Ep. 53 Breastfeeding Preparation and Success with Susan Brennan, IBCLC, PMH-C

<p>Breastfeeding is natural, but it isn&#39;t always instinctive. In this episode, guest Susan Brennan explains why preparing to breastfeed before your baby&#39;s arrival can spare you a lot of difficulty later on — and why breastfeeding support matters well beyond the early postpartum weeks.</p><p><br></p><p>Susan is a registered nurse and an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) — we&#39;ll explain exactly what that means a bit later. She&#39;s also a PMH-C, meaning she&#39;s certified in perinatal mental health, a credential that matters enormously in a world where maternal mental health is too often overlooked. This training, paired with years of hands-on experience gives Susan a deep understanding of the emotional impact breastfeeding can have on a new family.</p><p><br></p><p>Susan works full-time as an in-office RN and IBCLC at Metropolitan Breastfeeding, home to award-winning lactation consultants and a three-time recipient of the IBCLC Care Award. Susan is dedicated to helping families reach their breastfeeding goals, drawing on her expertise to assess, diagnose, and treat lactation challenges while educating and empowering parents with best practices. Her background spans maternity and NICU units, outpatient pediatrics, and both office and in-home care.</p><p><br></p><p>IMPORTANT TIMESTAMPS:</p><p>05:51 What an IBCLC Means</p><p>10:38 Metropolitan Breastfeeding Team</p><p>11:45 Prep Before Baby Arrives16:11 Milk Supply Anxiety</p><p>21:11 Colostrum to Mature Milk</p><p>23:47 Protecting Mom’s Wellbeing</p><p>25:40 Partner Support and Red Flags</p><p>32:32 Support Beyond Newborn Stage</p><p>34:15 Plugged Ducts vs Mastitis</p><p><br></p><p>Metropolitan Breastfeeding - main office is in Bethesda, Maryland​ with satellite offices in Northern Virginia in Fairfax, Alexandria, Chantilly, Woodbridge​. They don&#39;t have office space in DC, ​but we offer telehealth ​and home visits as well.</p><p>EMAIL:  <a href="mailto:susan@metropolitanbreastfeeding.com" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">susan@metropolitanbreastfeeding.com</a>. </p><p>WEBSITE: <a href="mailto:susan@metropolitanbreastfeeding.com" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">metropolitanbreastfeeding.com</a>. ​</p><p>IG: <a href="" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">@</a>metropolitanbreastfeeding</p><p><br></p><p>For more info on Snugghug, visit their website here: <a href="https://www.snugghug.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">htt