The Milk Diaries

I just wanted to yap about this documentary I watched on Netflix- Bad Influence. It sent me on a rabbit hole of research about online sex work, content houses and the ethics of children making money on social media. Toddler Workshop April 23:https://instinctualmothering.thrivecart.com/breastfeeding-12-months-workshop/Formula Factory Article:https://radicalmomsunion.substack.com/p/formula-plant-behind-recall-continues?r=1uqwr0

Breastfeeding has become synonymous with poor mental health....but why?I was irked by a reel I was sent the other day and I wanted to rant. I cover:*Ballerina Farms new drama*Why do people think breastfeeding causes postpartum depression?*DMER*The "feeling of being touched out"Sign up for the Toddler Weaning Workshop:https://instinctualmothering.thrivecart.com/breastfeeding-12-months-workshop/

SO MUCH HAPPENING ON THE INTERNET THIS WEEK!!!!A broad, sweeping summary of all the internet drama. Get your popcorn ready. Enroll in SOCIAL BOOB CLUB! https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zcsKayLa4hfzLn5Evz2pIiCeonKtS6Md5jJmZRAUxUU/edit?tab=t.0

The replay of my free masterclass on making money from social media for lactation consultants and motherhood creators!enroll in Social Boob Club- ENDS WEDNESDAY 4/2https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zcsKayLa4hfzLn5Evz2pIiCeonKtS6Md5jJmZRAUxUU/edit?usp=sharing

Let's talk about the elephant in the room- online business coaches that give me the ick?But Andrea, aren't you an online business coach, you may say?Yes, but since I make money on social media, I've found myself in the funnel of ALLLLL the people with the outrageous income claims and what I've found I've been less than impressed with. As always, DM me on Instagram if you want to discuss the REAL TEA!!!Also- here's my private slack community https://join.slack.com/t/watchmelaunch/shared_invite/zt-30nnco1lh-Woy~9ayZDRG3fGP_4xbVTg

A brand new SNARKY episode for you- I'll admit it, I was triggered. I'm diving into one of the most controversial parenting content creators in the motherhood space- Jerrica Sannes. Hated on Reddit and TikTok; she broke the internet in 2021 when she called Cocomelon "crack for babies". I go over why her recent post rubbed me the wrong way- and cover how to protect your mental health while consuming and creating on social media. PRIVATE SLACK: Behind the Scenes of a launch https://join.slack.com/t/watchmelaunch/shared_invite/zt-30nnco1lh-Woy~9ayZDRG3fGP_4xbVTgRadical Moms Union: radicalmomsunion.substack.com

I invited my friend Elizabeth (we went to high school together!!) on because I recently reconnected with her on social media and when I saw how her journey went from selling CBD oil for an MLM to RODEO VIDEOGRAPHER (??) my jaw was on the floor!She felt some calling to buy a camera and go out west and take videos and photos of the Rodeos she attended. Very quickly her social media grew and she was getting brand deals and people reaching out to her. This is a MUST LISTEN!!!

Hitting publish on this one was scary, but I hope you'll enjoy me sharing 5 things I don't share on social media and the reasons why. If you're thinking about starting your business online, YOU get to pick how much you want to share and it's sometimes difficult to walk the line between being "authentic" and "oversharing".I'm tackling some taboo topics in this episode plus giving you the tea on some influencer drama (Avery Woods). Thinking about starting your platform on social media and don't know where to start? Download my free guide NOW https://www.subscribepage.com/motherhoodniche

A mixed bag of influencer drama and theatrics including:Spencer Pratt X Blippi collabMommy labor nurse is building a labor suite in her house??Lead Safe Mama Drama- who sent her a cease and desist.Let me know what you think about it! DM me on instagram!

Instagram Stories is your go-to podcast for the latest influencer drama, viral trends, and everything happening in the world of social media. From TikTok controversies to viral scandals, I break it all down with unfiltered opinions and behind-the-scenes insights. Plus, I'll share my experience as a work-from-home entrepreneur, giving real talk on building an online business in today's digital world. Whether you're here for the tea or the strategy, you're in the right place! *Lindsay Hubbard activated: Bobbie Ad! *Cliff Notes- The Blake/Justin drama for moms

