Advertise on podcast: The Latch Revolution

IT FEELS LIKE TEETH When babies clamp instead of suck Why breastfeeding pain isn't always caused by the nipple. "It feels like my baby's gums are biting me." It's a phrase many mothers use. There's no wound. No crack. No teeth. Just deep bruising pain that doesn't seem to make sense. In this final episode of the Stop Guessing Series, Johanna Sargeant IBCLC and Katie James IBCLC explore babies with tight jaws and feeding compensations, explaining why clamping is often a sign that a baby is solving another underlying problem. Rather than treating the symptom alone, they discuss how recognising compensations can help uncover what's really happening beneath the surface. In this episode • Why some babies clamp or "chomp" instead of suck • The difference between bruising pain and nipple damage • How babies compensate when normal sucking isn't working • Why understanding compensation changes the way we support families Continue the learning journey Download the free Clinical Observation Framework for Babies with Sucking Difficulties. Inside you'll receive: ✓ The companion observation framework ✓ The complete Stop Guessing Series ✓ Clinical reflections ✓ Invitation to our live Clinical Q&A   Clinical reflection Think about a mother who described breastfeeding as feeling bruised, tight or like "teeth." Could that pain have been telling you something about the baby's oral function rather than the latch alone?   About The Latch Revolution The Latch Revolution creates practical education for healthcare professionals supporting babies with feeding difficulties. We believe better observation leads to better questions, and better questions often lead to better support.

THERE ARE NO LAZY BABIES! Low vacuum explained Why long feeds don't always mean babies are feeding well. Some babies feed for an hour. They click. They lose suction. They fall asleep. Then they're hungry again. It's easy to assume they're simply sleepy or "lazy." But what if they're working incredibly hard just to maintain a feed? In this third episode of the Stop Guessing Series, Johanna Sargeant IBCLC and Katie James IBCLC explore one of the most commonly overlooked feeding challenges—low vacuum. Together they explain why understanding function, rather than simply watching the latch, can completely change the way we assess babies with sucking difficulties. In this episode • What low vacuum looks and feels like during a feed • Why clicking and losing suction matter • How babies compensate when they cannot maintain an effective vacuum • Why looking beyond milk transfer helps identify the real challenge Continue the learning journey Download the free Clinical Observation Framework for Babies with Sucking Difficulties. Inside you'll receive: ✓ The companion observation framework ✓ The complete Stop Guessing Series ✓ Clinical reflections ✓ Invitation to our live Clinical Q&A   Clinical reflection Think about a baby you've described as "sleepy" or "lazy" at the breast. Could they have been working much harder than they appeared? Coming next Episode 4 It Feels Like Teeth   About The Latch Revolution The Latch Revolution creates practical education for healthcare professionals supporting babies with feeding difficulties. We believe better observation leads to better questions, and better questions often lead to better support.

WHY WON'T THIS BABY FEED? High palate clues Some babies seem to struggle with everything. The breast. The bottle. The dummy. Even your finger. Parents often describe a baby who gags easily, feeds for long periods, starts well but gradually begins to struggle, or suddenly plateaus in their weight gain. In this second episode of the Stop Guessing Series, Johanna Sargeant IBCLC and Katie James IBCLC explore how a high palate and oral sensitivity can quietly affect feeding, and why these babies are often misunderstood. Rather than focusing on the palate alone, they explain how to recognise the wider pattern of compensations and observations that help build a more complete clinical picture. In this episode • Why a high palate is only one piece of the assessment • The feeding behaviours that often point towards oral sensitivity • How finger assessment can reveal valuable clinical information • Why listening carefully to the mother's story is one of your most powerful assessment tools Continue the learning journey Download the free Clinical Observation Framework for Babies with Sucking Difficulties. Inside you'll receive: ✓ The companion observation framework ✓ The complete Stop Guessing Series ✓ Clinical reflections ✓ Invitation to our live Clinical Q&A   Clinical reflection Think about a baby who seemed to struggle with breastfeeding, bottle feeding and dummy use. What clues might have suggested that oral sensitivity or a high palate was contributing to the bigger picture?   Coming next Episode 3 Your Baby Isn't Lazy   About The Latch Revolution The Latch Revolution creates practical education for healthcare professionals supporting babies with feeding difficulties. We believe better observation leads to better questions, and better questions often lead to better support.

