#298: Setting the Record Straight on Breastfeeding Myths and Facts with Stephanie Libs

What we’re talking about in this episode

If You Want To Have a Successful Breastfeeding Journey, You Should:

  1. Surround yourself with supportive and knowledgeable professionals to help you
  2. Let your baby control how much they are eating
  3. Be mindful and prepared for the barriers you will face
  4. Create a journey that works for you and your baby

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Episode Summary

Breastfeeding has been a taboo subject for decades too long. Normalizing breastfeeding will make it easier for mamas to seek out support while struggling and not shame mamas for doing the best they can. Getting real about the barriers you will face as a new mom and the benefits of this amazing time is key to opening up the conversation and shining a light on your breastfeeding journey.

The Breastfeeding Doc: Dr. Steph Libs

Dr. Stephanie Libs is a pediatric and prenatal chiropractor in San Diego. After her own breastfeeding struggles, along with so many families in her office struggling, she quickly has become the “breastfeeding doc.” Dr. Steph is my go-to lactation consultant who personally helped me on my breastfeeding journey with Kingston. She’s been published in magazines, submitted case studies for peer-review publication, and hosts continuing education workshops and chiro philosophy meetings.

The System Was Designed to Fail

It is probably not your fault if you didn’t get to breastfeed as you wanted to or are worried about something going wrong on the breastfeeding journey. The system was designed to under-support women and has become so medicalized that we genetically forget how to give birth. You did not fail your child if things went wrong. You just need experts like Dr. Steph to get to the root cause of latch concerns and be better supported through this journey.

Empower Yourself with the Knowledge You Need

Everyone’s breastfeeding journey is different. While Dr. Steph recommends breastfeeding for as long as you can, not everyone can do that. This is why Dr. Steph provides recommendations such as when to introduce solid foods, how to set yourself up for a better breastfeeding experience before you even give birth, and tips to leave your baby in control of how much they eat. 

As women, we deserve better than what the medical field provides for us. It is time to take back control of breastfeeding so that you can find an easier and less stressful way to be with your new baby.

Where are you on your breastfeeding journey? Let me know what you need support with in the comments below!

Quotes

“Very often we are led down these paths by our providers, and we are not given full information or full support or informed consent. And very often we are just given straight-up bad information.” (9:22)

“When it comes to feeding our kids, I really like to let them lead the way… our bodies are so magical, and they are designed so perfectly; babies will find their rhythm. They will take exactly what they need.” (24:24)

“Instead of supporting universal childcare or supporting women going back to work, what if we supported moms and had some sort of paid family leave that was for a year and kept moms home so they could breastfeed their babies? We know that that would lead to long-term healthier outcomes and less chronic diseases as adults.” (29:42)

“There are so many barriers that we face. I think the whole system needs a revamp.” (32:16)

“I can’t tell you how many babies we see where most of the time their breastfeeding issue is just from a bad latch. Helping to fix the latch can make things go so much smoother and lead to a successful breastfeeding journey that lasts as long as you want it to.” (42:46)

In This Episode

  • Why breastfeeding being seen as a taboo topic is doing a disservice to women (11:25)
  • Which age most women stop breastfeeding and when to introduce solid foods (20:28)
  • The connection between feminism and breastfeeding (28:40)
  • Breastfeeding barriers to be mindful of during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum recovery (34:25)
  • Positive outcomes that come from breastfeeding for as long as you can (41:30)

Resources Mentioned

Must-Have Tips for Breastfeeding Guide

Cafe of Life Website

Dr. Steph Libs Website

Follow Dr. Steph on Instagram

Related Episodes

Essentially You Episode #227: What I Did to Get Pregnant at 40

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