MASTERCLASS REPLAY Discover my proven system to create authentic connections, grow your audience, and turn your passion for breastfeeding, birth, and motherhood into a thriving online presence. Ditch clickbait strategies like rage bait, hiding SEO words, commenting on your own posts, hashtags and get back to what matters on social media COMMUNITY! I go through how I built my business and the INS AND OUTS of social media in 2025. Plus a sneak peek of my brand new program, Social Boob School, enrolling from 1/22-1/28!!! More info about social boob school Enroll in Social Boob School

If you're a lactation counselor, doula or motherhood creator trying to grow your business online, press play!!! I'm going through 3 pillars of my time management (or getting shit done) strategy that has allowed me to grow my business from home with my kids and almost no childcare. Join the Content Challenge>>https://instinctualmothering.thrivecart.com/untitled-product/ Get the C3 method>>https://www.subscribepage.com/c3

I'm sharing a personal anecdote about the way I sought out breastfeeding support as a first time mom and why I think there is room for a variety of different breastfeeding support models that don't involve going into the 'status quo' role of IBCLC. I read an embarrassing email from my IBCLC that made me roll my eyes back then but is now something I say to moms all the time! Part 1 of my lactation counselor journey Lactation Professionals Primer Get my motherhood niche guide to get started making your breastfeeding platform

Andrea yapping about her 2024 year in business, Blippi thirst traps and faerie seggs books! Plus Bonnie @perpetualjoydoula shares her breastfeeding story!! We had a sit-down with Bobbie's CEO Empowered Breastfeeding Academy Social Boob School waitlist

Listen to how I'm feeling about it, and why I won't be making one of those "crying in the chair" videos. I answer all of your questions about weaning from doing it while cosleeping and how to know when you're "done" Toddler Weaning and Boundaries Workshop Nina shares her redemptive breastfeeding story! Empowered Breastfeeding Academy: https://instinctualmothering.thrivecart.com/empowered-breastfeeding-academy/

A candid, raw and real conversation about baby loss, exiting the system, and why motherhood is the ultimate test of giving up control. Beka Clayton is a doula and mom who has found inspiration in helping other mothers through loss and grief after the loss of her son Miles in 2020. Follow her>> https://www.instagram.com/beka.xo.co/ Follow Andrea>> https://www.instagram.com/instinctualmothering/

Tiffany Belanger from @cosleepy joins us this week for an amazing conversation covering myths surrounding cosleeping, SIDS, and why you can breathe a little easier once you understand how the safe sleep 7 works. Breastfeeding does not have to equal no sleep- it's actually supposed to be the opposite, yet our backwards culture convinces moms that they need to sleep separate from their babies. Sign up for the first few days workshop- Oct 23https://instinctualmothering.thrivecart.com/the-first-few-days-workshop/Follow @cosleepy

Is it necessary to express colostrum prenatally if you want to breastfeed? Or is it something you can skip? Which containers are the best and who is it recommended for? Lower anxiety about breastfeeding by attending the First Few Days workshop, October 23rd! https://instinctualmothering.thrivecart.com/the-first-few-days-workshop/

Breaking down Fed is Best rhetoric and how they use fear based messaging that blames medical malpractice on breastfeeding. What are the actual warning signs that your baby is not getting enough milk? How can you be confident about breastfeeding without falling victim to the fear based messaging from so many people? First Few Days Workshop!

We're going to talk about fad baby products over the years and why there have been so many recalls! Make sure you don't fall victim to "the next big thing" and waste money and potentially put your baby in danger using these fad products we see on social media. Join the Empowered Breastfeeding Club! Joy's Breastfeeding Story

Tessa's amazing story of being empowered in her choices for her 6th baby in the NICU. Read about her battle with a hospital dietician to supplement her baby. She successfully denied human milk fortifier after the dietician told her there were "no risks" by being EXTREMELY educated and advocating for her baby. Fine out what she did instead of using the hospital prescribed milk fortifier. Get PREPPED for breastfeeding Next Level List Building https://instinctualmothering.thrivecart.com/next-level-list-building/

Naomi shares her harrowing story of giving birth at 29 weeks and the obsession that the NICU had with control over breastfeeding- the complete opposite of what the breastfeeding relationship represents. Follow Naomi @thedebriefdoula Follow Andrea @instinctualmothering Next Level List Building- beyond the freebie list building that is integral if you are running an online business or selling on Instagram!!!! Workshop coming September 25th register here.

