In this episode of The Birth Lounge podcast, HeHe sits down with lactation superstar Kelly Kendall, RN and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), to get real about breastfeeding — the joys, the struggles, and everything in between. They dive into the realities new parents face, from hand-expressing colostrum and mastering proper latching to managing oversupply, nipple trauma, and sleepy newborns. HeHe also introduces the Birth Lounge app, packed with bite-sized, evidence-based tools to help you feel confident navigating p...
In this episode of The Birth Lounge podcast, HeHe sits down with lactation superstar Kelly Kendall, RN and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), to get real about breastfeeding — the joys, the struggles, and everything in between. They dive into the realities new parents face, from hand-expressing colostrum and mastering proper latching to managing oversupply, nipple trauma, and sleepy newborns. HeHe also introduces the Birth Lounge app, packed with bite-sized, evidence-based tools to help you feel confident navigating parenthood.
Kelly shares practical, heart-centered advice for building a supportive environment, getting your partner involved, using pumps effectively, and keeping your milk supply healthy — without shame or pressure. Whether you’re expecting your first baby or navigating feeding with a little one already at home, this episode is overflowing with actionable strategies, evidence-backed guidance, and a dose of compassion only HeHe can deliver/
00:00 Embracing the Realities of Parenting
01:06 Introduction to The Birth Lounge App
02:16 Features of The Birth Lounge App
05:04 Breastfeeding Statistics and Challenges
08:27 Interview with Lactation Consultant Kelly Kendall
13:52 Breastfeeding Techniques and Tips
25:41 The Importance of Baby-Led Latching
36:03 Common Breastfeeding Challenges and Solutions
38:31 Avoiding the Vicious Cycle of Breastfeeding
38:43 Frequency of Feeding and Its Impact on Supply
39:32 Sleepy Newborns and Feeding Challenges
46:11 The Importance of Night Feedings
47:48 Breastfeeding and Postpartum Self-Care
48:57 Navigating Social Media Expectations
49:33 Breastfeeding Subsequent Children
52:55 Dealing with Nipple Trauma
58:17 Introducing a Pump: Timing and Tips
01:03:40 Partner Support in Breastfeeding
01:05:22 Final Thoughts and Advice for New Parents
Guest Bio:
Kelly Kendall is a registered nurse and internationally board-certified lactation consultant (IBCLC) who’s been elbows-deep in boobs and babies for years—both in the hospital and as a private practice After watching too many parents get steamrolled by outdated advice and sugarcoated nonsense, she created Boob School: a no-fluff, all-facts lactation program that shows you how to prevent breastfeeding chaos, survive the messy middle, and get back on track when it all goes sideways.
INSTAGRAM:
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BIRTH EDUCATION:
Join The Birth Lounge here for judgment-free childbirth education that prepares you for an informed birth and how to confidently navigate hospital policy to have a trauma-free labor experience!
Download The Birth Lounge App for birth & postpartum prep delivered straight to your phone!
LINKS MENTIONED:
https://firstdroplets.com/
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s13006-020-00261-4
https://firstdroplets.com/science/
https://www.thebalancedboob.com/boob-school-expectant
Use code Hehe10 to get 10% off boob school!
https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding-data/media/pdfs/2024/05/Dietary_Guidelines_for_Americans_2020-2025.pdf#page=65
https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding-data/about/index.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Listen to episode 240 of The Birth Lounge Podcast all about hand expression here!
Listen to episode 356 of The Birth Lounge Podcast all about perceived low milk supply here!
Get 10% off Silverettes to support your breastfeeding journey with code HEHE
