Episodes

  • Many Roles, One Mission: The Lactation Consultant in Hospital

    Many Roles, One Mission: The Lactation Consultant in Hospital
    Oct 30 2024

    It started with a Reel on Instagram.

    Then it became a plan for a conversation about the differences and the shared mission of hospital-based IBCLCs and private practice IBCLCs.

    On this episode of the Evolve Lactation Podcast, I am joined by Nicole Longmire, MPH, IBCLC, PMH-C and LeeAnn Contreras, BSN, RN, IBCLC for an enlightening and empowering conversation about this challenging topic.

    Buckle up as we take you through the bumpy journey of a family from pregnancy to labor & birth through the earliest days of lactation and on to the rest of it…and what families need to know about how lactation consultants in all of those spaces can make it smoother.

    Evolve Lactation is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

    Here are the links that we mentioned in the episode:

    Global MilCom

    BreastfeedingUSA

    Nicole Longmire, Mother Nurture Consulting, LLC

    IBCLC Commission

    Inland Empire Breastfeeding Coalition

    California Breastfeeding Summit

    University of North Carolina, Carolina Global Breastfeeding Institute

    Baby-Friendly USA

    WIC (The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, & Children) in the US

    Baby Café Bakersfield

    The First 100 Hours

    Thanks for joining us at Evolve Lactation! This post is public so feel free to share it.



    Get full access to Evolve Lactation at ibclcinca.substack.com/subscribe
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    1 hr and 11 mins
  • (How to Spot) Fake Lactation Support

    (How to Spot) Fake Lactation Support
    Aug 10 2024
    Closing the Gap: Ensuring Breastfeeding Support for All - this is the theme of World Breastfeeding Week this year.Evolve Lactation is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.I recently wrote a book that captures the essence of how to ensure this support in the critical first week of breastfeeding.When mothers don’t get the support they need right from the start, it dramatically decreases the chances that they will continue breastfeeding, ESPECIALLY in developed countries.That’s the key part - accessibility of breast pumps and infant formula in developed countries, while they can be life-saving, also makes it easier to forego providing ACTUAL lactation support, and many hospitals and so-called breastfeeding “supporters” find it easier to simply encourage pumping or formula use when what mothers SAY they wish to do is to feed their babies at the breast.The mismatch of support is confusing and unfair, and the concept of informed choice is all but forgotten when people tell mothers that all these options are essentially equal.I’ve hesitated to call this out because there’s nuance to it and I want to be sure that I can be clear.Recommending the use of a breast pump or formula CAN absolutely be part of a totally appropriate plan that has been constructed by a skilled lactation care provider who has performed an assessment and created the plan in collaboration with the family.What is inappropriate is using pumping or formula feeding as a way to avoid having to provide actual lactation support.While it might look like lactation support from the outside, it is most decidedly not.This happens so frequently in the first 100 hours of a baby’s life, and it’s crucial that we examine this so that we can close the gap.Thanks for reading Evolve Lactation! This post is public so please feel free to share it.Let’s look at some stories and explore this a bit more because it’s a good way to understand how some new families are getting all the support they need while others are being sabotaged by people who think they’re helping or people who don’t care enough to even try.Which of these represent actual support?* Baby born at 35 weeks in a hospital under the care of a midwife who is also an IBCLC; thorough assessment of feeding throughout first 48 hours of life; feeding outcomes are not within normal limits; parents and midwife discuss options together which include continued breastfeeding plus hand expression of milk to feed baby using a cup, using a supplemental nurser to feed formula while baby breastfeeds (after assessment to ensure this young baby with immature feeding skills can actually handle a higher flow of milk), and using a bottle to provide formula as a supplement to breastfeeding while milk production is increasing, family is educated about how infant formula affects microbiome and how to ensure baby is not overfed. Family makes decision about how to proceed.* Baby born at 38 weeks in a hospital and is examined by a pediatrician at 24 hours to determine health for discharge; mother reports that baby fed nearly every hour during the night; physician becomes concerned about baby getting enough despite baby having normal diaper output and being otherwise healthy, informs mother that it would be “a good idea” to give some formula after every breastfeeding session “just to make sure.” No other education about breastfeeding is provided.* Baby born at 39 weeks in a hospital and struggling to latch over first 36 hours; formula feeding instituted in first 3 hours of life per hospital staff concerns about establishing breastfeeding; no lactation consultants are available to the patient; no education about hand expression is provided; a breast pump is set up and instructions for use given by nursing staff at around 24 hours postpartum; upon discharge, official instructions are to continue pumping and a “friendly” encouragement is given to “just pump, it’s easier than trying to get a lazy baby to latch anyway.”* Hospital struggling financially, decides not to renew their Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative status, decreases staffing for lactation support, eliminates their outpatient lactation clinic; resumes receipt of formula at no charge from formula manufacturer so that “we can make sure ALL babies get fed.”* Baby born at 40 weeks, 4th time mother informs hospital staff that she intends to exclusively formula feed. Staff ensures that she is educated about how to manage onset of milk production to avoid engorgement and provided with contact information should she need additional information or assistance with suppressing milk. Staff ensures she is provided information on safe preparation of infant formula and paced bottle feeding.* Pediatrician sees mother and baby in office at 1 week, mother is tearful as she describes her constant struggle to understand if her baby is getting enough milk, mentions ...
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    14 mins
  • A Family History of Milk Production Problems

    A Family History of Milk Production Problems
    May 1 2024

    If my sisters have struggled with milk production, will I have a problem?