STOP CHASING TONGUE TIE - Look at the whole baby Why feeding assessments need a whole-baby approach. When a baby is struggling to feed, it's tempting to look for a single explanation. But what if feeding difficulties are rarely caused by just one thing? In this first episode of our Stop Guessing Series, Johanna Sargeant IBCLC and I (Katie James IBCLC) introduce the clinical observation philosophy that underpins our work with babies experiencing sucking difficulties. In this episode • Why isolated symptoms rarely tell the full story • The five areas that guide every assessment • Why curiosity is often more valuable than certainty • How better observation leads to better support Continue the learning journey Download the free Clinical Observation Framework for Babies with Sucking Difficulties. Inside you'll receive: ✓ The companion observation framework ✓ The complete Stop Guessing Series ✓ Clinical reflections ✓ Invitation to our live Clinical Q&A Clinical reflection Think about the last baby whose feeding "didn't quite make sense." What observations might you revisit if you stepped back and looked at the whole picture? Coming next Episode 2 - Why Won't This Baby Feed? - Hidden Clues of a High Palate About The Latch Revolution The Latch Revolution creates practical education for healthcare professionals supporting babies with feeding difficulties. We believe better observation leads to better questions, and better questions often lead to better support.

Season One may be over… but we’re only just getting started. We’re taking a short summer break before returning in August with a special four-part mini-series unlike anything we’ve released before. Together we’ll work through feeding case studies, taking you behind the scenes of our clinical reasoning. Rather than simply discussing symptoms or diagnoses, we’ll explore how experienced lactation consultants begin to ask better questions. What are the clues? What is the baby’s body telling us? Why is this feeding challenge happening? And perhaps most importantly… what are we missing when we focus on treating the symptom instead of understanding the cause? If you’ve enjoyed the conversations throughout Season One, this series will take you one step further inside the decision-making process we use every day with the families we support. If you’re a midwife, lactation consultant, speech pathologist, health visitor, doctor, paediatric clinician or anyone supporting breastfeeding families, we think you’re going to enjoy this one. We’ll see you in August. Until then… Thank you for listening, sharing the podcast, leaving reviews and being part of The Latch Revolution. Enjoying the podcast? Leave us a 5-star review, subscribe so you don’t miss the new mini-series, and if you’d like to support the show, you can join us on Patreon. Keywords The Latch Revolution, oral function, infant feeding, breastfeeding education, IBCLC, lactation consultant, midwife education, breastfeeding support, feeding assessment, sucking difficulties, oral assessment, tongue function, bottle feeding, breast refusal, breastfeeding challenges, case studies, Decoding the Suck, breastfeeding professionals

Years ago, Katie stopped attending births for friends. The boundaries felt clear. But one simple conversation sparked an uncomfortable realisation: Why was she still providing lactation support for them? In this honest and surprisingly personal episode, Katie and Joh explore the complicated space where friendship, professional expertise and breastfeeding support collide. Episode Summary As lactation consultants, midwives and birth professionals, many of us become the unofficial breastfeeding hotline for friends, family members and colleagues. But what happens when those relationships become blurred? In this episode, Katie and Joh unpack the emotional realities of supporting friends through breastfeeding challenges. They discuss the pressure of feeling responsible for outcomes, the difficulty of setting boundaries, and the unexpected emotions that can arise when friends seek support elsewhere or make different feeding decisions than we hoped. Together they explore how their thinking has changed over the years, why some professional boundaries are easier to recognise than others, and how friendship can quietly become entangled with clinical responsibility. Along the way they share personal stories, professional reflections and a few moments of humour that many birth professionals will recognise immediately. In This Episode We Cover Why supporting friends often feels very different from supporting clients The emotional responsibility many professionals carry Why friendship and clinical care can become blurred The challenge of giving unsolicited advice Managing expectations when support is offered informally What happens when friends seek support from someone else Why helping someone and being responsible for their outcome are not the same thing Feelings of disappointment, guilt and professional self-doubt The importance of clear boundaries in protecting relationships How both Katie and Joh have changed their approach over time Why there is no single right answer when it comes to supporting friends   Want More From Katie and Joh? Check out our courses for professionals: Decoding the Suck: Gentle support for babies with sucking difficulties Breastfeeding & Lactation: The Fundamentals Pregnant or a new mum? Find more support from Katie: The Feeding Couch – Breastfeeding SOS – for new mums Newsletter Join our newsletter for evidence-based education, podcast updates and practical insights from Katie and Joh. Instagram Katie: @katiejameslactation Johanna: @milkandmotherhood   We’d Love To Hear From You Have you ever supported a friend, colleague or family member through breastfeeding? How did you navigate the boundaries? Did it strengthen the relationship or make things more complicated? Send us a message on Instagram or email us [email protected]  We’d genuinely love to hear your story.   Medical Disclaimer Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for personalised medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Listeners should always seek the guidance of their own healthcare provider, midwife, or lactation consultant with any questions they may have regarding their own situation or that of their clients. Katie James and Johanna Sargeant do not accept responsibility for any decisions made based on this content. Keywords lactation consultant boundaries, breastfeeding support, supporting friends, IBCLC, midwife boundaries, doula boundaries, professional boundaries in healthcare, friendship and professional relationships, breastfeeding professionals, lactation consultant burnout, postpartum support, reflective practice, client relationships, birth professional boundaries, breastfeeding counselling, maternal health professionals

