

Makes Milk with Emma Pickett: breastfeeding from the beginning to the end
Emma Pickett - Board Certified Lactation Consultant
A companion to your infant feeding journey, this podcast explores how to get breastfeeding off to a good start (and how to end it) in a way that meets everyone's needs.Emma Pickett has been a Board Certified Lactation Consultant since 2011. As an author (of 5 books), trainer, volunteer and breastfeeding counsellor, she has supported thousands of families to reach their infant feeding goals.Breastfeeding/ chest feeding may be natural, but it isn't always easy for everyone. Hearing about other parent's experiences and getting information from lactation-obsessed experts can help.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 20, 2026 • 53min
Breastfeeding a 4 year old with Madeleine
This week, I’m speaking to the brilliant Madeleine from Leeds about her experience breastfeeding her 4-year-old son, Peter. We discuss how Madeleine managed night weaning and setting boundaries, and how their day to day feeding is going now that Peter is at school. Madeleine shares her personal experiences, including the challenges of breastfeeding while working night shifts as a doctor and the essential support from her husband and online communities. Since starting their journey together, she has trained as a peer supporter, worked with her colleagues at MiLC and changed her career to focus on public health - all due to her experience of breastfeeding!My picture book on how breastfeeding journeys end, The Story of Jessie’s Milkies, is available from Amazon here - The Story of Jessie's Milkies. In the UK, you can also buy it from The Children’s Bookshop in Muswell Hill, London. Other book shops and libraries can source a copy from Ingram Spark publishing.You can also get 10% off my books on supporting breastfeeding beyond six months and supporting the transition from breastfeeding at the Jessica Kingsley press website, that's uk.jkp.com using the code MMPE10 at checkout.Follow me on Instagram @emmapickettibclc or find out more on my website www.emmapickettbreastfeedingsupport.comResources mentioned - MiLC - https://www.facebook.com/groups/480916214609440/ This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC, and produced by Emily Crosby Media.

Jan 13, 2026 • 1min
New to the show? Start here!
Not sure where to begin? Start here for a quick guide to the show and the episodes that will suit you. This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC, and produced by Emily Crosby Media.

Jan 13, 2026 • 1h 18min
Nipple twiddling, with Hannah and Victoria
This week I’m talking to two nursing mothers about their experience of nipple twiddling and broader 'nursing manners' issues that can arise during breastfeeding. Victoria shares her experience of overcoming twiddling with her son Arran, employing strategies like verbal communication, using alternatives, and creating a dedicated storybook to help him understand. Hannah, in the middle of similar challenges with her daughter Callie-Mae, has things to learn from Victoria’s experience. We emphasise the importance of setting boundaries and recognising that accommodating a child's wants is different from addressing their needs. My picture book on how breastfeeding journeys end, The Story of Jessie’s Milkies, is available from Amazon here - The Story of Jessie's Milkies. In the UK, you can also buy it from The Children’s Bookshop in Muswell Hill, London. Other book shops and libraries can source a copy from Ingram Spark publishing.You can also get 10% off my books on supporting breastfeeding beyond six months and supporting the transition from breastfeeding at the Jessica Kingsley press website, that's uk.jkp.com using the code MMPE10 at checkout.Follow me on Instagram @emmapickettibclc or find out more on my website www.emmapickettbreastfeedingsupport.com Resources mentioned - Caroline Harrower IBCLC https://www.milkandnurture.co.uk/Cherubs breastfeeding support in Cheshire https://www.facebook.com/groups/cherubsofcheshire/This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC, and produced by Emily Crosby Media.

Jan 6, 2026 • 1h 1min
Breastfeeding a 4 year old with Stella and Michelle
Stella and Michelle discuss the unique journey of breastfeeding their nearly five-year-olds, sharing the challenges and societal perceptions they faced. They emphasize the importance of following instincts while setting boundaries, especially when it comes to family judgment. The guests also reflect on the emotional bonds formed through breastfeeding and offer practical advice for managing feeding during transitional phases, like starting school. They advocate for modeling extended breastfeeding as normal, countering misconceptions with their positive experiences.

