• Podcast | Late Preterm Babies CAN Breastfeed!
    Nov 10 2025

    In the latest episode of my Perinatal Professionals series, I explore the unique challenges faced by late preterm newborns, particularly in relation to breastfeeding and parental support. I review the characteristics of late preterm infants, the importance of understanding their developmental needs, and the critical role of professional support in improving breastfeeding outcomes. This episode emphasizes the need for parents to be informed about their baby's vulnerabilities and the implications for feeding and care.

    You can learn more and enroll in the First 100 Hours Masterclass right here.

    Takeaways:

    Late preterm infants are born between 34 and 36 weeks gestation.

    They face increased risks for various health issues compared to term infants.

    Understanding the unique needs of late preterm babies is crucial for effective care.

    Breastfeeding challenges are often linked to the neurological and muscular immaturity of late preterm infants.

    Professional support significantly improves breastfeeding rates for these infants.

    Parents need to be educated about the vulnerabilities of late preterm babies.

    Exclusive human milk feeding can reduce hospitalization risks.

    Breastfeeding self-efficacy is important for mothers of late preterm infants.

    Parental guidance should be tailored to the specific needs of late preterm babies.

    Awareness of developmental differences can help parents make informed feeding decisions.

    Follow, Rate, and Review the Evolve Lactation Podcast right here!

    00:00 Understanding Late Preterm Newborns

    02:45 Challenges in Breastfeeding Late Preterm Infants

    06:04 The Importance of Parental Education

    08:56 Professional Support and Breastfeeding Success

    11:39 Optimizing Feeding for Late Preterm Babies

    Evolve Lactation with Christine Staricka is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

    Thanks for listening!

    You can get the book Evolving the Modern Breastfeeding Experience: Holistic Lactation Care in the First 100 Hours now at this link!



    This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ibclcinca.substack.com/subscribe
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    18 mins
  • Podcast | Inside Look: Coaching Call with Christine
    Nov 1 2025

    In this coaching call, Evolve Lactation Community member Kristen Navia and I discuss the cyclical nature of doula and lactation work, strategies for utilizing downtime for business growth, and the importance of community support. Kristen shares her insights on preparing for the IBCLC exam, the emotional rewards of supporting families, and the unique challenges faced in lactation consulting. Our conversation emphasizes the integration of doula and lactation roles and the significance of feedback, relationships, and community in building a successful practice.

    You can learn more and enroll in the First 100 Hours Masterclass right here.

    Takeaways:

    The doula and lactation business is cyclical, with busy and slow periods.

    Utilizing downtime effectively can lead to business growth.

    Community support is crucial for emotional well-being and professional development.

    The Lactation College provides valuable resources for exam preparation.

    Short, bite-sized learning materials can enhance retention and understanding.

    Feedback from clients and peers is essential for growth and improvement.

    Building relationships with clients can lead to referrals and repeat business.

    Managing expectations is key in client interactions.

    Integrating doula and lactation roles can provide a holistic approach to care.

    The emotional rewards of supporting families are profound and fulfilling.

    Follow, Rate, and Review the Evolve Lactation Podcast right here!

    04:02 Navigating Business Cycles in Doula and Lactation Services

    07:02 Utilizing Downtime for Business Growth

    09:54 The Impact of Lactation College on Exam Preparation

    13:01 Modern Learning Methods in Lactation Education

    15:53 Resources and Strategies for Effective Study

    21:23 Understanding Lactation from a Medical Perspective

    24:08 The Evolution of Lactation Knowledge

    27:32 Integrating New Research into Practice

    31:21 Navigating Consultations with Families

    36:56 The Importance of Community and Feedback

    41:00 Building a Referral Network in Lactation Support

    Evolve Lactation with Christine Staricka is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

    Thanks for listening!

    You can get the book Evolving the Modern Breastfeeding Experience: Holistic Lactation Care in the First 100 Hours now at this link!



    This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ibclcinca.substack.com/subscribe
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    50 mins
  • Beyond Societal Barriers to Exclusive Breastfeeding
    Oct 23 2025

    Welcome to the Perinatal Professionals Series as presented on the Evolve Lactation Podcast! This series provides access to strategic, evidence-based lactation education for perinatal professionals who are ready to level up their breastfeeding support skills and knowledge.

    Follow, Rate, and Review the Evolve Lactation Podcast right here!

    Evolve Lactation with Christine Staricka is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

    In this episode of the Evolve Lactation podcast, I talk about the various barriers to breastfeeding, differentiating between societal, physiological, and clinical challenges. I emphasize the impact of misinformation, the lack of fundamental lactation support, and the use of tools that can mask breastfeeding problems. I also highlight the importance of education and professional development in addressing these barriers, advocating for a more informed and supportive environment for breastfeeding mothers.

    You can learn more and enroll in the First 100 Hours Masterclass right here.