When breastfeeding is causing significant pain or nipple trauma, should a mother keep feeding through it? Or are there times when a temporary change in the feeding plan may actually protect breastfeeding long term? In this episode, Katie and Joh explore one of the most challenging clinical decisions faced by lactation consultants, midwives and breastfeeding supporters. Episode Summary Breastfeeding professionals are often taught how to support mothers to continue breastfeeding. Sometimes harder is knowing when continuing exactly as things are may be contributing to ongoing pain, tissue damage, stress, and feeding difficulties. In this episode, Katie and Joh discuss how they approach severe nipple pain and trauma in clinical practice. They explore the factors that influence decision-making, including wound healing, maternal wellbeing, feeding goals, pumping, nipple shields, and the importance of individualised care. The conversation highlights the reality that many breastfeeding situations sit firmly in the grey zone. Rather than rigid rules, the discussion focuses on clinical reasoning, transparency, and working collaboratively with mothers to develop plans that feel achievable and supportive. As always, this is an honest conversation between two experienced clinicians navigating the complexity of real-world breastfeeding support. In This Episode We Cover Why severe nipple trauma is rarely a simple clinical decision When continuing to breastfeed may be helping or hindering healing The role of maternal wellbeing in feeding decisions How pumping may fit into a temporary feeding plan When nipple shields might be useful Supporting wound healing while protecting milk supply Why breastfeeding support must remain individualised Clinical reasoning versus rigid protocols The importance of collaborative decision-making Helping mothers feel seen, heard and supported The emotional impact of ongoing feeding pain Balancing short-term challenges with long-term breastfeeding goals Want More From Katie and Joh? Check out our courses for professionals: Decoding the Suck: Gentle support for babies with sucking difficulties Breastfeeding & Lactation: The Fundamentals Pregnant or a new mum? Find more support from Katie: The Feeding Couch® – Breastfeeding SOS – for new mums Instagram Katie: @katiejameslactation Johanna: @milkandmotherhood YouTube: The Latch Revolution Enjoying the podcast? Leave us a 5 star review - please scroll a bit further down and do it now! ;) Support the show on Patreon: Medical Disclaimer The content of this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for personalised medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Listeners should always seek the guidance of their own healthcare provider, midwife, or lactation consultant with any questions they may have regarding their own situation or that of their clients. Katie James and Johanna Sargeant do not accept responsibility for any decisions made based on this content. Keywords nipple trauma, nipple pain, breastfeeding pain, breastfeeding support, lactation consultant, IBCLC, breastfeeding complications, wound healing, pumping and breastfeeding, nipple shields, breastfeeding management, breastfeeding challenges, breastfeeding education, lactation support, midwife education, doula education, breastfeeding professional development, maternal wellbeing, clinical lactation skills, breastfeeding counselling

Bottle Preference vs “Nipple Confusion” | Flow, Breast Refusal & Paced FeedingLast episode, we unpacked bottle refusal in breastfed babies.This week, we’re tackling the other side of the feeding conversation:what happens when babies begin preferring the bottle over the breast — or what many people still call “nipple confusion.”Except… babies usually aren’t confused by nipples at all.In this episode, lactation consultants Katie James and Johanna Sargeant explore what’s actually happening when babies begin refusing the breast after bottles are introduced — and why flow, sucking mechanics, oral function and feeding dynamics matter far more than most people realise.We discuss:• bottle preference vs “nipple confusion”  • flow preference in breastfed babies  • why some babies begin refusing the breast  • how milk flow changes sucking behaviour  • fast flow vs slow flow feeding dynamics  • paced bottle feeding that genuinely mimics breastfeeding  • how to bottle feed without sabotaging breastfeeding  • bottle feeding positions and latch mechanics  • non-nutritive sucking and letdowns  • oral function signs that often get missed  • late-onset low milk supply linked to feeding mechanics  • teat shape, bottle flow and feeding behaviour  • mixed feeding and combination feeding support  • breastfeeding politics and fear-based messaging  • how to support families without shame or black-and-white adviceThis episode is for:midwives, lactation consultants, IBCLCs, speech pathologists, maternal child health nurses, doulas, infant feeding professionals, and parents trying to navigate breastfeeding and bottles without panic, guilt or confusing advice.One of the biggest themes in this episode is nuance.Because bottles are not poison.  Teats are not poison.  And one bottle does not automatically ruin breastfeeding.But feeding mechanics matter.And the way we support families around bottle feeding matters too.Mentioned in this episode:• paced bottle feeding  • flow preference  • breast refusal  • oral function assessment  • bottle feeding mechanics  • late-onset low milk supply  • mixed feeding support  • responsive feeding approachesListen to the previous episode:Why Babies Refuse Bottles - And What Gets MissedSupport The Latch Revolution Podcast:If these episodes help you, leaving a 5-star review genuinely helps more parents and professionals find the podcast.You can also support the podcast and access extra content here with Patreon: Connect with us:Instagram:@katiejamesibclc  @milkandmotherhoodCourses & Education:Katie James & Johanna Sargeant - Decoding the Suck training for professionals The Latch Revolution - Exercises for parents to support their infants suck challengesThe Feeding Couch — breastfeeding education for parents:Breastfeeding & Lactation: The Fundamentals — professional education for birth workersDisclaimer:This podcast is for education and information only and should not replace individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please seek support from your own healthcare provider, IBCLC, midwife or medical professional for individual concerns.#breastfeeding #bottlefeeding #pacedfeeding #nippleconfusion #breastrefusal #lactationconsultant #IBCLC #oralfunction #mixedfeeding #newbornfeeding #breastfeedingpodcast #postpartum #midwife #speechpathology #infantfeeding

