The Next Feed

Q&A with ‘Boob Wizard’ Lucy Ruddle

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Episode notes

Baby getting distracted when you’re trying to feed? Stuck in a reverse cycling loop? Or maybe you need help navigating conversations with friends and family when they’re sharing their own breastfeeding horror stories? 

Join us for a Q&A with Lucy Ruddle - IBCLC, Breastfeeding Counsellor, holistic sleep coach and author.

In this episode we talk about the practical tips you can use to overcome your breastfeeding challenges. Whether that's switch nursing, using breast compressions, or looking at how to embrace a feeding journey that's different to the one you imagined. We also look at whether breastfeeding can affect the health of the mother, the lack of diversity in breastfeeding support, and what it's like being an IBCLC (an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant).

Lucy Ruddle:
Website: lucyruddle.co.uk
Facebook: facebook.com/LucyruddleIBCLC
Instagram: instagram.com/lucy.ruddle.ibclc

Lucy’s Books: 

  • Mixed Up: Combination Feeding by Choice or Necessity
  • Breastfeeding Myths: Busting the Misinformation Harming You, Your Baby, and Society
  • Relactation: A Guide to Rebuilding Your Milk Supply

Main takeways from this episode: 

  • Breast compressions can help keep a distracted baby engaged and ensure they receive enough milk during feedings.
  • Switch nursing, where the baby is switched between breasts more frequently, can help maintain their interest and ensure they receive multiple let-downs.
  • Relaxation can play a role in overcoming breastfeeding challenges and reducing stress.
  • It is important to seek support and information from reliable sources to counteract negative perceptions and fears surrounding breastfeeding. 
  • Taking breastfeeding one feed at a time can help alleviate the pressure and allow mothers to make choices that work best for them and their babies.
  • The stories and support surrounding breastfeeding can greatly impact a mother's experience and decision to breastfeed.
  • Breast milk provides numerous benefits for babies, including protection against allergies and stomach viruses.
  • Breastfeeding can affect vitamin B12 and vitamin D in the mother.
  • There is a lack of diversity in breastfeeding support, which can result in a lack of tailored support for women of colour.
  • Supporting breastfeeding can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience for lactation consultants and peer supporters.

Thanks for listening!

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