107 | After Show: Consent, Gatekeeping, and Racial Disparities with Kenita Chenevert, BSHM, MA, IBCLC

In this episode, we continue our conversation with Kenita Chenevert, BSHM, MA, IBCLC after our Deeper Dive into PMOS. Kenita did NOT grow up dreaming of becoming a lactation consultant. Her journey involved a workplace injury, a temporary reassignment, two lactation consultants who saw her potential, and a whole lot of “Wait, tell me more!”

Kenita gets real about racial disparities in maternal care, the importance of advocating for Black birthing parents, and why every parent deserves respectful, compassionate care—without someone grabbing their breast before even asking permission. (Yes, apparently “introduce yourself and ask before touching” should be standard practice. Revolutionary stuff, we know.)

The conversation also tackles one of lactation's biggest trouble spots: professional gatekeeping. From disagreements about credentials and education pathways to debates over herbs, oral restrictions, and clinical approaches, Kenita challenges lactation consultants to stop tearing each other down and start learning from one another. Because having letters after your name doesn't mean you know everything—and being willing to say “I don't know, but I know someone who does” is a sign of a great practitioner, not a professional failure.

“We're not done learning. We're not done understanding what can support PMOS.”

In this episode we talk about:

Raising kids who understand that breastfeeding is normal—and who might just help you with your nipple ruler (10:41)Advocating for Black birthing parents and addressing racial disparities in maternal care (13:45)Why consent, compassion, and respectful hands-on support should be non-negotiable (17:14)Why the lactation community needs fewer turf wars and more opportunities to learn together (30:42)

Each month we host a live Deeper Dive so you can connect with us, our special guests, and each other + get lifetime access to the recording!

Our next Deeper Dive is about Group Practice with Cass Christopher, IBCLC, I-CST  on October 29, 2026.

Links and Resources

Subscribe to the Deeper Dive Membership: https://learn.paperlesslactation.com/subscription/deeper-dive-membershipHave an idea for a podcast episode or a Deeper Dive? Let us know! https://learn.paperlesslactation.com/form/collaborate

Connect with Kenita: https://milkdrops.com/

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