Behind the Latch

In this episode of Behind the Latch , Margaret Salty reviews four recent articles from Clinical Lactation that offer powerful insights for IBCLCs. From training healthcare providers to improving exclusive breastfeeding through theory-based counseling, to comparing hand expression and pumping in the NICU, and exploring the link between nipple shields and the perception of insufficient milk—this epi...

In this episode of Behind the Latch , Margaret Salty interviews Melissa Thurch, PhD, IBCLC, about her groundbreaking research on breast pumps in Germany. They dive into the Pumped Project, differences in insurance coverage between Germany and the United States, the challenges of regulating breast pumps, and the future of lactation research. Melissa also shares her journey from WIC nutritionist to...

In this episode of The IBCLC Mentor Podcast , Margaret Salty reviews recent research findings that impact lactation consultants. From extended breastfeeding and growth outcomes in Ethiopia, to the feeding experiences of first-time mothers, and the link between loneliness and breastfeeding confidence—Margaret translates the latest studies into actionable insights for IBCLCs. Key Points Covered: 1....

Episode Summary: In this episode of Behind the Latch , Margaret Salty interviews Alisa Williams, RN, IBCLC, about her groundbreaking paper, Are You Knowledgeable About Breast Pump Safety and Assessment? Knowledge and Skills for Clinical Practice , published in Clinical Lactation (2024). They explore the overlooked risks of pump misuse, why lactation professionals must become more informed, and how...

In this episode of Behind the Latch , Margaret Salty reviews recent research findings that impact lactation consultants. From foot reflexology and postpartum comfort, to the role of medium-chain fatty acids in shaping the infant microbiome, predictive markers for delayed lactogenesis in mothers with gestational diabetes, and a rare case of contaminated breastmilk—Margaret translates the latest stu...

In this episode of Behind the Latch, Margaret Salty interviews Dr. Maggie Butler , a Maternal & Child Health Researcher, Biocultural Anthropologist, Certified Lactation Counselor, and Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Illinois Chicago’s School of Public Health . They dive into Dr. Butler’s research on stress, breastfeeding disparities, and the role of authoritative knowledge in lactatio...

In this episode of Behind the Latch , Margaret Salty reviews recent research findings that impact lactation consultants. From feeding method and frequency in toddlers, to the lived experiences of adolescent mothers, maternal diet’s role in neurodevelopment, healthcare professional training gaps, and the underutilized role of pharmacists—Margaret translates the latest studies into actionable insigh...

Episode Summary: In this episode of The IBCLC Mentor Podcast , Margaret Salty interviews Eileen Fitzpatrick, CEO of Baby-Friendly USA, about the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI), its implementation in the U.S., and how political changes are impacting breastfeeding outcomes. They discuss the history of Baby-Friendly, the challenges hospitals face in meeting the designation requirements, and...

In this episode of Behind the Latch , Margaret Salty reviews recent research findings that impact lactation consultants. From nutrient intake differences based on feeding type, to the power of food-based galactagogues, the emotional complexity of breastfeeding decisions, and the long-term effects of early breastfeeding initiation—Margaret translates the latest studies into actionable insights for...

Episode Summary: In this episode of Behind the Latch, Margaret Salty interviews Dr. Rebecca Thompson, a family medicine physician and author of Held Together . They discuss the inspiration behind her book, which weaves together stories of pregnancy loss, medical care, and the complexities of family life. Dr. Thompson shares how her experiences as a physician and patient influenced her writing and...

In this episode of Behind the Latch , Margaret Salty reviews recent research findings that impact lactation consultants. From the antimicrobial properties of human milk oligosaccharides and how they change over time, to the critical role of paternal attitudes in breastfeeding success, and the challenges and opportunities surrounding donor milk acceptance in diverse cultural contexts, to the advanc...

On this episode of Behind the Latch, Margaret Salty interviews Sarah Quigley, IBCLC, about the rewarding and sometimes challenging process of mentoring IBCLC students. They discuss what makes a great mentee, how to provide hands-on training, and practical advice for IBCLCs considering taking on interns. Sarah’s Journey into Lactation Consulting Sarah shares her path to becoming an IBCLC, including...

In this episode of Behind the Latch, Margaret Salty reviews recent research findings that impact lactation consultants. From the emotional recovery potential of breastfeeding after birth trauma and the rise of AI-based lactation support tools, to the effects of disrespectful care on breastfeeding initiation and the surprising findings about milk production in multiparous women, Margaret translates...