Should you sleep train for your mental health? What actually goes on in the baby's brain during sleep training? Brittany from Good Night Moon Child What does it look like to look at baby sleep of a neuroscience perspective? We also share our own experiences with sleep training and the effect on breastfeeding. Get Andrea's safe cosleeping guide here

Do you have pain breastfeeding even after your baby's tongue tie release? Confused about whether or not to do physical therapy before and after tongue tie release? Kelsey Baker of @bwelltots has the TRIFECTA of bodyworker and lactation knowledge as an LC, PT and CST practitioner!!! We go over how to find a provider if options in your area are limited, if you really need to release a tongue tie even if your baby is gaining weight, and what exactly IS bodywork! This is MUST LISTEN!!! instagram.com/bwelltots

So you want to make money creating an online course? The words "online course" have kind of gotten a bad reputation lately but I dive into why I think they are still valuable AND why the cookie cutter, white label courses are hurting and not helping you. How to make your course creation much less overwhelming so you actually get it done. Why you should have students enrolled in your course and cash in your pocket before you even film a single video! TONIGHT 8/26 I'll delve more into how to create your OWN online breastfeeding, birth or motherhood business and the misconceptions people have around building a business, mistakes I've made (so you don't have to make them). Register for the class:https://www.subscribepage.com/breastfeedingbusinessaccelerator2 ENROLLMENT FOR BREASTFEEDING BUSINESS ACCELERATOR OPEN UNTIL 8/30.

Do you feel like you want to quit your business because it's just not worth putting in all the effort and making no money? Here's the episode for you! I tackle: imposter syndrome, time management, and the comparison trap. Also I talk a little bit about worrying about being on your phone all day. FREE CLASS COMING! Start a breastfeeding or motherhood business: https://www.subscribepage.com/breastfeedingbusinessaccelerator2

The Milk Diaries is back!!! Natasha Vargas Cooper, my cofounder of Radical Moms Union comes on to talk about the World Breastfeeding Week action against Bobbie and their investors with Teeny-Weeny-Beanies. Why we decided to target the investors and what was Bobbie's response?? Thank you to everyone who participated in this campaign. If you would like to get involved, please follow @radical_moms_union on instagram and subscribe to our substack: https://radicalmomsunion.substack.com/

Andrea breaks down Katherine A Dettwyler's stunning piece, Beauty and the Breast. Four fundamental cultural assumptions that influence the public perception of breastfeeding in the US. How every single bad instagram comment can fall under the umbrella of one of these assumptions. And sexualizing breasts is a cultural phenomenon and not a biologial one. Sophia's breastfeeding journey: tongue tie. Toddler Breastfeeding Workshop

How do you know if your breast pump is removing milk effectively and what can you do to troubleshoot if it's not. Andrea's recommendations for the most effective pumps. How to size your flange and what do the settings mean on your pump. PLUS Rachel's NICU breastfeeding story. Portable/Wearable Pumps: subscribepage.com/pumps Legendairy Milk Discount: ANDREA15OFF MILK SUPPLY SOS CLASS

Continuing our conversation about combo feeding and the effect it may have on your supply. If you have breastfeeding goals but are also thinking about combo feeding, this is a must listen. Learn the top two things that predict breastfeeding success. Faith's NICU breastfeeding story. ENROLL in Empowered Breastfeeding Membership MILK SUPPLY SOS CLASS

Is ALL formula usage "necessary"? Andrea breaks down why this statement is false and it's not as simple as "as long as baby is fed it doesn't matter". How the Bobbie Formula Shortage is exposing all of the risks of formula feeding even if people don't want to admit it. Laleh's story of gaslighting and lack of informed consent in her NICU breasfeeding journey. You won't believe what the doctors did to her baby WITHOUT HER CONSENT. MUST LISTEN!!!!

Andrea talks through the controversial breastfeeding brand billboard that was taken down in NYC and why it's not all it's cracked up to be when it comes to breastfeeding support. Swehl's "lactation essentials kit" is completely unnecessary for a new mom. Enroll for real support>> https://instinctualmothering.thrivecart.com/empowered-breastfeeding-academy/ Andrea talks through conflicting feelings around weaning her son. Halley's Breastfeeding Story instagram.com/shiftedmotherhood

Does breastfeeding CAUSE maternal mental health issues? That's what everyone on social media says, right? Evidence says the opposite. Dozens of studies, actually. Andrea is combatting the myths about breastfeeding and mental health, what ACTUALLY causes depression and why it's not breastfeeding alone and more importantly why mothers deserve better than to believe this myth. Join the Empowered Breastfeeding Club and get REAL ROOT CAUSE HELP instead of a band aid approach: https://instinctualmothering.thrivecart.com/empowered-breastfeeding-academy/ YOUR BREAST SLEEP: https://instinctualmothering.thrivecart.com/your-breast-sleep/ Look at the studies yourself: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6096620/#CR76 https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/full/10.1089/jwh.2021.0504 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26494433/ https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00737-017-0805-y https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26494433/