    Join me in the Lactation Consultant's Inbox as I discuss a question about the link between milk production and genetics. We'll talk about why getting advice from a trusted, professional source is crucial because family and friends might unknowingly share misinformation. It's important to work with a professional to assess personal risk factors and learn specific information about milk production when you are planning to breastfeed.

    If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone else who needs to hear it, and while you're here, please subscribe to the podcast and leave a review so that others can find out about it!



    Get full access to Evolve Lactation at ibclcinca.substack.com/subscribe
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    6 mins
  • Why Don't You Just Go Online?

    Why Don't You Just Go Online?
    Apr 27 2024

    Why hire a lactation consultant if you can just look up breastfeeding information online?

    Join me in the Lactation Consultant's Inbox as I discuss why people still need lactation consultants despite the abundance of information on the internet. We'll talk about the ways people access information and how they have changed significantly with the internet, compared to the early 2000s when they relied on books, magazines, and healthcare providers. We'll discuss the importance of understanding these changes to market lactation consulting services in today's information-rich environment effectively.

    If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone else who needs to hear it, and while you're here, please subscribe to the podcast and leave a review so that others can find out about it!

    Learn more at my website, www.christinestaricka.com



    Get full access to Evolve Lactation at ibclcinca.substack.com/subscribe
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    6 mins
  • Rising Above The Drama of The First Days of Breastfeeding

    Rising Above The Drama of The First Days of Breastfeeding
    Apr 22 2024

    Evolve Lactation with Christine Staricka IBCLC is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

    As healthcare workers, we should not be creating drama in the first days of breastfeeding.

    When you’re a parent in the throes of learning to breastfeed your new baby, it’s normal to have questions, doubts, concerns, and anxieties.

    But if you’re a healthcare worker, you should have a solid understanding of the fundamentals of human lactation; you should be able to avoid adding to the confusion or struggle.

    Join me on this episode of the Evolve Lactation Podcast where I discuss the vision, the mission, and the realities of early lactation support. (You can click Transcript above to read it if you prefer.)

    Thank you for reading Evolve Lactation with Christine Staricka IBCLC. This post is public so feel free to share it.

    Have you read my new book, Evolving the Modern Breastfeeding Experience: Holistic Lactation Care in the First 100 Hours? It is now available at this link.

    You may also be interested in my Free Guide to the 3 Best Questions to Ask in the First 100 Hours. Grab your copy here!

    I’d love to hear your feedback in the Comments after you’ve listened. Please share your experiences so we can keep the conversation going!



    Get full access to Evolve Lactation at ibclcinca.substack.com/subscribe
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    23 mins
  • Restoring Faith in Breastfeeding: Overcoming Resistance from Your Fellow Healthcare Providers

    Restoring Faith in Breastfeeding: Overcoming Resistance from Your Fellow Healthcare Providers
    Apr 13 2024

    I wrote a book about early lactation care, but not everyone is going to like it.

    Many health care providers are going to have a hard time with this approach, even though it’s entirely evidence-based.

    Join me on this episode of the Evolve Lactation Podcast where I read a chapter from my new book, Evolving the Modern Breastfeeding Experience: Holistic Lactation Care in the First 100 Hours.

    The book is available now at this link.

    You may also be interested in this free guide to the 3 Best Questions to Ask in the First 100 Hours. Grab yours here!

    If you work with someone who has a really hard time advocating for breastfeeding, this might be the episode (and the book!) they need.

    A clear understanding of breastfeeding and milk production is critical, but even that is not enough for people who have a bias against breastfeeding.

    Healthcare providers have an obligation to advocate for protocols that are known to result in healthier outcomes, and breastfeeding is one of the most important health behaviors for both mothers and babies.

    In this chapter of the book, I explain why so many people seem to resist advocating for breastfeeding, even some lactation care providers.

    If you enjoyed this episode of The Evolve Lactation Podcast, please leave a review AND share it with a friend!



    Get full access to Evolve Lactation at ibclcinca.substack.com/subscribe
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    13 mins
  • Shaking Up the Infant Feeding Conversation with Nicole Longmire, MPH, MEd, IBCLC, Host of the Milk Shakes Podcast

    Shaking Up the Infant Feeding Conversation with Nicole Longmire, MPH, MEd, IBCLC, Host of the Milk Shakes Podcast
    Mar 23 2024

    Thank you for reading Evolve Lactation with Christine Staricka IBCLC. This post is public so feel free to share it.

    Hold on to your hats - this is a long, amazing, wide-ranging conversation!

    I’ve been following the blooming IBCLC career of Nicole Longmire (@MotheringNurtured on IG) for several years now on social media.

