In this special episode for Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week, host Vikki chats with lactation consultant Sally Rickard about the ups and downs of breastfeeding and early motherhood. Sally shares her personal and professional insights on common challenges like tongue-tie, milk supply issues, mastitis and the emotional strain these can bring. With kindness and clarity, Sally offers practical advice on latch, positioning, and mixed feeding, while reassuring parents that it’s okay to ask for help. This episode is a comforting reminder that you're not alone—and that support is always available.In this Episode:[00:00] Teaser Quote[02:04] Meet Sally Rickard, lactation consultant[03:02] Personal breastfeeding challenges[04:15] The reality of motherhood expectations[06:46] Navigating conflicting advice[07:50] The complexity of breastfeeding[09:32] Sally's own breastfeeding issues and birth experience[18:30] Sally’s journey to becoming a lactation consultant[25:55] Tongue-tie[30:22] Common issues with latch[33:24] Supply issues and solutions[38:19] Mixed feeding: a balanced approach[43:30] How to tell if you're baby is feeding well[45:11] Mastitis and blocked ducts[50:11] Soothing cracked and sore nipples[52:47] Final thoughts and resourcesKey Takeaways:Find out more about Sally Rickard and her breastfeeding expertise and support in South London through her website, Baby-thrive.com.  I B C L C stands for International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. It's a globally recognised certification for professionals with specialist knowledge and skills in breastfeeding and lactation management.  The N C T is the National Childbirth Trust, who offer antenatal classes where you can meet fellow parents in your area and learn more about looking after a baby.The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (E P D S) is a widely used screening tool to identify women who may be at risk of postpartum depression. It's a 10-item questionnaire that assesses symptoms like guilt, sleep disturbance, and low energy.  Listen to 'Double Cancer Didn't Cause Depression, Giving Birth Did' (Blue MumDays S1 Ep1 with postnatal depression counsellor Liz Wise), to learn how a problem bonding with her daughter didn’t cause issues later in life. Liz’s daughter Emma talks beautifully about the close bond she has with her mum and how Liz’s experience of PND actually made her a better mum.The Lactation Consultants of Great Britain is a registered charity working to improve the health and wellbeing of families through advocacy and expert IBCLC breastfeeding care. A lactation consultant can help you with breastfeeding issues and advice.  NHS guidance on tongue-tie, a condition where the skin under a baby’s tongue is shorter or tighter than normal, restricting movement.  This can cause feeding difficulties like...

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