I first met Emma Pickett via LinkedIn. I got in touch with her after reading an article she wrote and we met for a cuppa. It’s always nice to get to know people that work in a similar field, both professionally and locally. 

I treat a lot of new mums and babies with breastfeeding challenges, and a team approach such as breastfeeding support and osteopathy can really make a difference.

Emma was originally a teacher and Deputy Headteacher in central London. She went on to qualify as a breastfeeding counsellor with the Association of Breastfeeding Mothers (ABM)in 2007. The ABM (abm.me.uk) trains volunteers and professionals and co-runs the National Breastfeeding Helpline alongside the Breastfeeding Network. 

Emma qualified as a Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) in 2011, recertifying in 2016. She has supported families at groups in North London for over a decade as a volunteer and answers calls on the helpline. Her book, “You’ve Got It In You: a positive guide to breastfeeding” was followed by “The Breast Book: a puberty guide with a difference – it’s the when, why and how of breasts” . She blogs at www.emmapickettbreastfeedingsupport.com and her blog on the dangerous obsession with the infant feeding interval can be found on the UNICEF Baby Friendly site. 

She has two children and lives in London. You can find her on Twitter as @makesmilk.

In this episode we talked about:

• the challenge of getting breastfeeding support.

• the depth of training for Lactation Consultants through the IBCLC

• reflections on why breastfeeding might be undervalued.

• postcode lottery in relation to breastfeeding support

• the idea of protecting instead of promoting breastfeeding.

• the close contact and cuddling regardless of whether you breast or bottle feed.

• why it doesn’t make sense to be anti-formula

• myths about breastfeeding include tandem feeding, older children.

• employment and legislation issues to support breastfeeding and expressing.

• medication and breastfeeding https://www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/detailed-information/drugs-in-breastmilk/

• the #feedon photography campaign

• educating prepubescent girls about breasts

• celebrating what’s normal

• bras

• the body confidence movement

• the voices of men to normalise breastfeeding

• healing previous generations and access

• diverse voices about breastfeeding

Let’s connect! Here’s where you can find me:

https://instagram.com/avnitouch

https://twitter.com/avnitouch

https://www.facebook.com/avnitouch

Keep in Touch with Avni:

Sign up for my free course ‘5 Days to Wellness with Ease’