Bottle refusal isn’t always behavioural.  And if you’ve tried every bottle on the market without success… there may be something else going on. In this episode, Katie and Johanna, IBCLC's, unpack bottle and teat refusal in breastfed babies — looking at both the behavioural side as well as the physiological side that often gets missed. They walk through the practical strategies many parents are already trying: changing positions, changing the caregiver, adjusting milk temperature, experimenting with teat flow and creating low-pressure experiences around bottles. But they also explore why some babies still struggle despite all of that. The conversation dives into oral function, tongue movement, high palates, gag reflexes, bottle teat design, and why some babies physically struggle to coordinate sucking on certain bottle shapes. Katie and Johanna also discuss how stress and pressure around bottle feeding can quickly escalate into bottle aversion — and why play, curiosity and responsiveness matter far more than forcing feeds. Importantly, we talk about the situations where bottles simply aren’t working before a return to work, many babies compensate by 'reverse cycle feeding' — breastfeeding much more frequently overnight. This episode is packed with practical ideas, nuanced clinical discussion, and reassurance for both mums, new parents and professionals. Why breastfed babies may suddenly refuse bottles Behavioural strategies that genuinely help Why teat shape matters more than marketing suggests Bottle flow rates and matching milk flow The role of milk taste Why some babies become distressed around bottles High palates, tongue tie and oral sensitivity The connection between bottle refusal and sucking function Why play and curiosity reduce bottle aversion Open cups vs straw cups vs bottles Reverse cycling and feeding when mums return to work Why observation matters more than rigid rules Mentioned In This Episode Decoding the Suck — Professional Training NEW Parent Sucking Support Packages   Susan Howard IBCLC - Reel with O Ball and bottle teat   The Feeding Couch® — Breastfeeding Support for Parents Breastfeeding and Lactation: the fundamentals - Professional Training   Support The Podcast If you enjoy The Latch Revolution podcast: Leave a 5-star review!  Subscribe  Share the episode  Support the podcast on Patreon: Medical Disclaimer The content of this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not replace individual medical care. Mums and new parents should always seek support from their own healthcare provider, lactation consultant or medical practitioner regarding their individual circumstances. Keywords bottle refusal breastfeeding, breastfed baby won’t take bottle, teat refusal baby, high palate bottle refusal, tongue tie bottle refusal, oral function breastfeeding, paced bottle feeding, reverse cycling breastfeeding, bottle aversion breastfed baby, breastfeeding and bottle refusal, lactation consultant bottle refusal

Mastitis isn’t just an infection. And the way we’ve been treating it… might be making things worse. In this episode, Katie and Joh unpack mastitis through a more current lens — moving away from the idea of “blocked ducts” and towards understanding inflammation as the key driver. They explore the early signs many women miss — including the flu-like symptoms that can appear before any visible breast changes — and why recognising these early can change the entire trajectory of the condition. The conversation also challenges long-standing advice around heat, massage, and increased feeding, explaining why these approaches may worsen inflammation rather than resolve it. Instead, they introduce a more physiologically aligned approach focused on rest, anti-inflammatories, cold therapy, and maintaining normal feeding patterns. Importantly, they discuss what happens when mastitis doesn’t fully resolve — including subclinical presentations, changes in milk supply, and the impact on baby behaviour. The episode also highlights the emotional and practical realities for mothers navigating mastitis, and the need for clinicians to remain flexible, transparent, and responsive when protocols don’t fit the individual. In This Episode We Cover Early “boob flu” symptoms and why mastitis can present before breast changes The shift from “blocked ducts” to inflammation-based understanding Why heat and massage may worsen symptoms How cold therapy and anti-inflammatories may support recovery When to manage at home vs when to seek medical review Subclinical mastitis and recurring symptoms Changes in milk taste and baby feeding behaviour Maintaining milk supply when baby refuses one breast The role of clinical judgement beyond protocol Transparency and trust in complex lactation care   Want More From Katie and Joh? Check out our courses for professionals:Decoding the Suck: Gentle support for babies with sucking difficulties Breastfeeding & Lactation: The Fundamentals Pregnant or a new mum or parent? Find more support from Katie: The Feeding Couch® – Breastfeeding SOS – for new mums and parents Instagram Katie: @katiejameslactation Johanna: @milkandmotherhood YouTube The Latch Revolution Enjoying the podcast? Leave us a 5 star review Subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes Support the podcast via Patreon: Medical Disclaimer Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for personalised medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Listeners should always seek the guidance of their own healthcare provider, midwife, or lactation consultant with any questions they may have regarding their own situation or that of their clients. Katie James and Johanna Sargeant do not accept responsibility for any decisions made based on this content. Keywords mastitis breastfeeding, mastitis inflammation vs infection, blocked ducts myth, mastitis treatment cold therapy, lactation mastitis protocol, breastfeeding pain inflammation, milk supply mastitis, baby refusing breast mastitis, subclinical mastitis, lactation consultant education

