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In this heartfelt episode of Lo's Lactation Lab, host
Lo Nigrosh speaks with Rachel Best, a Speech Language Pathologist (SLP). Rachel shares her emotional breastfeeding journey, revealing the struggles she faced when all three of her children were born with tongue ties. She discusses the intense pain, lack of support, and how these challenges led her to become an IBCLC herself. This episode provides valuable insights into the importance of self-advocacy, the need for professional support, and the realities of breastfeeding when things don’t go as planned.
Rachel Best is a registered Speech Language Pathologist, Certified Orofacial Myologist, and an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). She is the founder of
Small Steps Therapy, a private practice that provides multidisciplinary care for families, including lactation support and feeding therapy. Rachel's personal breastfeeding challenges motivated her to help others and provide informed, compassionate support for parents navigating the complexities of feeding and infant development.
Expect to Learn
- Rachel’s personal breastfeeding journey and the challenges of tongue tie in her children.
- The impact of tongue tie on breastfeeding and how it can affect both mother and baby.
- Why proper professional support is crucial for breastfeeding success.
- How Rachel’s experience motivated her to become an IBCLC and support other families.
- The emotional toll of breastfeeding struggles and the importance of persistence and self-advocacy.
Episode Breakdown with Timestamps
- [00:00] - Introduction and Welcome
- [04:12] - Rachel’s Early Breastfeeding Experience
- [09:49] - Breastfeeding Prep and Emotional Struggle
- [13:49] - The Power of Persistence
- [15:44] - Breastfeeding in a Challenging Environment
- [19:00] - The Transition from Struggling to Empowerment
- [21:08] - The Importance of Support Systems
- [23:27] - Using Personal Experience to Support Others
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