Episodes

  • Breastfeeding & Mental Health – How to Know When It’s Helping or Hurting
    Apr 25 2025

    Breastfeeding can be an incredible bonding experience, but moms need to prioritize their mental health to achieve this.

    In this episode of The Latch Lounge, host Amber Ginn, IBCLC, dives deep into the complex relationship between breastfeeding and mental health. Amber tackles the mom guilt, shame, and societal pressures that moms often face, offering practical, no-judgment advice to help you navigate your feeding journey.

    Whether you’re struggling with breastfeeding, feeling overwhelmed, or wondering if it’s time to make a change, this episode will empower you to prioritize your mental health and make decisions that work for you and your baby.

    Key Topics Covered:

    • The truth about “mommy guilt” and why it’s okay to admit breastfeeding is hard.
    • How societal pressures and marketing can complicate your feeding choices.
    • Recognizing when breastfeeding is impacting your mental health—positively or negatively.
    • The importance of understanding your “why” behind breastfeeding decisions.

    00:00 Introduction to Mommy Guilt and Mental Health

    01:11 The Reality of Motherhood

    01:57 Challenges of Breastfeeding

    03:08 Mental Health and Breastfeeding

    05:11 Making Informed Decisions

    07:20 Balancing Expectations and Reality

    09:43 The Importance of Support Systems


    Resources:

    TheLatchLink.com

    Free Breastfeeding Guide

    Book Your Virtual Consult Today!

    Stay Connected:

    YouTube

    Instagram

    FaceBook

    Pinterest

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    19 mins
  • Navigating Breastfeeding Care in the U.S.
    Apr 18 2025

    The healthcare system in the United States can be tough to navigate—and that’s putting it nicely. So how do you begin to find the breastfeeding support you deserve?

    I’m Amber Ginn, IBCLC, and I’m here to breakdown in-person vs. virtual lactation support in the U.S., and how you can find the support you deserve. You’ll get the straight-up truth on what works, why you’re already paying for help through insurance, and how to navigate the healthcare system for quality lactation care.

    What You’ll Learn:

    • The gaps in continuity of care for maternal health and lactation support.
    • How insurance covers lactation care—why you need to use it.
    • Benefits of virtual lactation care vs in-person care.
    • Confidence to find support that fits your needs.

    Do not wait to reach out until things are a mess—you deserve care now! Virtual lactation support gives you expert help that sticks around, teaches you the “why” behind the “how,” and meets you right where you are—no judgment, no pressure. You’re already paying for this through insurance, so why not use it? Reach out now—whether things are smooth or a mess, I’ve got your back.

    00:00 Welcome to the Latch Lounge Podcast

    01:22 Overview of Maternal Healthcare in the US

    02:28 Challenges in Breastfeeding Care

    03:18 Importance of insurance Coverage for Lactation Care

    03:56 The Role of IBCLCs in Breastfeeding Support

    04:37 Addressing the Demand for Lactation Consultants

    04:55 The Latch Link: Revolutionizing Lactation Care

    09:10 Virtual Care vs. In-Home Care

    13:13 Empowering Mothers with Knowledge and Support

    16:35 Conclusion: You Deserve Quality Lactation Care

    Resources:

    TheLatchLink.com

    Free Breastfeeding Guide

    Book Your Virtual Consult Today!

    Stay Connected:

    YouTube

    Instagram

    FaceBook

    Pinterest

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    18 mins
  • The Truth About Baby Formula – A No-BS Deep Dive
    Apr 11 2025

    Today we’re discussing the truth about baby formula. I know baby formula’s a loaded topic. Maybe you’re curious, maybe you’re stressed, or maybe you’re just tired of the guilt trips. Wherever you’re at in your breastfeeding journey, I’ve got you.

    I’m Amber Ginn, IBCLC, and in this episode, I’m cutting through the noise with a no-BS look at baby formula—its messy past, its vital role today, and how it can work for you.

    We will be discussing the truths behind baby formula, debunking formula myths, revealing the dark side of formula companies, and providing expert insights on how to safely use baby formula.

