The Evolve Lactation Podcast

When I asked my friend and colleague Fleur Bickford to come on the podcast, I should have known she would arrive with an outline and a comprehensive plan for teaching. Fleur’s expertise in trauma-informed care is deep on so many levels. Fleur Bickford is a Registered Nurse and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) with a background in labour and delivery, postpartum care and h...

I made a whole thing and I wanted to tell you about it. That’s the Episode in a nutshell. What you’re hearing is Section 12 of my 12-part series The Guide for The Emerging Lactation Consultant. To get the whole guide and companion workbook, click and subscribe here: https://ibclcinca.substack.com/p/emerginglactationconsultant1 Keep this Conversation Going on LinkedIn Olena - https://www.linkedin.c...

Things We Talked About in the Episode The movie Christine & her husband were watching Evolve Lactation Guide for Emerging Lactation Consultants - https://evolvelactation.org Annie Frisbee's Email and Resources - https://paperlesslactation.com/about/ Understanding Insurance Policies in Healthcare - https://www.healthaffairs.org Nestle/Helaina Partnership Momcozy Education Event Keep this Conversati...

*I am in no way affiliated with the IBCLC Commission or IBLCE (other than actively holding the IBCLC credential) and do not purport to speak on their behalf. You can find information about the IBCLC credential at www.ibclc-commission.org . It may be helpful to consider the process of becoming an IBCLC© in terms of “hard and soft skills.” * Preparing to actually be a board-certified lactation consu...

The Hidden Power of Hand Expression in Breastfeeding Success Olena Dobczansky and Christine Staricka are back sharing practical insights from how to normalize hand expression for both professionals and parents to the urgent need for clear language and community-based support that honor the embodied experience of breastfeeding. We break down how current marketing, technology, and policy choices oft...

What the IBCLC Actually Is and Why It Matters In this episode, Christine Staricka IBCLC discusses the significance of IBCLC Day and the unique role of IBCLCs in supporting breastfeeding. She emphasizes the professional achievement represented by the IBCLC credential, the extensive training required, and the challenges faced in the lactation field, including the influence of commercialism and the e...

Kelly Durbin's book, Protecting Your Potential for Breastfeeding In this conversation, Christine and Kelly Durbin discuss the multifaceted challenges and opportunities surrounding breastfeeding. They emphasize the importance of data in understanding breastfeeding trends, the need for improved education and community support, and the role of lactation consultants in protecting breastfeeding potenti...

We have thoughts. From the recent NYT opinion piece on marriage equality and formula feeding to the difference between an AI chatbot answer and lactation care from a qualified healthcare practitioner, we need to talk about what is going on in the infant feeding world. Let’s get into it. https://ibclcinca.substack.com/about - Join Evolve Lactation Pros http://www.thefirst100hours.com - Book & Free...

As we prepare for 2026, we encourage you to let go of outdated practices and embrace new opportunities for growth and community support. https://ibclcinca.substack.com/about - Join Evolve Lactation Pros http://www.thefirst100hours.com - Book & Free Guide I thought I would start off the year with an episode building on one of Evolve Lactation’s 3 Pillars: Physiologically-Grounded Practice. But don’...

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...

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 Buil...

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 c...

In this episode, I share what I’ve been building for 2026 - Evolve Lactation Pros, a membership that address what lactation professionals actually need beyond clinical skills and business tactics. We talk about the gap in our training around processing our own experiences, the three pillars of advancing professionalism (sustainable ethics, physiologically-grounded practice, and public health integ...

In the latest episode of my Perinatal Professionals series, I explore the unique challenges faced by late preterm newborns, particularly in relation to breastfeeding and parental support. I review the characteristics of late preterm infants, the importance of understanding their developmental needs, and the critical role of professional support in improving breastfeeding outcomes. This episode emp...

In this coaching call, Evolve Lactation Community member Kristen Navia and I discuss the cyclical nature of doula and lactation work, strategies for utilizing downtime for business growth, and the importance of community support. Kristen shares her insights on preparing for the IBCLC exam, the emotional rewards of supporting families, and the unique challenges faced in lactation consulting. Our co...

Welcome to the Perinatal Professionals Series as presented on the Evolve Lactation Podcast! This series provides access to strategic, evidence-based lactation education for perinatal professionals who are ready to level up their breastfeeding support skills and knowledge. Follow, Rate, and Review the Evolve Lactation Podcast right here! Evolve Lactation with Christine Staricka is a reader-supporte...

Welcome to the Perinatal Professionals Series as presented on the Evolve Lactation Podcast! This series provides access to strategic, evidence-based lactation education for perinatal professionals who are ready to level up their breastfeeding support skills and knowledge. Follow, Rate, and Review the Evolve Lactation Podcast right here! Evolve Lactation with Christine Staricka is a reader-supporte...

Welcome to the Perinatal Professionals Series as presented on the Evolve Lactation Podcast! This series provides access to strategic, evidence-based lactation education for perinatal professionals who are ready to level up their breastfeeding support skills and knowledge. Follow, Rate, and Review the Evolve Lactation Podcast right here! Evolve Lactation with Christine Staricka is a reader-supporte...

Welcome to the Perinatal Professionals Series as presented on the Evolve Lactation Podcast! This series provides access to strategic, evidence-based lactation education for perinatal professionals who are ready to level up their breastfeeding support skills and knowledge. Follow, Rate, and Review the Evolve Lactation Podcast right here! Evolve Lactation with Christine Staricka is a reader-supporte...

Welcome to the Perinatal Professionals Series as presented on the Evolve Lactation Podcast! This series provides access to strategic, evidence-based lactation education for perinatal professionals who are ready to level up their breastfeeding support skills and knowledge. Follow, Rate, and Review the Evolve Lactation Podcast right here! Evolve Lactation with Christine Staricka is a reader-supporte...

If you’re thinking “I don’t know what a Rogerian ontology is,” fear not. I didn’t know either until my very special guest, Olena Dobczansky explained it all to me in this episode of the Evolve Lactation Podcast. Yes, that’s right: the podcast is back! I’m very excited to launch Season 4 with this amazing episode. If you like to talk about, study, read about, and generally think about breastfeeding...

Join me for my next live video in the app This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ibclcinca.substack.com/subscribe

Hi friend, I’m Christine, an IBCLC in California. Here, on my Substack, I share what I’ve picked up over my 23+ years working and volunteering in lactation care & support. I write and record a podcast about my personal stories of motherhood, my professional insights from teaching and coaching hundreds of aspiring and current lactation care providers, and things I think can help you on your journey...

It started with a Reel on Instagram. Then it became a plan for a conversation about the differences and the shared mission of hospital-based IBCLCs and private practice IBCLCs. On this episode of the Evolve Lactation Podcast, I am joined by Nicole Longmire, MPH, IBCLC, PMH-C and LeeAnn Contreras, BSN, RN, IBCLC for an enlightening and empowering conversation about this challenging topic. Buckle up...

Closing the Gap: Ensuring Breastfeeding Support for All - this is the theme of World Breastfeeding Week this year. Evolve Lactation is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. I recently wrote a book that captures the essence of how to ensure this support in the critical first week of breastfeeding. When mothers don’t ge...