when referrals to other disciplines are appropriate. 🔍 What We Talk About How Meaghan entered infant craniosacral therapy after her own postpartum and breastfeeding experienceWhat craniosacral therapy is, how it works, and how it differs from chiropractic, osteopathy, and physical therapyFascia, tension patterns, and why the body must be viewed as a single integrated systemThe role of cranial nerves in infant feeding, suck strength, and oral coordinationHow gestational positioning, birth interventions, and delivery mechanics influence feeding outcomesWhy babies may feed well on one side but struggle on the otherWeak suck, poor oral sensation, and why some infants “can’t feel” the nippleThe limitations of appearance-based tongue-tie assessment and why function must come firstHow craniosacral therapy may improve frenotomy outcomes and reduce reattachment riskWhy cutting a dysfunctional tongue without addressing body tension can worsen feedingWhat a typical infant craniosacral session looks like, including assessment and treatment flowHow many sessions are typically needed and why “snapback” can occurHow craniosacral therapy supports nervous system regulation and reflex integrationWhat families may notice after treatment, including emotional release and behavior changesHow to talk with parents about craniosacral therapy in clear, non-alarming languageSafety considerations, training standards, and how to identify qualified practitionersWhat the current research does—and does not—tell us about craniosacral therapyOptions for families who cannot access or afford bodywork services 🧠 Key Takeaways for Clinicians Infant feeding difficulties are often rooted in whole-body tension patterns, not isolated oral anatomy.Cranial nerve dysfunction can impair suck, coordination, and sensation even when oral anatomy appears “normal.”Craniosacral therapy uses extremely light touch to identify and release fascial restrictions affecting function.Birth mechanics, including fetal position and obstetric interventions, can significantly impact feeding.Frenotomy without addressing underlying body tension may destabilize tongue function and worsen outcomes.Craniosacral therapy may support feeding both before and after tongue-tie release.Language matters: explaining the work in functional, observable terms builds parent trust.Practitioner training and infant-specific education are critical for safety and effectiveness.Craniosacral therapy is low risk when performed appropriately, but not interchangeable with adult-based bodywork.Supporting parental intuition and confidence is an essential part of infant care. 👩‍🏫 Guest Meaghan Beames, RMT Infant Craniosacral Therapist & Educator, Toronto, Canada Beames CST MyBaby Craniosacral Podcast MyBaby Instagram 📝 Connect with Margaret 📬 Email: hello@margaretsalty.com 📸 Instagram: @margaretsalty 📘 Facebook: Margaret Salty 🎙 Podcast: Behind the Latch Hosted by: Margaret Salty Music by: The Magnifiers – My Time Traveling Machine #BehindTheLatch #CraniosacralTherapy #InfantFeeding #IBCLC #BodyworkAndLactation #CranialNerves #TongueTie #InfantRegulation #BreastfeedingSupport #LactationEducation #WholeBodyCare 🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast app — and don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review!

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About

The Behind the Latch with Margaret Salty is your essential companion for lifelong growth in the field of lactation consulting. Whether you're a student, a newly certified IBCLC, or an experienced consultant, this podcast is designed to support your ongoing journey. Each episode brings you expert interviews, real-world case studies, and the latest research updates—giving you practical insights you can apply directly to your work with breastfeeding families. Hosted by Margaret Salty, an experienced IBCLC, educator, and mentor, this podcast is here to guide you as you build your knowledge, sharpen your skills, and continue to evolve in your practice. The field of lactation is dynamic, and learning never stops. The IBCLC Mentor Podcast will help you stay inspired, stay informed, and stay connected to your purpose.

Information

  • Creator
    Margaret Salty
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    115
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Margaret Salty
  • Show Website
    Behind the Latch

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