Pumping should be simple. But for many mums… it becomes painful, confusing, and ineffective. In this episode, Katie and Joh unpack what’s really going on when pumping “isn’t working” — and why the answer is rarely what you think.   Episode Summary Katie and Joh take a deep dive into the reality of pumping, starting with one of the most overlooked issues in lactation support — incorrect flange/shield sizing. They explore why so many women are given the wrong size, how this affects comfort and milk output, and why going smaller, not larger, is often the key to effective stimulation. The conversation moves into pump types, including hospital-grade pumps, double pumps, and wearable devices — where, for once, Katie and Joh don’t entirely agree. They explore the tension between efficiency and flexibility, and how the “best” pump depends entirely on the individual mother, her circumstances, and her goals. They also unpack practical strategies to improve pumping outcomes, including timing, vacuum levels, switching between stimulation and expression modes, and why watching milk output can actually reduce it. Joh shares the now well-known “sock over the bottle” technique and the surprising impact of removing visual pressure. Finally, the episode broadens into the emotional and psychological experience of pumping — from stress, grief, and NICU experiences to the importance of oxytocin and creating a sense of safety. They highlight that pumping is not just mechanical — it is deeply physiological and emotional, and support must reflect that. In This Episode We Cover Why incorrect flange size is one of the biggest barriers to effective pumping Why smaller sizes often work better than larger ones The difference between hospital-grade pumps and standard pumps Wearable pumps vs traditional pumps — and where Katie and Joh differ Why pumping should never be painful How to set the correct vacuum level based on comfort, not numbers Timing: why 15 minutes is often enough Switching between stimulation and expression modes The “sock over the bottle” method and why watching output reduces milk flow Oxytocin and pumping — what actually helps milk release Why pumping can carry emotional weight, stress, or grief Why a pump session does not reflect total milk supply Power pumping — when to use it and when to stop   Want More From Katie and Joh? Check out our courses for professionals: Decoding the Suck: Gentle support for babies with sucking difficulties https://thelatchrevolution.com Breastfeeding & Lactation: The Fundamentals https://katiejames.site Pregnant or a new mum? Find more support from Katie: The Feeding Couch® – Breastfeeding SOS https://katiejames.site   Download the FREE 5 Gentle Questions booklet: https://www.thelatchrevolution.com/gentle-questions   Instagram Katie: @katiejameslactation Johanna: @milkandmotherhood YouTube The Latch Revolution   Enjoying the podcast? Leave a 5-star review — it helps more mums and professionals find this work   Subscribe so you don’t miss what’s coming next   Or Join our Patreon   Medical Disclaimer Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for personalised medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Listeners should always seek the guidance of their own healthcare provider, midwife, or lactation consultant with any questions they may have regarding their own situation or that of their clients. Katie James and Johanna Sargeant do not accept responsibility for any decisions made based on this content.   Keywords breast pumping, breast pump tips, flange sizing, pumping milk supply, wearable breast pumps, hospital grade pump, milk expression, lactation support, pumping problems, low milk output, oxytocin breastfeeding, power pumping, exclusive pumping, NICU pumping

