What I've Learned Supporting Over 200+ Breastfeeding Families

Introduction

When I look back at the hundreds of families I’ve had the privilege to support, one thing stands out: no one realized just how much they’d need lactation support until they were in it. Breastfeeding is natural, yes...but that doesn’t mean it always comes naturally. The parents I’ve worked with often tell me, “I don’t know how people do this without help.” And honestly? I wonder the same thing.

So I want to share a little of what I’ve learned after supporting 200+ families on their feeding journey.

Q: What’s the biggest truth you’ve learned about breastfeeding?

The biggest thing I’ve learned is that parents didn’t expect to need lactation support as much as they did. Once they receive it, they find it invaluable. Most of them can’t imagine going through the ups and downs of feeding without someone in their corner, validating their worries and giving them practical tools.

Q: What’s the most common struggle parents bring to you?

Low milk supply...or often times, the perception of low milk supply, is the number one concern. Add in the constant stream of information from mom groups, blogs, and TikTok, and new parents are like Neo in the Matrix, downloading everything at once. Some of that information is gold, but much of it is confusing or flat-out wrong.

My role is to help families cut through the noise and reconnect with their own intuition. We have parents look at their baby's bodies, become VERY familiar with their own breasts, and their baby’s satiety cues. And if supply really does need a boost, I help create a plan. Winging it with “trying everything” just leaves parents exhausted. A focused plan builds confidence and success.

Q: What’s a piece of advice you wish every parent heard before their baby arrived?

I actually have two:

1. The best way to maintain milk supply is frequent and effective milk removal. It really is that simple, empty the breast, and your body makes more milk.

2. Don’t assume that breastfeeding will just “work itself out.” Having support early, even prenatally, can save so much stress.

Q: What misconceptions come up again and again?

One of the biggest is the idea that breasts need to feel full all the time to have a good supply. When fullness fades after the early engorgement stage, many parents panic and assume they’re losing supply. But softness isn’t the enemy, it’s actually a sign that your body is adjusting to your baby’s needs.

Another misconception? Leaving milk in the breasts for long stretches will increase supply. It actually tells your body to make less milk. Frequency and effectiveness are what drive supply, not fullness.

Q: Is there a moment that sticks with you, that reminds you why you do this work?Honestly, it happens all the time. I walk into homes where parents are crying, overwhelmed, and desperate for answers. By the end of our time together, there’s laughter. Relief. A new sense of “we can do this.” Watching families shift from despair to confidence is why I love this work. It’s not just about milk, it’s about giving parents the tools and reassurance to move forward.

Closing

Supporting 200+ families has shown me that while every baby is different, every parent’s need for reassurance, guidance, and compassion is the same. Breastfeeding is a journey, and you don’t have to walk it alone.

Sophia Taylor, LPN, IBCLC

Founder, Relatable Lactation

sophiataylor@relatable-lactation.com

Trusted Resources for Breastfeeding Support:

• Relatable Lactation Local Breastfeeding support with convenient In home and Virtual options. www.relatable-lactation.com

• La Leche League International  Global breastfeeding education and support. www.llli.org

• KellyMom  Evidence-based breastfeeding and parenting resources, written by an IBCLC. www.kellymom.com

• Office on Women’s Health – U.S. Department of Health & Human Services  Reliable breastfeeding guidance and public health information. www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — Public health recommendations and breastfeeding resources. www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding

• International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA) — Professional lactation consultant network and resources. www.ilca.org