The Feeding Couch

• Mel - Many off putting messages, yet breastfeeding and bed sharing for 18 months as she trusted herself deeply

  Send us a textI’m joined today by Mel, who takes us through how she navigated early struggles when her milk took almost a week to come in, and the overwhelming pressure from professionals to supplement with formula. A lactation consultant even told her she might never be able to breastfeed at all as her boobs were too small– so how did these seeds of doubt impact Mel’s feeding experience?With family doubting her supply, she stood firm, trusting her body and her baby. Bed-sharing from day one became a lifeline, despite the judgment, as she woke every two hours—sometimes even every 30 minutes—to keep feeding on demand.As her baby grew, she kept going, following her instincts despite feeling the pressure to night wean by 12 months, and her own mum telling her that breast milk wasn’t beneficial past a year. Mel is still breastfeeding on demand at 18 months, and aiming for two years. We’ll also be talking about the societal rush to push babies toward independence far too soon. Why are we so quick to be separate from them, to make them sleep alone, to expect them to self-soothe before they’re ready? As Mel says, this isn’t spoiling them—it’s setting them up to be secure, functioning human beings.And importantly, we discuss how framing motherhood as a season—with its ups and downs, challenges, and joys—can help explain to others that even though we may be tired and stretched thin at times, it’s not something we want to change. It’s simply part of the journey, one that twists and turns, but one that we can embrace and even enjoy along the way.All this and lots more invaluable insights. Get 10% off Katie's courses - use code POD10 at checkout Pregnant or in the first few weeks after birth: The Feeding Couch For health professionals and birth workers: Breastfeeding & Lactation: the fundamentals online course Please support the show! Leave a review and BuyMeACoffee DisclaimerThe information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute medical or legal advice; instead, all information available on this site are for general informational purposes only. The Feeding Couch podcast reserves the right to supplement, change or delete any information at any time.The information and materials on the podcast is provided "as is"; no representations are made that the content is error-free. Whilst we have tried to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information we do not warrant or guarantee the accurateness. The podcast accepts no liability for any loss or damage howsoever arising out of the use or reliance on the content.

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• Sophie Walker: Three Babies, Three Journeys: Breastfeeding, Sleep Deprivation & Trusting Yourself

  Send us a textIn today’s episode, I have a special guest—someone you probably already know and love. Sophie Walker, the incredible founder and host of Australian Birth Stories, joins me to share her personal breastfeeding journey. With a Master’s in Public Health, Sophie is passionate about helping pregnant women and their support teams actively prepare for birth and postpartum. Her podcast was born from her own experiences—after a first birth filled with intervention and trauma, she went on to have a redemptive, empowering second and third birth. Now, she’s on a mission to share real, raw, and honest birth and postpartum stories.In this episode, Sophie opens up about her three boys and three completely different breastfeeding journeys—from the initial feeling of “it’s all on me” to learning how to trust herself as a mother. We talk about the realities of being left in the hospital to figure it out alone, navigating outdated advice from well-meaning grandparents, and the exhaustion of those first six weeks. We cover cluster feeding, sleep deprivation, and yes… co-sleeping (and pretending we weren’t doing it!).But we also cover the turning points—the power of skin-to-skin, finding support through the Australian Breastfeeding Association, unwavering love and support from grandparents and knowing when and how to wean on your own terms.If you’re in the thick of it right now, feeling overwhelmed or wondering if you’re doing it “right,” Sophie has some beautiful words of wisdom for you. So, grab a cup of tea, get comfy, and let’s dive in.Find Sophie and the Australian Birth Stories podcast hereInstagram @australianbirthstoriesGet 10% off Katie's courses - use code POD10 at checkout Pregnant or in the first few weeks after birth: The Feeding Couch For health professionals and birth workers: Breastfeeding & Lactation: the fundamentals online course Please support the show! Leave a review and BuyMeACoffee DisclaimerThe information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute medical or legal advice; instead, all information available on this site are for general informational purposes only. The Feeding Couch podcast reserves the right to supplement, change or delete any information at any time.The information and materials on the podcast is provided "as is"; no representations are made that the content is error-free. Whilst we have tried to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information we do not warrant or guarantee the accurateness. The podcast accepts no liability for any loss or damage howsoever arising out of the use or reliance on the content.

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  44:13
• Hannah - Breastfeeding her second baby through critical illness and unimaginable loss. Feeling the love, hope and forever bond from being able to breastfeed.

