The Feeding Couch
Katie James
I am a midwife and Lactation Consultant and over the years of working with many families I’ve seen such a variety of feeding journeys and I can tell you that not one of them is the same.
In our worId of perfect portrals of postpartum on social media I feel its time to shine a light on the real stories, raw, uncensored, challenging, triumphant and just plain real life.
Breastfeeding ain't black or white it's a pantone of colours and we need to talk more openly about what really goes on.
Listen in as me and my guests deleve into the world of feeding during those first weeks, months and years which will hopefully also support you to navigate your own feeding journey.
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Top 10 The Feeding Couch Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best The Feeding Couch episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to The Feeding Couch for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite The Feeding Couch episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
Julia - Jaundice, high needs feeding, milk coming in after the loss of a baby, antenatal milk expression
The Feeding Couch
07/11/24 • 79 min
Julia Neale is a mum of three, with two living children, and originally from the suburbs of Toronto, Canada. She now calls Switzerland, home. She is a former international primary school teacher, and is now a prenatal educator.
Julia gracefully shares with me the journey of her second baby, who sadly was born at 24 weeks due to a fatal fetal diagnosis. Julia chose to share this story of saying goodbye to her baby and to her milk supply. She describes the internal dialogues to choose what to do when her milk came in; take a medication to stop the milk or pump and donate it?
**Please note this discussion takes place at around 35mins in to this episode.
When Julia’s third baby came she was concerned whether her breasts would still be able to work after having taken the medication called Dostinex to stop her milk last time.
Julia discusses how she decided to antenatally express colostrum after receiving a diagnosis of Gestational Diabetes, but found it to be a horrible experience, one that made her feel she had somehow, damaged her breast tissue by taking the Dostinex – she describes this as manufactured mom guilt which needed a lot of unpacking. Julia tells me how in the end she went on to breastfeed for 18 months happily.
Join us in this beautiful, emotional, but important episode on The Feeding Couch.
LINKS:
Julia's website
Socials: @happy.day.ch
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
Disclaimer
The 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.
Johanna - Two feeding journeys which ultimately led to becoming a sucessful Lactation Consultant
The Feeding Couch
05/28/24 • 61 min
Born and raised in Perth, Australia, Johanna unexpectedly made Switzerland her home in 2010. Johanna has studied biomedical science, occupational therapy, English literature, philosophy and education... and yet tells me how nothing prepared her for the tumultuous early years of motherhood.
Johanna shares with me her experiences of feeding her two boys, who are now twelve and nine years old, and how her own breastfeeding grief and mental health struggles throughout the perinatal period fueled her desire to make this time easier for others in a similar situation, and to provide the kind of support that she wished she had received. Joh went on and trained to become an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and is now passionate about providing non-judgemental, evidence-based information alongside compassionate support with her practice Milk and Motherhood. She founded and runs Breastfeeding Mamas in Switzerland, the 3500 member English-Speaking breastfeeding support group, and started Switzerland’s first informal milk-sharing network, Human Milk 4 Human Babies. She is frequently invited to speak at international conferences on a variety of infant feeding and counseling topics, and recently finished writing the new education module for the European Society of Neonatologists.
I am so thrilled to have Joh join me in this episode especially as she tells her story from a perspective of having lived through it, but now with several years in between to see her boys grow and develop, as well developing her knowledge much further into the rather fantastic Lactation consultant that I am proud to call my friend.
Some of the themes we discuss in this episode are:
· Dealing with low supply
· Triple feeding.
· How being in this new world of motherhood led, at the time, to deep grief, obsession, and social isolation
· Navigating her second baby’s feeding journey with a deep fear of repeating the first experience.
· Aversion to pumping or expression
· Discovering the supply line feeding device to help with low milk supply
· Using donor milk
· Eventually having a lovely breastfeeding experience, followed by breast aversion and weaning at 2.5y
LINKS:
Facebook: Milk and Motherhood
Website
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
Disclaimer
The 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.
Ros Ginn - three babies, three tongue ties and three very different feeding experiences!
The Feeding Couch
03/27/24 • 51 min
Ros Ginn is mum to three children, whose experiences of pregnancy, birth and postnatal care has led to her becoming a hypnobirthing instructor and doula.
Ros is a strong advocate of sharing good and accurate information, so that people are able to make the right choices for themselves - whether that’s about birth, breastfeeding, or parenting in general.
In this episode Ros talks about breastfeeding her three children, all of whom had tongue ties which needed releasing. Ros weaves her story from the challenges of feeding with an unrecognised tongue tie and not trusting her own instincts with her first, to having a traumatic second birth but still being able to quickly recognise what was wrong with breastfeeding and alleviate it, to her third baby being born at home with a powerful home birth experience, again being faced with the challenge of breastfeeding through a lot of pain but having gone full circle, and now finding the strength and confidence in herself to move through her feeding experience so much easier.
LINKS:
Instagram:
@rosboz
@rosginn.birthsupport
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
Disclaimer
The 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.
The Feeding Couch with Katie James - Season Trailer
The Feeding Couch
03/04/24 • 0 min
Welcome to The Feeding Couch podcast with me, Katie James.