    Here’s what you’ll learn:

    • The historical issues and ethical concerns related to formula companies—yeah, it’s bad, and I’ll tell you why it still matters.
    • The necessity and benefits of formula for many mothers.
    • The need for nuance in discussing baby formula and for a balanced perspective that acknowledges the realities of both formula and breastfeeding.
    • Real tips: How to prepare baby formula safely, why ready-made formula can be a lifesaver, and why I recommend European brands for baby formula.

    Key takeaways:

    • Formula’s a tool, not a failure. Need sleep? Struggling with supply? You’re allowed to use it and still rock breastfeeding.
    • Prepare it the right way: Boil that water for powdered formula and check the label for instructions.
    • Stash some ready-made baby formula for emergencies. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.
    • Find an IBCLC who gets it. You deserve a plan that matches your life, not someone else’s agenda.

    Why this matters to you:

    I’m not here to preach or overwhelm you—I’m here to hand you the facts and help you make confident, informed decisions in your breastfeeding journey.

    00:14 The Controversy Surrounding Baby Formula

    01:53 Modern-Day Formula Use

    02:21 Marketing and Formula Companies

    03:20 The Importance of Nuance in Formula Discussions

    06:26 Choosing the Right Formula

    07:37 Proper Formula Preparation

    09:35 Deciding When to Introduce Formula

    10:54 Empowering Mothers in Their Breastfeeding Journey

    Resources:

    TheLatchLink.com

    Free Breastfeeding Guide

    Book Your Virtual Consult Today!

    Stay Connected:

    YouTube

    Instagram

    FaceBook

    Pinterest

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    16 mins
  • What to Eat While Breastfeeding – The Best Foods for Milk Supply
    Apr 4 2025

    Breastfeeding’s no walk in the park, and figuring out what to eat shouldn’t make it harder.

    I’m Amber Ginn, IBCLC, and in this episode of The Latch Lounge, I’m going over the best foods for breastfeeding mothers to support and enhance their milk supply

    Here’s What You’ll Learn:

    Eat Enough, Seriously: Breastfeeding moms need 2,500–3,000 calories a day. Skimping isn’t an option—your body’s doing big work.

    The Importance of Macronutrients:

    • Protein: Go for the good stuff—eggs, meat, jerky. Aim for about 1 gram per pound of your lean body weight. More won’t hurt, so load up!
    • Carbs: Ripe fruit, honey, or even a sugar hit can power you through and help you sleep (trust me, try it).
    • Fat: My fave! Add some butter on that oatmeal, grab full-fat dairy, or cook with coconut oil. Your hormones (and milk) will thank you.

    Foods & Boosts I Love:

    • Butter’s your new BFF—add it everywhere.
    • Try magnesium (glycinate for calm, malate for energy), desiccated beef liver, or oyster extract. Links to my picks are below!
    • Seaweed, bone broth, Brazil nuts? Yes, they’re packed with the good stuff.

    Stay Hydrated: Don’t just sip plain water, go for mineral-rich options like bone broth or electrolyte drinks.

    Keep It Real: Grass-fed isn’t a must. Work with what you’ve got—good quality protein, fat, and carbs beat perfection every time.

    The Bottom Line: You don’t need to overhaul everything. Start with simple swaps (margarine for butter, etc), sip that Dr. Pepper if it’s your jam—just prioritize fueling yourself right.

    Supplements Mentioned:

    • My go-to magnesium (glycinate & malate)
    • Desiccated beef liver supplement 15% OFF
    • Oyster extract supplement

    Stick Around: Hit subscribe for more breastfeeding support every week. Got a question? Drop it in the comments—I’m here for you. 💛 Let’s make breastfeeding simpler, together.

    01:03 Caloric Needs for Breastfeeding Moms

    02:07 Understanding Macros: Carbs, Protein, and Fats

    03:34 The Importance of Carbs in Your Diet

    06:02 Best Sources of Protein

    07:09 Why Fat is Essential for Breastfeeding

    11:14 Supplements for Whole Body Support

    14:25 Hydration and Additional Nutritional Tips

    16:04 Final Thoughts on Nutrition and Self-Care

    Resources:

    TheLatchLink.com

    Free Breastfeeding Guide

    Book Your Virtual Consult Today!