Dec 30, 2025 • 53min
Lindsey's story - weaning Ada
If you’re tandem nursing and wondering how your older child will ever wean when you are constantly feeding your baby, this is the episode for you! My guest this week is the lovely Lindsey Bouchard, a nurse from Massachusetts who has two daughters, Ada and Violet. Lindsey talks about her experience of oversupply and returning to work when Ada was just a few months old. She shares her experiences of night shifts, milk donation, and tandem nursing. When Violet was born six months ago, Ada gradually reduced her feeds unprompted. At the time of recording, Ada is still drinking breastmilk from a cup, but has not fed at the breast for a few weeks. Lindsey continues to feed Violet. My picture book on how breastfeeding journeys end, The Story of Jessie’s Milkies, is available from Amazon here - The Story of Jessie's Milkies. In the UK, you can also buy it from The Children’s Bookshop in Muswell Hill, London. Other book shops and libraries can source a copy from Ingram Spark publishing.You can also get 10% off my books on supporting breastfeeding beyond six months and supporting the transition from breastfeeding at the Jessica Kingsley press website, that's uk.jkp.com using the code MMPE10 at checkout.Follow me on Instagram @emmapickettibclc or find out more on my website www.emmapickettbreastfeedingsupport.com This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC, and produced by Emily Crosby Media.

Dec 23, 2025 • 1h 4min
Breastfeeding a 3 yr old with Lara and Michelle
Merry Christmas to you, if you are celebrating this week. I hope you are surrounded by love and joy this holiday season.This episode, I’m speaking to two mums, Lara and Michelle, about their experiences breastfeeding their three year olds. Lara, from South London, has two children: Noor, aged 3, and Layla, who is a newborn. She is tandem feeding them both. Michelle, from Cumbria, has three boys. Her eldest is in his early twenties. Then she is tandem feeding her 3 year old and her nearly one year old, River. You might hear feeding noises from both Layla and River during this episode.Our conversation delves into co-sleeping arrangements, the challenges of tandem feeding, nipple twiddling, breastfeeding manners, and the joys of feeding a 3 year old rather than a 2 year old!My picture book on how breastfeeding journeys end, The Story of Jessie’s Milkies, is available from Amazon here - The Story of Jessie's Milkies. In the UK, you can also buy it from The Children’s Bookshop in Muswell Hill, London. Other book shops and libraries can source a copy from Ingram Spark publishing.You can also get 10% off my books on supporting breastfeeding beyond six months and supporting the transition from breastfeeding at the Jessica Kingsley press website, that's uk.jkp.com using the code MMPE10 at checkout.Follow me on Instagram @emmapickettibclc or find out more on my website www.emmapickettbreastfeedingsupport.com This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC, and produced by Emily Crosby Media.

Dec 16, 2025 • 1h
Florence's story - returning to breastfeeding after a break
If ever there was someone who ticked all the boxes for breastfeeding challenges, it might be my guest this week. Florence East’s experience of feeding her son, Fred, includes a C-section birth, latching issues, nipple pain, and a diagnosis of tongue tie, which led to the use of nipple shields and eventually, exclusive pumping. She discusses her experiences with triple feeding, renting a hospital-grade pump, and using domperidone to increase milk supply. Despite numerous challenges, including mastitis and vasospasms, Florence's persistence and Fred's natural instincts led to a successful return to breastfeeding after several months. Fred is now two, and Florence is pregnant again and looking forward to tandem breastfeeding when Fred’s sibling is born next year.My picture book on how breastfeeding journeys end, The Story of Jessie’s Milkies, is available from Amazon here - The Story of Jessie's Milkies. In the UK, you can also buy it from The Children’s Bookshop in Muswell Hill, London. Other book shops and libraries can source a copy from Ingram Spark publishing.You can also get 10% off my books on supporting breastfeeding beyond six months and supporting the transition from breastfeeding at the Jessica Kingsley press website, that's uk.jkp.com using the code MMPE10 at checkout.Follow me on Instagram @emmapickettibclc or find out more on my website www.emmapickettbreastfeedingsupport.com This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC, and produced by Emily Crosby Media.