I am a midwife and Lactation Consultant and over the years of working with many families I’ve seen such a variety of feeding journeys and I can tell you that not one of them is the same.
In our worId of perfect portrals of postpartum on social media I feel its time to shine a light on the real stories, raw, uncensored, challenging, triumphant and just plain real life.
Listen in as me and my guests delve into the world of feeding during those first weeks, months and years which will hopefully also support you to navigate your own feeding journey.
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
Disclaimer
The 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.
Raylea - Undeveloped breast tissue 12% Weight loss - Using donated breast milk - supply line breastfeeding - Anxiety choosing formula
The Feeding Couch
08/28/24 • 78 min
In this episode I’m joined by Raylea, a first-time mom to baby Ellie,who faced more challenges in her first week of motherhood than many of us can imagine. After a significant weight loss of 12% by day three, the stress began to mount. Ellie’s weight loss was compounded by jaundice and a diagnosis that would change Raylea’s feeding journey: known as Insufficient Glandular Tissue or underdevelopment of the breast and milk making tissue. What followed were days filled with stressful weigh-ins, supplement calculations, and a host of anxieties. Lucily in the midst of all the challenges—amid the fears, the grief, and the overwhelming responsibility—there was also incredible beauty. Raylea found hope in her sister in law’s donated breast milk and was surrounded by supportive midwives who were trained in breastfeeding support. Together, they embarked on a triumphant journey of long-term supply line breastfeeding.
For nine months, Raylea nourished her baby with a combination of donor milk, formula, and pure determination. We’ll talk about the real struggles—like the anxiety of traveling with formula milk, coping with the endless tubes and cleaning involved in using an supply line feeding device, and the ongoing challenges of dealing with unhealed perineal damage. We’ll also get real about the moments Raylea felt like she needed to quit breastfeeding, and the powerful realization that despite it all, she was breastfeeding her baby.
Raylea’s story is a testament to the strength and resilience of mothers everywhere. Whether you’re struggling with low milk supply, navigating the complexities of using formula, or dealing with the emotional toll of feeling like you’re not enough—this episode is for you. So grab a cup of tea, find that cozy spot, and get ready to be inspired by Raylea’s incredible journey.
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
Disclaimer
The 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.
Anja - Three very different feeding experiences
The Feeding Couch
08/21/24 • 65 min
In this episode I’m joined by Anja; a mum of three living in Coventry UK with a passion to advocate for women’s mental health, particularly around pregnancy and childbirth. Anya studied biomedical science at University, but her true calling has been in the charitable sector, where she’s spent years fundraising and providing vital admin support for local organizations.
Since the birth of her first baby, she’s been on a mission to ensure that women have the support they need to experience good mental health before, during, and after pregnancy. Her personal experiences have fueled this passion. Anya’s journey into motherhood began with a traumatic birth experience. Her first baby spent time in the special care baby unit, and despite her wishes, was given formula without her consent. She wasn’t able to hold her baby for the first 12 hours, and the start of her breastfeeding journey felt pressured and challenging. However, through determination, she transitioned from mix feeding in the hospital to exclusively breastfeeding at home. Even with complications around latch at six weeks, she successfully breastfed until her first child was 21 months old.
With her second baby, the experience was somewhat smoother—though still challenging. The birth was marginally less traumatic, and Anya was able to have that precious skin-to-skin contact right away. Her breastfeeding journey with her second child was simpler, and she continued until 28 months, stopping only when she became pregnant with her third due to suffering with terrible hyperemesis.
Anja’s third baby— was a beautiful, hands-off home birth, where everything seemed to fall into place. The baby latched immediately, and it’s been her simplest feeding journey so far.
Anya’s story is one of resilience, learning, and growth. So, sit back, relax, and get ready to be inspired by Anya’s incredible feeding journey.
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
Disclaimer
The 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.
Sarah - navigating breastfeeding through a neurodivergent lens - reflux - bed sharing - tandem feeding
The Feeding Couch
08/14/24 • 54 min
In this episode I am joined by Sarah; a mum of soon-to-be three little ones (at the time of recording). She serves as the Head of Research and Education at a leading UK breast cancer charity. And in this episode we're focusing on Sarah's personal journey, navigating the complexities of motherhood and breastfeeding as an autistic woman.
We'll be exploring some deeply personal and impactful experiences, such as how current breastfeeding guidance can interact with compulsive behaviours and routine fixation, and how Sarah managed the challenges of dealing with infant reflux. We'll also discuss those moments when, despite all the advice, she decided to throw the rule book out the window and embrace bed-sharing with her little ones.
Sarah will share her experiences with breastfeeding during pregnancy, the physical effects it can have on the body, and the conversations she's had with healthcare professionals. We'll also touch on the pressure to make feeding and weaning decisions during pregnancy and the often-misunderstood practice of tandem breastfeeding. We'll explore the logistics of feeding babies of different ages, the social taboos that come with it, and the discomfort around the idea that it takes a 'super mum' to handle this.
