In the hundreds of interviews I’ve recorded since I started the podcast in 2018, I’ve noticed a common theme throughout and it’s one I couldn’t ignore: pregnant women are encouraged and inspired to actively prepare for their birth experience yet rarely encouraged to do the same for breastfeeding.

We live in a culture where breastfeeding is often hidden behind doors and under wraps (literally!).

Despite advocacy in recent years, breastfeeding is still something that is relatively private and unseen. It’s no surprise, therefore, that many new mothers know so little about the art of breastfeeding; they haven’t witnessed it, they rarely sit near a new mother and observe the act of feeding, detailed discussions around dinner tables or at social events are almost non-existent. It is, in many cultures and societies, shrouded in silence — little is known about it because so little is discussed.

This is a how-to guide and a friendly encouragement that will take you through the basics of breastfeeding, including the benefits of antenatal expressing, the magic of colostrum, the nutritional makeup of breastmilk, essentials for the first few months and a list of resources to have on hand when you feel like you need support and advice from a professional.