  Send us a textContent Warning:This episode of The Feeding Couch discusses baby loss and the emotional journey of grieving as a parent. While the conversation is filled with compassion, hope, and healing, it also touches on sensitive topics that may be difficult for some listeners.In this episode we’re delving into a topic that’s both deeply personal and profoundly important—supporting families through the joy and heartbreak of infant feeding, even in the most challenging circumstances.Our guest is Hannah, an Infant Feeding Supporter at her local hospital. She brings with her an extraordinary story—a journey of love, resilience, and advocacy as a mother to three beautiful children. From navigating the NICU and establishing breastfeeding with her first baby, Lowen, to expressing milk and breastfeeding her second baby, Maisie, through critical illness and unimaginable loss. Amid the heartache, there were many beautiful moments of hope, joy and healing. Hannah shares the joy of breastfeeding her third baby, Theo, cherishing the chance to nurse again after her loss. She speaks about the worries of navigating medical complexities, like Theo’s general anaesthetic at just three months old and feeding through bouts of bronchiolitis, but also the profound healing and hope this experience brought her.Hannah’s story is one of courage and unwavering determination.Hannah is a passionate advocate for supporting families breastfeeding medically complex children, inspired by her own experiences and the incredible work of Lyndsey Hookway and her book ‘Breastfeeding the Brave.’ Now, as a supporter within the NHS, she provides care to families facing their own feeding challenges, determined to make a difference despite the hurdles of time and funding.This episode is a tender conversation about love, loss, and hope. I invite you to listen with compassion and an open heart as Hannah shares her remarkable journey.You can follow and find out more about HannahIG: @our_amazing_maisieGet 10% off Katie's courses - use code POD10 at checkout Pregnant or in the first few weeks after birth: The Feeding Couch For health professionals and birth workers: Breastfeeding & Lactation: the fundamentals online course Please support the show! Leave a review and BuyMeACoffee DisclaimerThe information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute medical or legal advice; instead, all information available on this site are for general informational purposes only. The Feeding Couch podcast reserves the right to supplement, change or delete any information at any time.The information and materials on the podcast is provided "as is"; no representations are made that the content is error-free. Whilst we have tried to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information we do not warrant or guarantee the accurateness. The podcast accepts no liability for any loss or damage howsoever arising out of the use or reliance on the content.

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  1:07:19
• Farida - Navigating her son's heart surgery, learning perseverance, and grace

  Send us a textI’m thrilled to introduce Farida; a proud Muslim Oromo Australian woman, a mother of four, a midwife, and a nurse who has dedicated her life to nurturing and caring for others. Her passion for meaningful, thought-provoking conversations shines through in everything she does.We’ll delve into her remarkable breastfeeding journey, which began at 19 and evolved alongside her career as a midwife, with each child bringing its own unique experiences. From the struggles of cracked nipples to the triumphs of toddler feeding, tandem nursing, and weaning, her story is one of perseverance and growth.She opens up about navigating the challenges of low weight and developmental concerns with her fourth baby, culminating in the need for heart surgery. In this conversation, Farida shares her insights on the courage it takes to advocate for yourself, the importance of finding support, and the power of offering yourself grace through life’s toughest moments. Get 10% off Katie's courses - use code POD10 at checkout Pregnant or in the first few weeks after birth: The Feeding Couch For health professionals and birth workers: Breastfeeding & Lactation: the fundamentals online course Please support the show! Leave a review and BuyMeACoffee DisclaimerThe information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute medical or legal advice; instead, all information available on this site are for general informational purposes only. The Feeding Couch podcast reserves the right to supplement, change or delete any information at any time.The information and materials on the podcast is provided "as is"; no representations are made that the content is error-free. Whilst we have tried to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information we do not warrant or guarantee the accurateness. The podcast accepts no liability for any loss or damage howsoever arising out of the use or reliance on the content.

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  59:20
• Nadine - How the beginnings of our motherhood journeys can be incredibly transformative. Life lessons from a 20 year on perspective of motherhood.

  Send us a textWelcome back to The Feeding Couch Season 2!I am thrilled to welcome Nadine Richardson—a visionary in childbirth education, a doula, yoga teacher, and founder of She Births®, the world’s first scientifically verified antenatal program. Nadine has empowered tens of thousands of new mums, dads and parents across the globe with her approach to birth preparation, blending science, community, and holistic care.She’s a thought leader, a social impact entrepreneur, and a passionate advocate for birth. Nadine’s mission is to help restore the sanctity of birth, and her work is loved and followed by parents, birth keepers and health practitioners around the world. Today, we delve into Nadine’s feeding journey with her now 22-year-old son. Reflecting on the beginnings of our motherhood journeys can be incredibly transformative, revealing profound lessons along the way. Nadine and I take a heartfelt stroll down memory lane to revisit a story that is now ready to be shared.Get 10% off Katie's courses - use code POD10 at checkout Pregnant or in the first few weeks after birth: The Feeding Couch For health professionals and birth workers: Breastfeeding & Lactation: the fundamentals online course Please support the show! Leave a review and BuyMeACoffee DisclaimerThe information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute medical or legal advice; instead, all information available on this site are for general informational purposes only. The Feeding Couch podcast reserves the right to supplement, change or delete any information at any time.The information and materials on the podcast is provided "as is"; no representations are made that the content is error-free. Whilst we have tried to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information we do not warrant or guarantee the accurateness. The podcast accepts no liability for any loss or damage howsoever arising out of the use or reliance on the content.

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