Expert (Part One): Lactation Consultant, Cathy McCormick of HolisticBaby / establishing breastfeeding, benefits, cluster feeding, low supply

Motherness

In today’s episode I speak with the lovely Cathy McCormick of HolisticBaby about all things breastfeeding. Cathy is a mother-of-three, a qualified nurse, a midwife of 26 years, and an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant.

Our conversation is thorough and long, so you’ll see I’ve released it in two parts, but both episodes are available now so you don’t have to wait to hear all of Cathy’s wisdom, tips, and advice.

In this first part, we talk about what mothers can expect from the first few days and weeks when breastfeeding in terms of the types of milk we produce and the benefits. We go over the average breastfeeding timeline during the Fourth Trimester, what to expect from cluster feeding and what its purpose is, and we cover what your options are if you think you have low supply.

And just quickly, a little disclaimer before we begin. As you know, my intention with all Motherness content is to hold space for mothers in all their glory – in all your glory. This episode is in no way me advocating for all or nothing when it comes to breastfeeding.

I’ve always maintained the opinion that if you breastfed your baby when they were first born, you breastfed. If you breastfed your baby for a few days, weeks or months, you breastfed. If you pump and give your baby a bottle, or if you mix feed, you breastfeed too. However long or however breastfeeding looks for you, you’ve done it and that’s something to be celebrated.
I hope this episode with Cathy enlightens and informs you, especially if you’re expecting, that it supports you and helps you on your feeding journey if it has begun.
Follow Cathy McCormick of HolisticBaby on Instagram. Visit her website here.
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