Listen to the full interview where we open up about the realities behind breastfeeding —and what it takes to create a truly supported experience.
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What if you already have what it takes to breastfeed your baby—and just need the right support to unlock it?
This question is at the heart of my conversation with Lisa Paladino, Certified Nurse Midwife, IBCLC, and a fierce advocate for women and babies. Lisa has decades of experience helping families navigate the powerful, joyous, and sometimes confusing, emotional, and occasionally challenging terrain of breastfeeding. Not just a brilliant clinician, but a graduate of both my Women’s Integrative and Functional Medicine and Herbal Medicine for Women training programs… and now, a lifelong friend.
Lisa Paladino is a Certified Nurse Midwife, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), and the passionate founder of Tongue Tie Experts. She’s spent decades supporting parents through the intense, sacred, and often confusing path of breastfeeding—especially when things don’t go as planned.
Lisa’s journey from hospital-based nurse and midwife to fierce advocate for women’s rights and breastfeeding education is one you won’t forget. And what we unpack in this conversation might change how you see everything from nipple pain to infant sleep—and even adult airway health.
In this episode, we dive into:
- What exactly is an IBCLC—and why it matters
Lisa breaks down the “alphabet soup” of lactation credentials and what sets an IBCLC apart when you’re facing breastfeeding challenges.
- The silent struggle of mastitis, milk supply issues, and pain
We share personal stories, hard lessons, and the real-world gaps in medical education that leave new moms without the support they need.
- How breastfeeding shapes your baby’s airway—and possibly lifelong health
From tongue ties to sleep apnea and ADHD, Lisa reveals fascinating insights about how early feeding impacts development in ways most people never hear about.
- The heartbreak of not making enough milk—and how to support yourself
If you’ve ever felt guilty, overwhelmed, or like you were failing, this is the segment you’ve been waiting for. Lisa offers compassionate guidance that’s as real as it is relieving.
- Setting yourself up for breastfeeding success before the baby comes
We talk about what really matters in postpartum prep (hint: it’s not the matching outfits) and how to build your “village” even if you’re doing it solo.
- Why so many moms stop breastfeeding before they want to—and how we can change that
With more than 60% of moms ending breastfeeding earlier than planned, we get honest about policy gaps, shame culture, and how to reclaim your power.
- And yes… we go there with nipple toughening myths, lactation cookies, pumping in broom closets, and airplane glares.
Because we’ve all been there—or know someone who has.
Favorite Quotes
“Breastfeeding is a vital sign of the infant-maternal dyad. If it’s not working, we need to ask why.” — Lisa Paladino
“Each baby is a new experience. Every drop of breastmilk counts—but guilt doesn’t belong here.” — Lisa Paladino
“We’re grown-ass women. Nobody should be telling us what we’re ‘allowed’ to do in birth or postpartum.” — Aviva Romm
What We Want Every Mama to Know
- You deserve real, informed support—not just platitudes or formula handouts.
- Breastfeeding might be “natural,” but that doesn’t mean it’s easy or intuitive.
- Trusting your instincts is medicine.
- Whether you breastfed for two years, two days, or not at all, you’re still a phenomenal mama.
Connect with Lisa
- tonguetieexperts.net
- @tonguetieexperts on Instagram
- Listen to her podcast: Tongue Tie Experts
If this episode spoke to you, please:
- Share it with a mama in your life.
- Leave a review to help other women find this message.
- Join the Mama Pathway and our community of women reclaiming their power in postpartum and beyond.
Because you—and your baby—deserve nothing less.
Episode Highlights
What Is an IBCLC, and Why Does It Matter?
Let’s be real: The world of breastfeeding support can feel like alphabet soup. Lisa unpacks the difference between various credentials (like CLC vs IBCLC), and why the IBCLC—International Board Certified Lactation Consultant—is the gold standard when you’re dealing with real challenges like latch issues, milk supply, or suspected tongue tie.
Key insight: Not all “lactation consultants” are created equal. Make sure your support person is truly trained to evaluate and guide you.
The Silent Struggles Moms Face
From plugged ducts and mastitis to overwhelming exhaustion and pressure to perform, we talk about what so many moms experience—but few feel safe saying out loud.
Lisa shares her own early struggles and how misinformation (even from pediatricians) shaped her journey. I share my first postpartum experience and the real fear that came with not knowing what was happening to my body—and not having a place to turn for help.
“You can only do what you can do for each baby. Guilt doesn’t belong here.” – Lisa Paladino
Breastfeeding and the Airway: A Hidden Connection
This was one of the most eye-opening parts of our talk. Lisa reveals how breastfeeding shapes a baby’s facial and airway development, possibly reducing risks for snoring, sleep apnea, and even ADHD later in life. Through her work with the Airway Revolution Foundation, she’s helping to raise awareness about the structural impact of early feeding—and how something as “simple” as a poor latch may be a red flag for deeper airway concerns.
Bottom line: Breastfeeding is about so much more than nutrition.
When Breastfeeding Doesn’t Work—and the Shame That Follows
While over 80% of babies in the U.S. receive some breast milk, only 25% are exclusively breastfed by six months and staggering 60% of women stop breastfeeding earlier than they intended to.
The reason? Most moms want to breastfeed, but they’re not getting the support they need.
Lisa and I talk candidly about the guilt, pressure, and overwhelm women face—especially those who return to work early, struggle with low supply, or face complications like tongue tie, colic, or postpartum anxiety.
“Every drop of breastmilk counts—but guilt doesn’t help anyone.”
Preparing for Breastfeeding Success (Before Baby Arrives)
Instead of nipple-toughening myths and lactation cookie fads, Lisa shares real, practical ways to prepare:
- Learn hand expression before birth
- Identify a local IBCLC (or online support) in advance
- Prep your “village” and be clear about how they can help
- Stock your freezer with food, not matching baby outfits
- Educate your partner and family on what support looks like
- And remember: You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need someone who has your back.
Is Your Baby Getting Enough Milk?
Here are Lisa’s 3 signs that your baby is feeding well:
- Baby latches, feeds, and releases contentedly
- 6–8 wet diapers + several poopy ones a day
- Your breasts feel full before, and soft after feeds
If any of these are off—or feeding is painful—it’s time to connect with a lactation professional.
Boosting Milk Supply: What Really Works
Forget the hype. Lisa’s top 3 evidence-based strategies:
- Remove more milk, more often – milk production = demand
- Nourish your body – eat enough, hydrate, replenish nutrients
- Check for root causes – thyroid issues, anemia, stress, or anatomy concerns in you or your baby
And yes, herbs like moringa or fenugreek may help—but nothing replaces the basics of good latch, regular feeding, and real rest.
Breastfeeding in Public: Breaking the Stigma
Lisa’s advice? Breastfeed boldly—and if you see a mom doing it, give her a thumbs-up.
Final Words of Wisdom
“Trust your instincts. You know your baby better than anyone. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.”
“Each baby is a new experience. You can only do what you can with the resources and support you have. Be kind to yourself.”