“My milk has disappeared.” It’s one of the most common messages mums send in panic — often around the 8–10 week mark. Breasts feel soft, leaking stops, letdowns change… and suddenly everything feels different. In this episode of The Latch Revolution, Katie James and Johanna Sargeant (IBCLCs) explore the common experience of breastfeeding mums feeling like their milk has suddenly disappeared. They begin with the classic scenario around 8–10 weeks, where breasts feel softer, leaking reduces, and sensations like letdown are no longer as noticeable. This shift can feel alarming, particularly as many mums are no longer receiving regular support at this stage. Katie and Joh explain how this change is often a normal transition from the early, less regulated phase of milk production into a more efficient, demand-led system. The body has learned how much milk to make and no longer needs to overproduce. The conversation then moves into other situations that can feel like milk has disappeared, including illness, hormonal changes, return of periods, pregnancy, and thyroid changes. They explain how these factors can temporarily affect milk supply but do not mean that milk is gone permanently. Finally, the episode explores a more sensitive and complex topic — how grief and significant stress can affect the milk ejection reflex and make it feel as though milk is no longer there. They discuss how this is a physiological response to overwhelming stress, and the importance of compassion in these situations. In This Episode We Cover – Why breasts feel softer around 8–10 weeks – Why leaking and letdown sensations can disappear – How milk production becomes more efficient over time – Why babies are the best indicator of milk supply – Temporary changes from illness or hormonal shifts – The impact of returning periods on milk supply – Pregnancy and breastfeeding changes – Thyroid conditions and milk production – How grief can affect milk ejection Want More From Katie and Joh? Check out our courses for professionals: Decoding the Suck: Gentle support for babies with sucking difficulties “My milk has disappeared.” It’s one of the most common messages mums send in panic — often around the 8–10 week mark. Breasts feel soft, leaking stops, letdowns change… and suddenly everything feels different. Episode Summary In this episode of The Latch Revolution, Katie James and Johanna Sargeant explore the common experience of breastfeeding mums feeling like their milk has suddenly disappeared. They begin with the classic scenario around 8–10 weeks, where breasts feel softer, leaking reduces, and sensations like letdown are no longer as noticeable. This shift can feel alarming, particularly as many mums are no longer receiving regular support at this stage. Katie and Joh explain how this change is often a normal transition from the early, less regulated phase of milk production into a more efficient, demand-led system. The body has learned how much milk to make and no longer needs to overproduce. The conversation then moves into other situations that can feel like milk has disappeared, including illness, hormonal changes, return of periods, pregnancy, and thyroid changes. They explain how these factors can temporarily affect milk supply but do not mean that milk is gone permanently. Finally, the episode explores a more sensitive and complex topic — how grief and significant stress can affect the milk ejection reflex and make it feel as though milk is no longer there. They discuss how this is not a failure of milk production, but a physiological response to overwhelming stress, and the importance of compassion in these situations. In This Episode We Cover – Why breasts feel softer around 8–10 weeks – Why leaking and letdown sensations can disappear – How milk production becomes more efficient over time – Why babies are the best indicator of milk supply – The role of nappies and swallowing as evidence – Temporary changes from illness or hormonal shifts – The impact of returning periods on milk supply – Pregnancy and breastfeeding changes – Thyroid conditions and milk production – How grief and stress can affect milk ejection Want More From Katie and Joh? Check out our courses for professionals: Decoding the Suck: Gentle support for babies with sucking difficulties “My milk has disappeared.” It’s one of the most common messages mums send in panic — often around the 8–10 week mark. Breasts feel soft, leaking stops, letdowns change… and suddenly everything feels different. Episode Summary In this episode of The Latch Revolution, Katie James and Johanna Sargeant explore the common experience of breastfeeding mums feeling like their milk has suddenly disappeared. They begin with the classic scenario around 8–10 weeks, where breasts feel softer, leaking reduces, and sensations like letdown are no longer as noticeable. This shift can feel alarming, particularly as many mums are no longer receiving regular support at this stage. Katie and Joh explain how this change is often a normal transition from the early, less regulated phase of milk production into a more efficient, demand-led system. The body has learned how much milk to make and no longer needs to overproduce. The conversation then moves into other situations that can feel like milk has disappeared, including illness, hormonal changes, return of periods, pregnancy, and thyroid changes. They explain how these factors can temporarily affect milk supply but do not mean that milk is gone permanently. Finally, the episode explores a more sensitive and complex topic — how grief and significant stress can affect the milk ejection reflex and make it feel as though milk is no longer there. They discuss how this is not a failure of milk production, but a physiological response to overwhelming stress, and the importance of compassion in these situations. In This Episode We Cover – Why breasts feel softer around 8–10 weeks – Why leaking and letdown sensations can disappear – How milk production becomes more efficient over time – Why babies are the best indicator of milk supply – The role of nappies and swallowing as evidence – Temporary changes from illness or hormonal shifts – The impact of returning periods on milk supply – Pregnancy and breastfeeding changes – Thyroid conditions and milk production – How grief and stress can affect milk ejection Want More From Katie and Joh? Check out our courses for professionals: Decoding the Suck: Gentle support for babies with sucking difficulties https://thelatchrevolution.com Breastfeeding & Lactation: The Fundamentalshttps://katiejames.site The Feeding Couch® – Breastfeeding SOShttps://katiejames.site You can also access the 5 Gentle Questions Booklet — a clinical tool designed to support deeper conversations in breastfeeding consultations: https://www.thelatchrevolution.com/gentle-questions If this episode stayed with you, leaving a review helps more mums and professionals find these conversations. You can also subscribe or support the show with a coffee. Instagram Katie: @katiejameslactation Johanna: @milkandmotherhood YouTube The Latch Revolution Enjoying the podcast? Leave us a 5 star review Subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes Medical Disclaimer Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for personalised medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Listeners should always seek the guidance of their own healthcare provider, midwife, or lactation consultant with any questions they may have regarding their own situation or that of their clients. Katie James and Johanna Sargeant do not accept responsibility for any decisions made based on this content. Keywords milk supply disappeared, breastfeeding 9 weeks, soft breasts breastfeeding, breastfeeding panic milk gone, letdown disappeared breastfeeding, breastfeeding hormones period return, thyroid breastfeeding milk supply, pregnancy breastfeeding changes, stress milk supply, grief breastfeeding