    Last week I reached out to her to praise her for a post she made that really resonated with me, and before I knew it, we were each in front of our podcasting microphones, pressing record.

    In this conversation, we talk about so many things:

    * mentorship of aspiring lactation consultants

    * The First 100 Hours and my book

    * our thoughts on the relevance of the WHO Code today

    * ethics

    * lactation career growth

    * and so much more

    Come along with me and Nicole for this important conversation!

    Evolve Lactation with Christine Staricka IBCLC is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

    If you’d like to learn more about (and from!) Nicole, check out these links:

    Visit Nicole’s Website Here

    Follow Nicole on Instagram

    Subscribe to Nicole’s Podcast

    The Milk Shakes Podcast Is Here

    Mentioned in the Episode:

    My New Book, due to release on April 2, 2024

    Evolving the Modern Breastfeeding Experience: Holistic Lactation Care in the First 100 Hours



    Get full access to Evolve Lactation at ibclcinca.substack.com/subscribe
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    1 hr and 39 mins
  • The Power of the IBCLC in Multiple Practice Settings with Adrienne Guirguis, IBCLC, CSOM

    The Power of the IBCLC in Multiple Practice Settings with Adrienne Guirguis, IBCLC, CSOM
    Aug 1 2024
    Thank you for reading Evolve Lactation with Christine Staricka IBCLC. This post is public so feel free to share it.Happy IBCLC Appreciation Day! In celebration, I have a really special episode of the podcast for you. I am so excited to share with you my conversation with my dear friend and fellow IBCLC, Adrienne Guirguis. I cannot begin to count up how much I have learned from Adrienne over the years. She is everything you want your IBCLC to be: brilliant, compassionate, humble, confident, open-minded and accepting. She is a whiz at lactation triage on the hospital inpatient floor, patient and gentle with everyone who is in the room for a lactation consultation, and absolutely ravenous for new knowledge and information. I would never hesitate to refer a client to her for any lactation issue, and I believe she represents the ideal in an IBCLC. Let’s get to know Adrienne!Adrienne Guirguis, a board certified lactation consultant, has over 25 years experience in helping breastfeeding infants and their families. She began her journey into the world of lactation after struggling to breastfeed her oldest son. She became an accredited La Leche League leader and was able to help babies breastfeed. Her experience with La Leche League led Adrienne to become a International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). She has been board certified for 20 years and has experience with a wide range of problems that may be experienced by new families. Adrienne has worked in hospital for over 10 years and then worked in community health for many years. She is a clinical practitioner, working hands on with families to improve feeding outcomes.Adrienne continues her lactation education, constantly attending conferences and courses to stay up-to-date on the information and skills needed to benefit those who most need breastfeeding help. She is a certified Specialist in Orofacial Myology. In 2022 Adrienne completed the Holistic Integrative/Functional Lactation course, a year long program followed by a residency. This course has increased her skills to provide the best care for the families with whom she works.Adrienne also is an educator, working within the community to teach others the skills necessary to become lactation counselors and eventually board certified lactation consultants. She is the President of the Central Valley Lactation Association, an official chapter of USLCA. Thank you for reading Evolve Lactation with Christine Staricka IBCLC. This post is public so feel free to share it.Adrienne joined me on the Evolve Lactation Podcast for a conversation where we take a look back over all of the settings in which she has practiced lactation care. The diversity of practice settings really sets her apart and gives her unique perspectives on how best to care for mothers and babies. Over the span of more than 25 years, she has seen breastfeeding unfold over the hours, days, months, and years along the entire spectrum of infant and child development. From teaching prenatal breastfeeding classes to private prenatal consultations, from seeing newborns nursing in the hospital to the community clinic to the home visit, and babies and toddlers of all ages in support groups, Adrienne has seen a lot in her lactation career. One of her strengths is connecting with mothers and fathers, building relationships with them so that they can trust her with their lactation needs. Having a newborn brings the new parent into a vulnerable space, and Adrienne has a gift for engaging them in a way that brings them comfort and support so that they can enjoy their baby.In fact, her connections with her clients are so strong and so important to the parents she serves that her private practice’s strongest referral source is word of mouth. People trust her with the lactation care of the people they love, and there is no greater testimonial than that. In this episode, we take a ride in our time machine (because we’ve known each other and worked together for a LONG time!) and reflect on how lactation care has evolved over the years since we first met when she was my La Leche League Leader with my second and third daughters. I love interviewing people on this podcast - even when I already know them, I learn a surprising amount about them by asking questions I’d never think to ask otherwise. Come along with me and Adrienne for our conversation about our work, together and separate, as IBCLCs over the years! If you’d like to learn more about (and from!) Adrienne, check out these links:Visit Adrienne’s Website HereFollow Adrienne on InstagramSee Adrienne’s recent presentation at the 2023 GOLD Tongue Tie Symposium Mentioned in the Episode:Learn more about Baby Café Bakersfield here Get full access to Evolve Lactation at ibclcinca.substack.com/subscribe
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    35 mins