Episode Summary: In this episode of Behind the Latch , Margaret Salty interviews Christine Staricka, IBCLC, facilitator of Baby Café Bakersfield and lactation educator with Gold Learning . Together, they explore how Baby Cafés provide critical breastfeeding support, the challenges and rewards of running one, and tips for IBCLCs considering starting a Baby Café in their communities. What is a Baby...

In this episode of Behind the Latch, Margaret Salty reviews recent research findings that impact lactation consultants. From the role of zinc levels in breast milk and infant supplementation needs to the connection between human milk oligosaccharides and neurodevelopment, and the impact of breastfeeding on maternal and infant health after gestational diabetes, to hospital breastfeeding practices,...

Episode Summary: In this episode of Behind the Latch , Margaret Salty interviews Alyssa Schnell, IBCLC, author of Breastfeeding Without Birthing . They explore the process of inducing lactation, the challenges faced by non-birthing parents, and how lactation consultants can best support families in these unique situations. Inducing Lactation: The Process and Challenges Alyssa shares her personal j...

Episode Title: Telelactation, SLE and Breastfeeding, Gut Microbiota, and IBCLC Support In this episode of Behind the Latch Margaret Salty reviews four recent studies that impact lactation consultants. From the effectiveness of telelactation services to breastfeeding experiences among mothers with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the influence of gut microbiota on infant weight gain, and the imp...

Episode Summary: In this episode of Behind the Latch , Margaret Salty interviews Robin Lommori, a midwife, IBCLC, and founder of Mama Well , a coaching program dedicated to helping parents manage gestational diabetes. Together, they explore the impact of gestational diabetes on breastfeeding outcomes, how outdated advice is affecting families, and how lactation professionals can better support the...

In this episode of Behind the Latch, Margaret Salty reviews recent research findings that impact lactation consultants. From assessing the effectiveness of the Latch Scoring System to a rare case of lactation anaphylaxis and the role of healthcare providers in breastfeeding support, Margaret translates the latest studies into actionable insights for IBCLCs. Key Points Covered: 1. Evaluating the La...

Episode Summary: In this episode of The IBCLC Mentor Podcast , Margaret Salty interviews Dr. Katrina Mitchell, a breast surgeon and breastfeeding medicine physician, about the complexities of low milk supply, tubular breasts, and why the term “insufficient glandular tissue” (IGT) may not be the best descriptor. They explore the anatomical and physiological factors that impact milk production and d...

In this episode of Behind the Latch Margaret Salty shifts her focus to articles from Clinical Lactation , exploring key studies that can inform and enhance IBCLC practice. From innovative treatments for nipple pain to the effects of caffeine and hospital-based lactation support, Margaret translates the latest research into actionable strategies for lactation consultants. Whether you're a seasoned...

In this episode of The IBCLC Mentor Podcast , Margaret Salty interviews Dr. Darby, a physician, researcher, and advocate for maternal-infant health. Together, they explore ethical challenges in lactation consulting, the intersection of medicine and breastfeeding support, and how lactation professionals can better collaborate with healthcare providers. The Foundation for Milk: Dr. Darby shares her...

In this episode of Behind the Latch, Margaret Salty dives into the latest research articles from her Google Scholar alerts, exploring how recent findings can enhance the practice of IBCLCs. Margaret breaks down complex research into actionable strategies for lactation consultants, focusing on how these insights can improve breastfeeding outcomes. Whether you're a seasoned IBCLC or just starting yo...

In this episode of Behind the Latch , Margaret Salty interviews Caoimhe Whelan, an IBCLC, researcher, and author based in Dublin, Ireland. Together, they discuss Caoimhe’s journey into lactation consulting, her groundbreaking research on primary low milk supply, and her upcoming illustrated book designed to revolutionize breastfeeding education. From Volunteer to Private Practice: Caoimhe shares h...

In this episode of Behind the Latch, Margaret Salty dives into the latest research articles from her Google Scholar alerts, exploring how recent findings can enhance the practice of IBCLCs. Margaret breaks down complex research into actionable strategies for lactation consultants, focusing on how these insights can improve breastfeeding outcomes. Whether you're a seasoned IBCLC or just starting yo...