    Takeaways:

    00:00 Understanding Barriers to Breastfeeding

    02:47 Misinformation in Lactation Support

    05:51 Lack of Fundamental Lactation Support

    08:40 Tools That Mask Breastfeeding Problems

    11:03 Clinical Barriers in Healthcare Settings

    14:13 The Role of Education in Lactation Support

    16:59 Addressing Psychological Barriers

    20:10 The Importance of Accurate Information

    22:56 Navigating Pediatric Care

    25:40 The Need for Professional Development

    28:25 Conclusion and Call to Action

    Thanks for listening!

    You can get the book Evolving the Modern Breastfeeding Experience: Holistic Lactation Care in the First 100 Hours now at this link!



    This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ibclcinca.substack.com/subscribe
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    41 mins
  • PsyOps, Breastfeeding, The Wild West, and Healthcare is Burning - with Special Guest Olena Dobczansky
    Oct 17 2025

    Welcome to the Perinatal Professionals Series as presented on the Evolve Lactation Podcast! This series provides access to strategic, evidence-based lactation education for perinatal professionals who are ready to level up their breastfeeding support skills and knowledge.

    Follow, Rate, and Review the Evolve Lactation Podcast right here!

    Evolve Lactation with Christine Staricka is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

    Summary

    In this episode, I share insights about the essential practices that empower new parents to provide their own milk during the crucial first 100 hours. Rediscover the importance of early and frequent breastfeeding, the role of skin-to-skin contact, and how to navigate the challenges of newborn feeding through the lens of breastfeeding support in the First 100 Hours. Whether you’re a new parent or a healthcare professional, this episode offers valuable insights into optimizing milk production and supporting exclusive breastfeeding.

    Takeaways

    Parents should be educated prenatally about breastfeeding.

    Newborns need to breastfeed frequently and early.

    Skin-to-skin contact is crucial for newborns.

    Understanding diaper output is important for gauging feeding success.

    Parents should feel in control of their feeding choices.

    Milk production begins during pregnancy and increases after birth.

    Frequent feeding supports long-term milk production.

    Breastfeeding should be pain-free for mothers.

    Parents need to understand the rhythm of early breastfeeding.

    Chapters

    00:00 Empowering New Parents: The First 100 Hours

    11:07 Understanding Milk Production and Feeding Rhythms

    21:17 Optimizing Breastfeeding Techniques and Support

    Thanks for listening!

    You can get the book Evolving the Modern Breastfeeding Experience: Holistic Lactation Care in the First 100 Hours now at this link!



    This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ibclcinca.substack.com/subscribe
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    1 hr and 20 mins
  • What Really Happens in the First 100 Hours of Lactation
    Oct 13 2025

    Welcome to the Perinatal Professionals Series as presented on the Evolve Lactation Podcast! This series provides access to strategic, evidence-based lactation education for perinatal professionals who are ready to level up their breastfeeding support skills and knowledge.

    Follow, Rate, and Review the Evolve Lactation Podcast right here!

    Evolve Lactation with Christine Staricka is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

    Summary

    In this episode, I share insights about the essential practices that empower new parents to provide their own milk during the crucial first 100 hours. Rediscover the importance of early and frequent breastfeeding, the role of skin-to-skin contact, and how to navigate the challenges of newborn feeding through the lens of breastfeeding support in the First 100 Hours. Whether you’re a new parent or a healthcare professional, this episode offers valuable insights into optimizing milk production and supporting exclusive breastfeeding.

    Takeaways

    Parents should be educated prenatally about breastfeeding.

    Newborns need to breastfeed frequently and early.

    Skin-to-skin contact is crucial for newborns.

    Understanding diaper output is important for gauging feeding success.

    Parents should feel in control of their feeding choices.

    Milk production begins during pregnancy and increases after birth.

    Frequent feeding supports long-term milk production.

    Breastfeeding should be pain-free for mothers.

    Parents need to understand the rhythm of early breastfeeding.

    Chapters

    00:00 Empowering New Parents: The First 100 Hours

    11:07 Understanding Milk Production and Feeding Rhythms

    21:17 Optimizing Breastfeeding Techniques and Support

    Thanks for listening!

    You can get the book Evolving the Modern Breastfeeding Experience: Holistic Lactation Care in the First 100 Hours now at this link!



    This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ibclcinca.substack.com/subscribe
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    21 mins
  • Unlocking Breastfeeding Success: Insights from the First 100 Hours
    Oct 9 2025

    Welcome to the Perinatal Professionals Series as presented on the Evolve Lactation Podcast! This series provides access to strategic, evidence-based lactation education for perinatal professionals who are ready to level up their breastfeeding support skills and knowledge.

    Follow, Rate, and Review the Evolve Lactation Podcast right here!