The first month of breastfeeding can feel completely unpredictable. One day your baby feeds constantly. The next day they barely wake to feed. Your breasts feel full, then suddenly soft. And every small change can make a new mum wonder if something is wrong. In this episode, Katie and Joh talk about what is actually normal in those early weeks. Episode Summary In this episode of The Latch Revolution, Katie James and Johanna Sargeant explore what typically happens during the first month of breastfeeding and why this period can feel so confusing for new mothers. They discuss how babies often feed in very unpredictable patterns during the early weeks. Some days a baby may feed almost continuously, while on other days they may sleep more and feed far less. This variation can feel alarming to new mums, but it often reflects normal growth patterns and recovery cycles rather than a problem. Katie and Joh explain why focusing on nappies and overall weight trends is far more helpful than watching daily changes in feeding frequency or weight. They discuss how frequent weighing can create unnecessary anxiety and why weekly weight checks are often more appropriate once feeding is established. The conversation also explores the importance of recognising feeding cues and how easily these can be missed, especially when families are busy or when babies are more sleepy. Katie describes early, mid and late feeding cues, while Joh explains how subtle head movements and searching behaviours often signal that a baby is looking for the breast. They also unpack what is happening hormonally in the mother’s body during the first month. In these early weeks breastfeeding is still hormonally driven, with frequent feeding stimulating prolactin and helping establish long-term milk production. As the weeks progress, the system gradually shifts toward supply-and-demand regulation. Finally, they discuss why introducing bottles, dummies, or other feeding tools in the first weeks requires nuance. While these tools can sometimes help families in specific situations, understanding the physiology of milk production in the first month is key to protecting long-term milk supply. In This Episode, We Cover: Why feeding patterns can feel unpredictable in the first month Why daily baby weight checks can increase anxiety for breastfeeding mums How nappies and output help confirm that a baby is feeding well The early, mid and late feeding cues newborn babies show Why sleepy babies can sometimes miss feeding opportunities What is happening hormonally in a mother’s body during the first month of breastfeeding How prolactin and frequent feeding help establish milk supply When breastfeeding shifts from hormonal regulation to supply and demand Why introducing bottles or dummies in the early weeks requires consideration How understanding breastfeeding physiology helps protect milk supply   Want More? Courses for birth professionals: Decoding the Suck: Gentle support for babies with sucking difficulties thelatchrevolution.com Breastfeeding & Lactation: The Fundamentals katiejames.site For pregnancy and new mums and parents: The Feeding Couch® – Breastfeeding SOS  katiejames.site   Instagram Katie: @katiejameslactation Johanna: @milkandmotherhood   YouTube The Latch Revolution   Enjoying the podcast? Leave us a 5-star review Subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes   Medical Disclaimer The content of this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for personalised medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Listeners should always seek the guidance of their own healthcare provider, midwife, or lactation consultant with any questions they may have regarding their own situation or that of their clients. Katie James and Johanna Sargeant do not accept responsibility for any decisions made based on this content.   Keywords first month breastfeeding, newborn feeding patterns, breastfeeding frequency newborn, breastfeeding feeding cues, newborn nappies breastfeeding, prolactin milk production, supply and demand breastfeeding, early breastfeeding weeks, breastfeeding weight gain newborn, breastfeeding physiology first month

