04/09/2025
Lots of questions recently about which brands of things I'd recommend, and the answer is, I wouldn't!
On an individual basis working with families I will provide information about types of products, and sometimes guidance if asked, for example on teat shapes, shield sizes, pump types, but that will be based on the whole picture of their situation, what they want and need.
But I'm not, and never will be, an Influencer.
The reason being, I don't WANT to influence you in any way! This is your journey, not mine.
Breastfeeding support should be completely individualised, holistic and impartial. It should not be funded by marketing departments who have an ulterior motive.
Companies often ask to partner with me and promote their products, and some of those products I actually genuinely love! But as a breastfeeding professional, it's not something I'll be doing. (Even if the pay check is pretty tempting sometimes 🤣)
It's not about stopping those that are breastfeeding from using or having information about products (oof though there are some things that need to get in the bin). I live in the real world where most families use some sort of breastfeeding tool or equipment, pumps, shields, bottles and more...I know families use them and fully support them. But each family's choice will be different so it'll never be 'one size fits all', and those decisions shouldn't be impacted by marketing.
When we're breastfeeding we're often vulnerable, and at times feel desperate. We'd do anything to make sleep better/get rid of pain/boost supply/settle our unhappy baby/get them to take a bottle, so we're a target audience for companies to persuade us they can help (when they often can't, or even make things worse) And it's usually done in a way that really undermines breastfeeding, and what we think and feel about ourselves.
It's unfair to exploit people in this way.
So, no, you won't find me recommending or endorsing any brands. (Unless Tom Hardy needs some help advertising his new show, and I'll do that for free. Actually I'll pay him!)