In this 2025 wrap-up episode of the Evolve Lactation Podcast, hosts Christine Staricka and Olena Dobczansky reflect on the significant events and themes of 2025, emphasizing personal growth, the importance of foundational knowledge in lactation, and the ethical responsibilities of lactation consultants. We discuss the impact of commercialism on breastfeeding narratives, the need to influence other clinicians, and the power of personal experiences in shaping the conversation around lactation. As we prepare for 2026, we encourage you to let go of outdated practices and embrace new opportunities for growth and community support.

Evolve Lactation Pros is building a space where practitioners can admit uncertainty, examine their assumptions, make mistakes, and grow - together.

You’re invited. You belong here.

What we build together is going to change the field.

What you will gain and how you will grow is going to change your practice and your career trajectory.

You are so welcome to join us at https://ibclcinca.substack.com/.

Follow, Rate, and Review the Evolve Lactation Podcast right here!

Thanks for listening and sharing!

You can get the book Evolving the Modern Breastfeeding Experience: Holistic Lactation Care in the First 100 Hours now at this link!

In this episode, I discuss the importance of building trust through active listening in lactation consulting, the role of personal experiences in professional practice, and the need to identify and address hidden biases that can affect clinical decisions. I also talk about my upcoming workshop aimed at helping lactation professionals examine their beliefs and improve their practice.

Takeaways

Building a relationship with clients requires active listening.

Sharing personal stories can sometimes detract from client focus.

Trust is built through understanding and listening, not just sharing experiences.

Practitioners should not feel obligated to share their personal stories.

Personal experiences can create blind spots in professional practice.

Identifying hidden biases is crucial for effective lactation support.

The hardest work in lactation is self-examination of biases.

Training often lacks focus on personal beliefs affecting practice.

Workshops can help practitioners uncover their hidden biases.

Real confidence comes from self-awareness and understanding biases.

Evolve Lactation Pros is building a space where practitioners can admit uncertainty, examine their assumptions, make mistakes, and grow - together.

You’re invited. You belong here.

What we build together is going to change the field.

What you will gain and how you will grow is going to change your practice and your career trajectory.

You are so welcome to join us at https://ibclcinca.substack.com/.

Follow, Rate, and Review the Evolve Lactation Podcast right here!

Thanks for listening and sharing!

You can get the book Evolving the Modern Breastfeeding Experience: Holistic Lactation Care in the First 100 Hours now at this link!

This conversation delves into the critical role of pain in lactation, emphasizing how it affects hormonal balance and milk production. Christine Staricka, IBCLC explains that pain is not just a symptom but a significant factor that can disrupt the breastfeeding process, impacting both the mother and the baby.

Takeaways

Pain isn't neutral.

Pain indicates that there's a problem.

In lactation, pain can disrupt the release of oxytocin.

Pain disrupts the hormonal milieu during breastfeeding.

Pain disrupts the milk ejection reflex.

The baby gets less milk if there's pain.

Using a breast pump can yield less milk if there's pain.

Understanding pain is key to lactation support.

Oxytocin is crucial for breastfeeding success.

Addressing pain can improve breastfeeding outcomes.

Evolve Lactation Pros is building a space where practitioners can admit uncertainty, examine their assumptions, make mistakes, and grow - together.

You’re invited. You belong here.

What we build together is going to change the field.

What you will gain and how you will grow is going to change your practice and your career trajectory.

You are so welcome to join us at https://ibclcinca.substack.com/.

Follow, Rate, and Review the Evolve Lactation Podcast right here!

Thanks for listening and sharing!

You can get the book Evolving the Modern Breastfeeding Experience: Holistic Lactation Care in the First 100 Hours now at this link!