Antenatal colostrum harvesting. Some call it essential. Others call it unnecessary pressure. In this episode, Katie and Joh unpack the nuance — without extremes.   Episode Summary In this episode of The Latch Revolution, Katie James and Johanna Sargeant, IBCLC's sit down for an unplanned, cuppa-style conversation about antenatal colostrum harvesting — and quickly discover that while their opinions are strong, they are surprisingly aligned. They explore how colostrum harvesting has evolved from a targeted strategy for mothers with gestational diabetes to something increasingly promoted to the wider pregnant population. Katie reflects on how social media, online kits, and pressure to “prepare properly” can strip the nuance from what is meant to be a gentle, curiosity-based skill. Joh shares how she approaches the conversation in prenatal consults: as an opportunity for a breastfeeding mum to learn how to handle her breasts confidently, without urgency or expectation. The focus is not on stockpiling syringes, but on familiarity, technique, and understanding how the body works while the placenta is still in place. The episode also addresses common concerns, including why using a pump in pregnancy is not recommended, and the important distinction between curiosity and rigidity. Katie and Joh discuss the second night feeding frenzy, how small amounts of expressed colostrum can sometimes support maternal well-being, and why larger volumes may interfere with the natural frequency that brings milk in. Throughout the conversation, they return to the same core principle: context matters. Technique matters. Personality matters. And above all, nuance matters.   In This Episode, We Cover: Why colostrum harvesting moved beyond gestational diabetes The difference between curiosity-based practice and pressure Why using a pump in pregnancy is not recommended How placenta hormones affect milk production before birth Why technique may determine whether colostrum appears The second night feeding frenzy and how small volumes may help How large antenatal stores could potentially interfere with early feeding frequency The importance of tailoring advice to each breastfeeding mum’s personality and capacity   Need More Support? Decoding the Suck: Gentle support for babies with sucking difficulties thelatchrevolution.com Breastfeeding & Lactation: The Fundamentals – Course for birth professionals katiejames.site The Feeding Couch® – Breastfeeding SOS – for new mums and parents katiejames.site   Instagram: Katie: @katiejameslactation Johanna: @milkandmotherhood   YouTube: The Latch Revolution   Enjoying the podcast? Leave us a 5-star review Subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes   Editor’s Note: During this conversation, Katie misquoted the proportion of women in the DAME trial who collected zero colostrum antenatally. The correct figure is approximately one in four. We have added a brief in-episode clarification to ensure accuracy.   Medical Disclaimer The content of this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for personalised medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Listeners should always seek the guidance of their own healthcare provider, midwife, or lactation consultant with any questions they may have regarding their own situation or that of their clients. Katie James and Johanna Sargeant do not accept responsibility for any decisions made based on this content.   Keywords: antenatal colostrum harvesting, colostrum expression in pregnancy, DAME trial colostrum, gestational diabetes breastfeeding, hand expression technique pregnancy, placenta and milk production, second night feeding frenzy, breastfeeding preparation pregnancy, hand expressing colostrum before birth, breastfeeding confidence antenatal

Breastfeeding pain is one of the most common reasons mums stop feeding — yet many are never given the language to describe what they’re feeling. In this episode of The Latch Revolution, Katie James and Johanna Sargeant unpack breastfeeding pain with nuance, practicality, and honesty. Breastfeeding pain is often talked about in extremes: either it’s “normal, push through,” or “it should never hurt.” In this conversation, Katie and Joh slow the topic down and help differentiate between normal, stretchy discomfort and pain that signals injury or a deeper feeding issue. They talk about why pain often peaks in the early days, what ongoing pain is telling us, and how positioning choices — particularly upright feeding with firm pillows — can contribute to shallow attachment and nipple damage. The episode also explores laid-back feeding, why it supports baby reflexes and maternal comfort, and why it still isn’t taught routinely despite decades of discussion. A key theme throughout is observation. Rather than focusing only on the breastfeeding, Katie and Joh discuss watching the whole mum — posture, breathing, hands, shoulders, voice, and tension — and how these cues give vital information about what’s really happening during a feed. This episode is about giving mums and lactation supporters better language, clearer guidance, and confidence to know when to seek help — without guilt or dismissal. In this episode, we cover: Why breastfeeding pain isn’t one thing and needs better language The difference between normal stretchy discomfort and injury pain Why the belief that breastfeeding should never hurt is unhelpful When pain typically peaks in the early days Signs that pain needs further assessment How positioning and pillows affect attachment and comfort Why laid-back feeding supports deeper attachment What observing the whole mum can tell us about pain Need more support? If you want to go deeper into breastfeeding assessment and support: Decoding the Suck: Gentle support for babies with sucking difficulties Learn how to assess suck, attachment, and oral function with confidence, and support babies whose feeding challenges aren’t straightforward. Visit thelatchrevolution.com   Breastfeeding & Lactation: The Fundamentals A comprehensive, evidence-based foundation for birth workers who want to strengthen their understanding of breastfeeding physiology and clinical decision-making. Visit katiejames.site   The Feeding Couch® – Breastfeeding SOS Ongoing support for breastfeeding mums who need reassurance, clarity, and help navigating feeding challenges. Visit katiejames.site   Follow on Instagram: @katiejameslactation @milkandmotherhood Watch on YouTube: The Latch Revolution   Enjoying the podcast? Leave us a 5-star review — it helps more mums and birth workers find the show. Subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes.   Medical Disclaimer The content of this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for personalised medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Listeners should always seek the guidance of their own healthcare provider, midwife, or lactation consultant with any questions they may have regarding their own situation or that of their clients. Katie James and Johanna Sargeant do not accept responsibility for any decisions made based on this content. Keywords: breastfeeding pain, nipple pain breastfeeding, normal breastfeeding pain, painful latch, laid-back breastfeeding, breastfeeding positioning, breastfeeding assessment, lactation support, midwife breastfeeding care, IBCLC support