Imagine being completely horrified when a doctor tells you your newborn needs to be "put on ice" moments after birth because of a possible lack of oxygen during birth? That's what Molly (@mollylauf) had to deal with in her first pregnancy. What followed was a redemptive breastfeeding journey that caused her some lasting anxiety and led to decisions she later realizes were borne out of the trauma from the NICU. She then went on to make completely different choices in her next two births. This episode is a lengthy but amazing conversation about the way motherhood changes you, regrets and the mindset shift that is so difficult but necessary to surrender to motherhood. NICU guide: subcribepage.com/NICU Toddler Night Weaning Workshop MAY 20: https://instinctualmothering.thrivecart.com/breastfeeding-12-months-workshop/

Did you know birth interventions affect breastfeeding? In this episode, I talk about how things like: epidurals pitocin inductions forceps and vacuum delivery suctioning circumcision vaXXines can affect how a baby breastfeeds. If you're having a hospital birth you don't wanna miss it! Get the handy PDF if you want ways to avoid these interventions PLUS what to do if you end up with them in order to optimize breastfeeding. Boob Proof your Birth Plan subscribepage.com/boobproof TODDLER WEANING WORKSHOP>> https://instinctualmothering.thrivecart.com/breastfeeding-12-months-workshop/ Jordan share her story of a 26 week birth and her fight for donor milk and also gives tips on finding a milk donor. NICU breastfeeding guide: subscribepage.com/NICU

What gear do you REALLY need for breastfeeding and what is a waste of money? Andrea breaks it down as a minimalist who hates wasting money. If you don't want to spend money of useless stuff, listen to this episode. Bottle and Pacifier Guide Empowered Breastfeeding Academy

What can you do, if anything, to ensure a robust milk supply during pregnancy? In this podcast I cover: *prenatal colostrum expression *when you start producing milk *get your milk supply off to a good start *teas, lactation cookies and other supplements * key information you need to know in order to boost your supply Steph Rempel Boob Proof Your Birth Plan

Benefits of Breastfeeding go beyond just "reduced ear infections" We talk about affects of breastfeeding in terms of: Caner Autoimmune Conditions Infections Postpartum Mood Disorders Obesity Cholesterol and MORE! Get in depth informed consent at my new class, Liquid Gold LIVE Taylor Fisher shares her breastfeeding stories: Twins and supplementing https://www.instagram.com/fishtaylfertility/

It's a RAD MOM takeover! Natasha Vargas-Cooper my partner in silly-goose lactivism is here to talk about how breastfeeding brought her back from feeling out of control of her body during a c section, and how one old school IBCLC catapulted her into radical mom-hood. *the outrageous advice a doctor gave her mom about breastfeeding. *why she became BFFs with the anesthesiologist during her c section *we chat weaning strategies and when to stop nursing on demand *toddler poop battles Night Weaning Webinar JOIN THE RAD MOMS! https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_-lKsnOHgTkGJIXqGHAMuyw?fbclid=IwAR1KSOhTMxbPt1J1UDQ26lF0x0OnvUYiyBEt10bXr0yN--KqJXjTk1L1iQo_aem_AU3Xj_bLCQqSq9BCVgAwAZ-76cxCmh2XewJkhlEdzgMXGslpMkrxEFtYZnNfcW5D3NmasbmAmtBpFZz3wM2IlEhL#/registration Empowered Breastfeeding Academy> https://instinctualmothering.thrivecart.com/empowered-breastfeeding-academy/

Did you know that 85% of American women want to breastfeed but only about 25% are doing it exclusively at 6 months? What are some of the reasons about this? I go through 3 mistakes I see women making when they are pregnant and saying they are "going to try" to breastfeed. We are all focusing on the wrong things when it comes to thinking about preparing for breastfeeding. How budgeting and planning for things like house cleaners and childcare for older kids is "breastfeeding prep" Sign up for Empowered Breastfeeding Academy- get empowered

