Breastfeeding Talk with Jacqueline Kincer, IBCLC
Show Notes:
When it comes to breastfeeding, mamas have alllll the questions! My guest this week, Jacqueline Kincer, is an IBCLC and the founder of Holistic Lactation. She shares her wisdom and expertise in a way that is empowering and encouraging to all mamas no matter what stage of their breastfeeding journey they are in! π
[1:12] This week’s topic comes up ALL the time! “How do I feed my baby should I choose to breastfeed?” π€±πΌ
[1:43] My guest, Jacqueline Kincer, is the founder of Holistic Lactation. She started the company 6 years ago. She is a stockbroker turned mama/business owner/podcaster/IBCLC/all the things! She found that the hardest part of new motherhood was breastfeeding. She also hosts a podcast: The Breastfeeding Talk and has launched a line of herbal supplements for breastfeeding moms. She wants to show up and serve moms in any way that she can! π₯°
[3:19] What is a lactation consultant? What is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)? Where do they typically work? π₯ Jacqueline discusses everything that goes into becoming an IBCLC: the amount of education, the supervised clinical hours, the board exam, etc.
[6:10] So who should you look for if you are wanting information, resources, and help when it comes to breastfeeding or breastfeeding issues? An IBCLC. They are all about boobs and empowering mamas! ππ
[7:32] What does an IBCLC do with moms or for moms? They can offer so much more than a quick Google search! π€ Jacqueline walks through her step-by-step process for helping moms who work with her. She wants to know things like medical history, supplements you’re taking, your baby’s birth history, etc.
[11:07] Jacqueline speaks on the importance of allowing mom to get baby to latch versus just shoving baby onto the boob, which undermines mom’s confidence and self-advocacy. πͺπΌ
[11:40] What are some things that can be adjusted during an appointment? Baby’s latch, type of bottle, flange size, etc. πΌ
[12:00] Jacqueline gives us a glimpse into her process through an example of helping mom who is using a nipple shield. What are the reasons for using the shield? Breastfeeding was too painful or the baby couldn’t latch. She moves through her functional assessment (oral ties, mouth structure, etc.). π
[13:06] Other things an IBCLC will look for: checking on mom emotionally, verbally, and visually. They are constantly asking questions and making sure mom is supported no matter how she chooses to feed her child (breastfeeding, exclusively pumping, combo feeding, etc.) π©πΌπΌ
[14:09] As a breastfeeding mom, personalized care is the part that stands out most to me! What does the mother’s intuition tell her? There is no cookie cutter, one-size fits all approach! π§©
[15:00] I learned something new! π€― I will NEVER “support” a woman in this particular way again: offering to help a mother put her boob in her baby’s mouth. Why? As Jacqueline so concisely put it, you’re not actually helping because now mom can’t get that same latch or feed her baby without your help. You’re taking away her agency and power.
[16:30] Jacqueline talks about her success rate via telehealth versus in-person visits. π©π»π» By doing things yourself as a mama, you are able to resolve whatever issues or questions you have.
[18:00] Even when it’s really hard in the beginning, you WILL find your groove! It will be okay! π
[18:18] I ask what common worries moms have when it comes to breastfeeding:
- Does my baby have a good latch?
- Is my baby getting enough milk?
- Am I making enough milk?
- Does my baby have a tongue/lip tie?
[18:55] Jacqueline’s favorite (insert sarcasm) thing is when people DM her pictures on Instagram asking if their baby has a “good latch.” A still picture tells her nothing because she can’t ask what it feels like or hear how the baby is suckling, etc. There’s so much that goes into figuring out what the true issue is! π€
[21:50] Jacqueline shares her experience with breastfeeding her daughter and the struggles she went through. π
[23:35] Do you know who you should NOT go to for a lip or tongue tie? A dentist! π¦· Even though they do the revision, they are not the first one to go to for diagnosis! A procedure does not solve the issue automatically!
[27:08] We talk about how there is an order of operations when it comes to solving problems around breastfeeding. π
[27:20] What do moms need to know prior to birth about breastfeeding to give them the best chance of success? Jacqueline says to go in with no expectations or open expectations. Breastfeeding does NOT come naturally. π πΌβοΈ The only part of breastfeeding that comes naturally is milk production. π₯
[28:55] Breastfeeding isn’t all or nothing! Exclusively pumping, combo feeding, etc. are also forms of breastfeeding. The more you arm yourself with knowledge, the better you are able to recognize when you need help or adjust what you need to do for you and baby. πΆπ»
[30:16] The sooner you can have that skin-to-skin contact with your baby, the easier you can make things for you and your baby. The hormones can signal your body to start producing milk. π₯°
[30:45] Babies breastfeed often. β° Your newborn baby’s one job? To be near you and get your milk to come in! If your baby isn’t near you, you are not setting yourself up for success with breastfeeding.
[31:48] I ask Jacqueline what support she has to offer women.
- Her Instagram account @holisticlactation is full of helpful information!
- Her podcast, The Breastfeeding Talk, has all kinds of tips and educational content regarding breastfeeding as well.
- If you’re experiencing challenges, she has The Nurture Collective, which is an online community that supports women. There is also a breastfeeding course broken down by where you are in your journey.
- If you want 1:1 help, she also does virtual appointments.
[35:33] What is the number one thing you want moms to know as they start their breastfeeding journey? ππΌTRUST ππΌYOURSELF ππΌ. You are the best mom for your baby.
So thankful for Jacqueline’s time, wisdom, and expertise that she has shared with us! π
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