Dec 9, 2025 • 1h 17min
Aisha's story - bigger boobs and two breastfeeding mums
This week, I’m joined by the brilliant Aisha Graham from Bristol. Aisha is mum to a nine-month-old daughter, and a five-year-old son, who her wife Lauren gave birth to. Our conversation delves into the dynamics of a same-sex family, co-nursing decisions, advocating for yourself and the importance of support during complex medical situations, including Aisha’s unexpected appendectomy shortly after childbirth which meant dealing with an emergency hospitalisation with an 11-day-old baby nursling. We also talk about breastfeeding with big boobs - something which needs to be discussed more in breastfeeding spaces.My new picture book on how breastfeeding journeys end, The Story of Jessie’s Milkies, is available from Amazon here - The Story of Jessie's Milkies. In the UK, you can also buy it from The Children’s Bookshop in Muswell Hill, London. Other book shops and libraries can source a copy from Ingram Spark publishing.You can also get 10% off my books on supporting breastfeeding beyond six months and supporting the transition from breastfeeding at the Jessica Kingsley press website, that's uk.jkp.com using the code MMPE10 at checkout.Follow me on Instagram @emmapickettibclc or find out more on my website www.emmapickettbreastfeedingsupport.com Resources mentioned - Kate Battersby IBCLC https://www.theperfectstart.org.uk/ This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC, and produced by Emily Crosby Media.

Dec 2, 2025 • 57min
Beatrice's story - natural term breastfeeding and NBH supporting
My guest this week is the fabulous Beatrice Dane, a hypnobirthing instructor and breastfeeding supporter from Melton Mowbray. Bea discusses her early interest in motherhood, and her experiences breastfeeding her first child, Aria, to 4 years and 8 months, and her second child, Sam, who is still feeding today at 2. We touch on the challenges and triumphs of breastfeeding, the impact of family and professional support, and Bea's roles as a hypnobirthing teacher, breastfeeding support worker, and answering calls on the National Breastfeeding Helpline.You can follow Bea on Instagram @beasbirthandboobsThe National Breastfeeding Helpline is available 24/7 on 0300 100 0212. There is also social media support available (and sometimes webchat).My new picture book on how breastfeeding journeys end, The Story of Jessie’s Milkies, is available from Amazon here - The Story of Jessie's Milkies. In the UK, you can also buy it from The Children’s Bookshop in Muswell Hill, London. Other book shops and libraries can source a copy from Ingram Spark publishing.You can also get 10% off my books on supporting breastfeeding beyond six months and supporting the transition from breastfeeding at the Jessica Kingsley press website, that's uk.jkp.com using the code MMPE10 at checkout.Follow me on Instagram @emmapickettibclc or find out more on my website www.emmapickettbreastfeedingsupport.comFind out more about the National Breastfeeding Hotline https://www.nationalbreastfeedinghelpline.org.uk/ This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC, and produced by Emily Crosby Media.

Nov 25, 2025 • 53min
Caprice's story - Black Mothers Matter
Today, I’m talking to the brilliant Caprice Fox, an educator and advocate from Bristol, about her experiences and advocacy work related to breastfeeding and inclusivity. We discuss the importance of representation and inclusive practices in breastfeeding campaigns and the damage of micro-agressions. Caprice shares her personal story and talks about her co-parenting journey with her wife, Holly. We also talk about her work with Black Mothers Matter and the importance of addressing systemic racism and inclusion in healthcare and education.You can find Caprice on Instagram @the.fox.family You can find her website here: Caprice Fox EdMy new picture book on how breastfeeding journeys end, The Story of Jessie’s Milkies, is available from Amazon here - The Story of Jessie's Milkies. In the UK, you can also buy it from The Children’s Bookshop in Muswell Hill, London. Other book shops and libraries can source a copy from Ingram Spark publishing.You can also get 10% off my books on supporting breastfeeding beyond six months and supporting the transition from breastfeeding at the Jessica Kingsley press website, that's uk.jkp.com using the code MMPE10 at checkout.Follow me on Instagram @emmapickettibclc or find out more on my website www.emmapickettbreastfeedingsupport.com Resources mentioned - Black Mothers Matter https://www.blackmothersmatter.org/Spectrum Lactation Image library https://spectrumlactation.org/@midwifekeelie @ash_bainbridge@novareidofficial This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC, and produced by Emily Crosby Media.