    Evolve Lactation with Christine Staricka is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

    Summary

    In this episode, I share insights about the essential practices that empower new parents to provide their own milk during the crucial first 100 hours. Rediscover the importance of early and frequent breastfeeding, the role of skin-to-skin contact, and how to navigate the challenges of newborn feeding through the lens of breastfeeding support in the First 100 Hours. Whether you’re a new parent or a healthcare professional, this episode offers valuable insights into optimizing milk production and supporting exclusive breastfeeding.

    Takeaways

    Parents should be educated prenatally about breastfeeding.

    Newborns need to breastfeed frequently and early.

    Skin-to-skin contact is crucial for newborns.

    Understanding diaper output is important for gauging feeding success.

    Parents should feel in control of their feeding choices.

    Milk production begins during pregnancy and increases after birth.

    Frequent feeding supports long-term milk production.

    Breastfeeding should be pain-free for mothers.

    Parents need to understand the rhythm of early breastfeeding.

    Chapters

    00:00 Empowering New Parents: The First 100 Hours

    11:07 Understanding Milk Production and Feeding Rhythms

    21:17 Optimizing Breastfeeding Techniques and Support

    Thanks for listening!

    You can get the book Evolving the Modern Breastfeeding Experience: Holistic Lactation Care in the First 100 Hours now at this link!



    This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ibclcinca.substack.com/subscribe
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    24 mins
  • Health Outcomes of Breastfeeding in The First 100 Hours
    Oct 3 2025

    Welcome to the Perinatal Professionals Series as presented on the Evolve Lactation Podcast! This series provides access to strategic, evidence-based lactation education for perinatal professionals who are ready to level up their breastfeeding support skills and knowledge.

    Follow, Rate, and Review the Evolve Lactation Podcast right here!

    Evolve Lactation with Christine Staricka is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

    Summary

    In this episode, I explore the critical importance of exclusive human milk feeding in the first 100 hours after birth, discussing its health outcomes for both infants and mothers. I emphasize the need for parents to be empowered with information and support to navigate the challenges of breastfeeding, highlighting the long-term benefits and the importance of early experiences in building confidence and resilience in breastfeeding practices.

    Takeaways

    Identify three health outcomes impacted by exclusive human milk feeding.

    Empower parents with information before and after birth.

    Breastfeeding is the physiological norm, not a special choice.

    Protection from infection is a key outcome of breastfeeding.

    Lactation decreases risks of cancer and metabolic diseases in mothers.

    Mental health benefits are significant for both infants and parents.

    Focus on tangible outcomes in the first 100 hours of breastfeeding.

    Breastfeeding and human milk feeding build self-confidence and resilience in new parents.

    Improving breastfeeding experiences is crucial, rather than suggesting to stop.

    Thanks for listening!

    This post is public so feel free to share it.



    This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ibclcinca.substack.com/subscribe
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    20 mins
  • A Rogerian Ontology of Breastfeeding with Special Guest Olena S. Dobczansky, MSN, RNC-MNN, IBCLC, C-ONQS, LCCE
    Sep 29 2025

    If you’re thinking “I don’t know what a Rogerian ontology is,” fear not. I didn’t know either until my very special guest, Olena Dobczansky explained it all to me in this episode of the Evolve Lactation Podcast.

    Yes, that’s right: the podcast is back! I’m very excited to launch Season 4 with this amazing episode.

    If you like to talk about, study, read about, and generally think about breastfeeding, this episode is for you!

    Settle in and listen, and when you’re done, if you want to share your feedback, I’ve got just the place for you: The Evolve Lactation Community on Circle.

    Join for free right here and let’s get the conversation spreading!

    You can also find me and Olena on LinkedIn:

    Christine Staricka

    Olena Dobczansky

    Summary

    In this engaging conversation, Christine Staricka and Olena Dobczansky explore the complexities of breastfeeding and lactation, emphasizing the importance of clear definitions, the impact of commercial interests, and the need for personalized care in maternal health. Olena shares her journey as a clinician and the development of her Rogerian ontology of breastfeeding, which seeks to clarify the distinctions between breastfeeding and lactation. The discussion highlights the challenges faced by new mothers, the role of technology, and the necessity for healthcare professionals to communicate effectively and empathetically with their patients.

    Chapters and Timestamps

    00:00 Introduction to Olena Dobczansky

    02:52 The Journey of a Lifelong Learner

    05:59 Navigating Information Overload in Maternal Health

    08:54 Introducing the Rogerian Ontology of Breastfeeding

    11:58 The Importance of Language in Lactation

    15:11 Distinguishing Between Breastfeeding and Lactation

    17:49 Challenges in Postpartum Care

    20:57 The Role of Technology in Breastfeeding Support

    23:55 Understanding the Dyad: Mother and Baby Dynamics

    27:02 The Impact of Commercial Interests on Breastfeeding

    30:06 The Need for Clear Definitions in Lactation

    33:00 Personal Experiences and Their Influence on Practice

    36:09 The Future of Breastfeeding Support

    38:59 Conclusion and Call to Action



    This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ibclcinca.substack.com/subscribe
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    1 hr and 23 mins