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In today’s episode, I have a special guest—someone you probably already know and love. Sophie Walker, the incredible founder and host of Australian Birth Stories, joins me to share her personal breastfeeding journey. With a Master’s in Public Health, Sophie is passionate about helping pregnant women and their support teams actively prepare for birth and postpartum. Her podcast was born from her own experiences—after a first birth filled with intervention and trauma, she went on to have a redemptive, empowering second and third birth. Now, she’s on a mission to share real, raw, and honest birth and postpartum stories.

In this episode, Sophie opens up about her three boys and three completely different breastfeeding journeys—from the initial feeling of “it’s all on me” to learning how to trust herself as a mother. We talk about the realities of being left in the hospital to figure it out alone, navigating outdated advice from well-meaning grandparents, and the exhaustion of those first six weeks. We cover cluster feeding, sleep deprivation, and yes… co-sleeping (and pretending we weren’t doing it!).

But we also cover the turning points—the power of skin-to-skin, finding support through the Australian Breastfeeding Association, unwavering love and support from grandparents and knowing when and how to wean on your own terms.

If you’re in the thick of it right now, feeling overwhelmed or wondering if you’re doing it “right,” Sophie has some beautiful words of wisdom for you. So, grab a cup of tea, get comfy, and let’s dive in.

Find Sophie and the Australian Birth Stories podcast here

Instagram @australianbirthstories

Get 10% off Katie's courses - use code POD10 at checkout

• Pregnant or in the first few weeks after birth: The Feeding Couch
• For health professionals and birth workers: Breastfeeding & Lactation: the fundamentals online course

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Leave a review and BuyMeACoffee

Disclaimer
The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute medical or legal advice; instead, all information available on this site are for general informational purposes only. The Feeding Couch podcast reserves the right to supplement, change or delete any information at any time.

The information and materials on the podcast is provided "as is"; no representations are made that the content is error-free. Whilst we have tried to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information we do not warrant or guarantee the accurateness.

The podcast accepts no liability for any loss or damage howsoever arising out of the use or reliance on the content.

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Content Warning:

This episode of The Feeding Couch discusses baby loss and the emotional journey of grieving as a parent. While the conversation is filled with compassion, hope, and healing, it also touches on sensitive topics that may be difficult for some listeners.

In this episode we’re delving into a topic that’s both deeply personal and profoundly important—supporting families through the joy and heartbreak of infant feeding, even in the most challenging circumstances.

Our guest is Hannah, an Infant Feeding Supporter at her local hospital. She brings with her an extraordinary story—a journey of love, resilience, and advocacy as a mother to three beautiful children.

From navigating the NICU and establishing breastfeeding with her first baby, Lowen, to expressing milk and breastfeeding her second baby, Maisie, through critical illness and unimaginable loss. Amid the heartache, there were many beautiful moments of hope, joy and healing.

Hannah shares the joy of breastfeeding her third baby, Theo, cherishing the chance to nurse again after her loss. She speaks about the worries of navigating medical complexities, like Theo’s general anaesthetic at just three months old and feeding through bouts of bronchiolitis, but also the profound healing and hope this experience brought her.

Hannah’s story is one of courage and unwavering determination.

Hannah is a passionate advocate for supporting families breastfeeding medically complex children, inspired by her own experiences and the incredible work of Lyndsey Hookway and her book ‘Breastfeeding the Brave.’ Now, as a supporter within the NHS, she provides care to families facing their own feeding challenges, determined to make a difference despite the hurdles of time and funding.

This episode is a tender conversation about love, loss, and hope. I invite you to listen with compassion and an open heart as Hannah shares her remarkable journey.

You can follow and find out more about Hannah
IG: @our_amazing_maisie

Get 10% off Katie's courses - use code POD10 at checkout

• Pregnant or in the first few weeks after birth: The Feeding Couch
• For health professionals and birth workers: Breastfeeding & Lactation: the fundamentals online course

Please support the show!
Leave a review and BuyMeACoffee

Disclaimer
The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute medical or legal advice; instead, all information available on this site are for general informational purposes only. The Feeding Couch podcast reserves the right to supplement, change or delete any information at any time.

The information and materials on the podcast is provided "as is"; no representations are made that the content is error-free. Whilst we have tried to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information we do not warrant or guarantee the accurateness.

The podcast accepts no liability for any loss or damage howsoever arising out of the use or reliance on the content.

Send us a text

I’m thrilled to introduce Farida; a proud Muslim Oromo Australian woman, a mother of four, a midwife, and a nurse who has dedicated her life to nurturing and caring for others. Her passion for meaningful, thought-provoking conversations shines through in everything she does.

We’ll delve into her remarkable breastfeeding journey, which began at 19 and evolved alongside her career as a midwife, with each child bringing its own unique experiences. From the struggles of cracked nipples to the triumphs of toddler feeding, tandem nursing, and weaning, her story is one of perseverance and growth.

She opens up about navigating the challenges of low weight and developmental concerns with her fourth baby, culminating in the need for heart surgery.

In this conversation, Farida shares her insights on the courage it takes to advocate for yourself, the importance of finding support, and the power of offering yourself grace through life’s toughest moments.

Get 10% off Katie's courses - use code POD10 at checkout

• Pregnant or in the first few weeks after birth: The Feeding Couch
• For health professionals and birth workers: Breastfeeding & Lactation: the fundamentals online course

Please support the show!
Leave a review and BuyMeACoffee

Disclaimer
The information provided on this podcast does not, and is not intended to, constitute medical or legal advice; instead, all information available on this site are for general informational purposes only. The Feeding Couch podcast reserves the right to supplement, change or delete any information at any time.

The information and materials on the podcast is provided "as is"; no representations are made that the content is error-free. Whilst we have tried to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information we do not warrant or guarantee the accurateness.

The podcast accepts no liability for any loss or damage howsoever arising out of the use or reliance on the content.