No one expects their motherhood journey to begin in the NICU, but that’s where Emma found herself, after the birth of her daughter Maya, by c-section due to placenta previa. At 35 weeks, Maya did not have a fully developed sucking reflex, and so they began a process of tube feeding, formula, pumping, and eventually breastfeeding. Emma’s determination shines through this story, especially as she faced the additional challenges of overstimulation and feeling touched out because of her autism. Now at 5 ½ months, Maya is exclusively breastfed and beginning to explore the world of food.

My new book, ‘Supporting the Transition from Breastfeeding: a Guide to Weaning for Professionals, Supporters and Parents’, is out now.

You can get 10% off the book at the Jessica Kingsley press website, that's uk.jkp.com using the code MMPE10 at checkout.

Follow me on Twitter @MakesMilk and on Instagram @emmapickettibclc or find out more on my website www.emmapickettbreastfeedingsupport.com

Resources mentioned in this episode -

@‌jessurlichs poet and author of Beautiful Chaos

For information on autism and breastfeeding, look for the work of Dr Aimee Grant online and the Autism from Menstruation to Menopause project - https://www.autismmenstruationtomenopause.com/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDhlZ5Lu4wk

Anna Wilson IBCLC - https://wiloaklactation.co.uk/

This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC, and produced by Emily Crosby Media.