Throughout it all, Sarah offers a deeply insightful look at the neurodivergent experience of breastfeeding— highlighting the unique ways in which autism for her, shaped her mothering journey. So, whether you're a pregnant, new mum, an advocate, or just curious about the intersection of neurodiversity and motherhood, this episode is for you.
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
Disclaimer
The 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.
Welcome to today's episode. I'm honoured to introduce my dear friend Orlanda, whom I've had the privilege of supporting with lactation and breastfeeding when her daughter, Cassia, was born almost five years ago. Orlanda joins us on the feeding couch to share her deeply personal story. She is the Co-Founder of Narcissus London Cosmetics Company, an Ambassador for the Charity Widowed and Young (WAY), and a widowed mother living in London.
In this episode, Orlanda graciously opens up about her journey from pregnancy to feeding. At 20 weeks pregnant, while on holiday in France, Orlanda experienced a life-changing event: her partner Julian tragically passed away from a sudden heart attack. She reflects on how this loss impacted the remainder of her pregnancy and her experience feeding Cassia. Orlanda shares her challenging early weeks of breastfeeding, ultimately finding strength and triumph despite the chaos surrounding her.
We'll be discussing:
Coping with loss and trauma during pregnancy
The vital role of an amazing tribe of women who supported Orlanda during those months
The challenges of waiting seven days for her milk supply to come in and what was needed to sustain the first week
The surprising positive effect of a glass of champagne with fish and chips
Using nipple shields and a supply line device
The difficulty of breastfeeding in public and the importance of giving yourself permission to use formula and mix-feed
Orlanda's love for pumping milk
Her experience with the charity Widowed And Young (WAY) and the incredible support from other women who understood her situation
This episode contains sensitive topics and may not be suitable for all listeners. Please listen at your own discretion.
LINKS:
Widowed and Young
Narcissus London Cosmetics
Instagram:
@Narcissus.London
@WidowedandYoung
@OrlandaBryars
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
Disclaimer
The 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.
Leah - successful breastfeeding with a tricky start; breathing difficulties, forced formula and bottle refusal
The Feeding Couch
07/24/24 • 53 min
Leah is a first time mum who prepared extensively for labour, birth and breastfeeding through her pregnancy. She was dreaming of the first breastfeed in the birth suite and having the ‘golden hour’ together. However, when her daughter Hazel was born she had breathing difficulties and was taken to the special care nursery within 5 minutes of being born.
Leah tells me her story from the firsts minutes after birth establishing a milk supply and getting Hazel to feed at the breast whilst still being in the special care nursery. She shares how the peadiatricians were insistent on using formula top-ups but thankfully she had really wonderful support from the midwives with getting breastfeeding up and going. Leah tells me how they transitioned on to breastfeeding by using a supply line.
7 months later and Leah and Hazel are still breastfeeding. Leah shares with me how she sought support for breastfeeding positional challenges with larger breasts. Trying and not quite managing to get Hazel to take a bottle at 10 weeks of age and how the bottle refusal that came can really impact on a sense of freedom as a new mum.
In this episode Leah brings up some real home truths and a beautiful story of overcoming challenges.
Join me on the couch for this lovely episode.
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
Disclaimer
The 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.
06/27/24 • 53 min
Susanne really enjoyed breastfeeding her two children. She had made up her mind that she wanted to stop breastfeeding when her youngest was turning two, but she found herself with a difficult internal struggle. Susanne saw this as an opportunity for personal growth and she worked with a coach to dive deeper into all these mixed emotions. The coach provided a beautiful ending ritual and Susanne's closure of her breastfeeding journey became a very empowering experience, deepening the compassionate and loving connection with herself and her children.
In this episode we delve deeper into:
Breastfeeding in a country where this is appreciated and valued, supported by the government and supported by society.
- Trying to fall pregnant again and being told by the doctor to stop breastfeeding.
- Breastfeeding and donating milk to the local hospital.
- Night feeding until 2 years old.
- Working with a coach who helped Susanne look further into her thoughts such as: (not) being a good enough mum, does she trust her son will be OK when breastfeeding stops, does she love her children as much as they need, and can she choose to take her body back for herself?
- How a wonderful ending ceremony helped Susanne feel rooted, stay fully present and not feeling any doubt about her decision to wean her son.
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
Disclaimer
The 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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FAQ
How many episodes does The Feeding Couch have?
The Feeding Couch currently has 19 episodes available.
What topics does The Feeding Couch cover?
The podcast is about Breastfeeding, Society & Culture, Parenting, Kids & Family, Baby, Personal Journals, Doula, Midwife, Podcasts and Newborn.
What is the most popular episode on The Feeding Couch?
The episode title 'Sarah - navigating breastfeeding through a neurodivergent lens - reflux - bed sharing - tandem feeding' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on The Feeding Couch?
The average episode length on The Feeding Couch is 52 minutes.
How often are episodes of The Feeding Couch released?
Episodes of The Feeding Couch are typically released every 12 days, 1 hour.
When was the first episode of The Feeding Couch?
The first episode of The Feeding Couch was released on Mar 4, 2024.
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