How did I use the freebirth principles to help my health anxiety???? Formula supplementation can kill your supply- but what about if your baby has a health issue and needs it? I go over the top two reasons for formula supplementation in the hospital and how you can avoid it. Hypoglycemia and Jaundice The importance of learning hand expression. Nina's story of being sabotaged with her twin birth and breastfeeding experience by supplementing right away and how she's doing things differently the second time around. Boob Proof your Birth Plan Empowered Breastfeeding Academy https://instinctualmothering.thrivecart.com/empowered-breastfeeding-academy/

Breastfeeding After a Pregnancy Loss Sarah the Pregnancy After Loss Doula shares her story about how the pregnancy ending in loss of her first child greatly affected her pregnancy, postpartum and breastfeeding of her second. Empowered Breastfeeding Academy- get $20 off full year enrollment by using code PREPPED23 Sarah on Fierce Lizzie

What supplements, foods and drugs to increase milk supply ACTUALLY work and which ones are bull

Why does it seem like everyone and their mother struggles with low breastmilk supply these days? How common is low supply REALLY? *PCOS, thyroid and insulin conditions that cause low supply *what does IVF have to do with low milk supply? *what is difference between primary and secondary low supply? ⁠Boob Proof Your Birth Plan⁠ Judy's low supply journey and how her birth plan got completely sabotaged. How she took back her power by continuing to breastfeed through low supply.

Replay of masterclass from 2/19 on Building Breastfeeding, birth or motherhood based business from home. Enroll in Breastfeeding Business Accelerator- enrollment closes 2/23. I'M READY!!!

Sign up for the class: Build a Breastfeeding Business from Home Vanessa is sharing her story about how she desired a natural birth but was gaslit by her providers who advertised as a more natural and holistic birth center but pressured her to induce. She also shares her story of postpartum anxiety, embracing cosleeping and being inspired to start her platform, Milknmentalhealth. Vanessa's Substack ASK A QUESTION ON THE PODAST!

Is it normal to pump 45 ounces in the morning? Is breastfeeding bad for your mental health? Andrea breaks down the worst and most irritating breastfeeding social media trends that exist plus shares one POSITIVE thing about breastfeeding and social media. Joanne's Breastfeeding Story Q&A- pumping when going back to work. Submit your own question. TECH TOOLS for breastfeeding businesses WAITLIST for breastfeeding business accelerator

IBCDEFG what???? Looking into how to become a lactation consultant can be confusing! I'm breaking it down in this episode all about the different types of lactation professionals. If you missed my story and what path I took- make sure you listen to last week's podcast! What is the difference between an LC, CLC or IBCLC? What certification will allow me to work with moms? What can I do with a CLC? What are the requirements to achieve the IBCLC title? Free Tech Tools Guide Breastfeeding Business Accelerator- waitlist

Follow me on Instagram! @instinctualmothering *why I never went back to teaching *why my husband wanted me to go back to teaching *why I decided not to go for IBCLC *how I started Instinctual Mothering *can you help women breastfeed without a certification? DEADLINE FOR GIVEAWAY 2/12>> Fill out the entry form BREASTFEEDING TECH TOOLS TO START YOUR BUSINESS IN UNDER 7 DAYS!

Where does the myth "breastfeeding benefits are overblown" on social media come from and what is it based on? *who is Emily Oster? *breakdown of the PROBIT TRIAL and the Sibling Study *what benefits does breastfeeding have for mom? *is breastfeeding truly bad for your mental health? PLUS: Featured Breastfeeding Story Breastfeeding Through a Custody Battle Kaitlyn Jorgenson on IG: Kaitlyn Jorgensen | The Family Court Strategist™ (@kaitlyn.jorgensen) • Instagram photos and videos Radical Moms Union: Emily Oster is Full of Shit (17) No Economists in the Nursery - by Andrea (substack.com) Enter the Milk Diaries Giveaway: https://airtable.com/appRIyWmxAoO5xNdm/shref5pHAupMHEg4u Sibling Study: Is breast truly best? Estimating the effects of breastfeeding on long-term child health and wellbeing in the United States using sibling comparisons - PubMed (nih.gov) PROBIT: Promotion of Breastfeeding Intervention Trial (PROBIT): a randomized trial in the Republic of Belarus - PubMed (nih.gov)

5 random, irrelevant facts about Andrea you never asked including: *why did I get fired from my first teaching job? *did I kill a chicken with my bare hands? *what was my first major in college and why did I transfer? Thanks for listening!!!! Subscribe, review and share for a chance at a giveaway! Enter the Giveaway: https://airtable.com/appRIyWmxAoO5xNdm/shref5pHAupMHEg4u