    Stay Connected:

    YouTube

    Instagram

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    19 mins
  • Returning to Work While Breastfeeding – How to Keep Your Supply Up
    Mar 28 2025

    How can you prepare for returning to work as a breastfeeding mom? How can you keep your supply up? What can you do to prepare you and your baby for this transition?

    In this episode of the Latch Lounge podcast, Amber Ginn, IBCLC, answers the top questions from breastfeeding moms about returning to work.

    Covering topics such as when to start pumping, the best bottles for breastfed babies, maintaining milk supply, suitable foods and drinks, making pumping more comfortable, and managing emotional challenges, Amber provides expert insights and practical advice to help you prepare for this transition.

    She emphasizes individualized plans and shares personal experiences to help mothers navigate the transition back to work while continuing to breastfeed.

    She’s Answering Top Questions from Breastfeeding Moms About Returning to Work:

    Q 1 How soon should you start pumping before returning to work?

    Q 2 What are the best bottles to use for breastfed babies when returning to work?

    Q 3 How can you effectively maintain your milk supply while working?

    Q 5 Are there any food or drinks that can help boost your supply?

    Q 6 How can I make pumping at work more comfortable & efficient?

    Q 7 What should I do if I don’t have a private space to pump at work?

    Q 8 How can I handle the emotional challenges of being away from my baby?

    Q 9 What are some tips for building a freezer stash before returning to work?

    Q 10 How can I prepare my baby for the transition when I return to work?

    00:00 Welcome to the Latch Lounge Podcast

    00:07 Q&A Introduction and Episode Overview

    01:10 Question 1: When to Start Pumping Before Returning to Work

    02:02 Question 2: Best Bottles for Breastfed Babies

    03:37 Question 3: Maintaining Milk Supply While Working

    05:09 Question 5: Foods and Drinks to Boost Milk Supply

    08:25 Question 6: Making Pumping at Work Comfortable and Efficient

    09:31 Question 7: No Private Space to Pump? Know Your Rights

    10:55 Question 8: Handling Emotional Challenges of Being Away from Baby

    12:49 Question 9: Tips for Building a Freezer Stash Before Returning to Work

    14:40 Question 10: Preparing Baby for the Transition

    16:34 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    Resources:

    TheLatchLink.com

    Free Breastfeeding Guide

    Book Your Virtual Consult Today!

    Stay Connected:

    YouTube

    Instagram

    FaceBook

    Pinterest

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    19 mins
  • Signs of a Good Latch – What to Look for & How to Fix It
    Mar 21 2025

    What are the signs of a good latch during breastfeeding? What do you need to look for, and how can you fix it?

    In this episode, Amber Ginn, IBCLC, dives into one of the most common breastfeeding challenges: achieving a good latch. Whether you’re dealing with discomfort or just want to ensure you’re on the right track, this episode is packed with practical tips and advice to help you and your baby thrive.

    What You’ll Learn:

    - What a good latch looks like

    - Why pain isn’t “normal” (but it’s common)

    - Body alignment matters

    - Effective breastfeeding positions

    - Pro tips for success: Let baby come to you, don’t hesitate to re-latch, and embrace skin-to-skin contact.

    Highlights from this episode:

    - Painful latch? Don’t panic—it’s fixable! Amber walks you through troubleshooting tucked lips, poor positioning, and more.

    - Got a boxer baby flailing those arms? Let them hug the breast—it’s part of their natural feeding reflexes.

    - Skin-to-skin isn’t just for the golden hour—it’s a game-changer at any stage of your breastfeeding journey.

    More from this episode:

    Grab the Latch Look Book - a visual guide to what a good latch looks like.

    00:00 Today’s topic: Signs of a Good Latch

    00:46 Welcome to The Latch Lounge Podcast

    01:24 Understanding Breastfeeding Pain

    02:33 What a Good Latch Looks Like

    07:03 Ensuring a Proper Latch

    08:08 Body Alignment and Positioning for a Good Latch

    13:34 Tips for Managing Baby's Movements

    14:29 Final Tips for a Successful Latch

    16:02 Conclusion and Resources

    Resources:

    TheLatchLink.com

    Free Breastfeeding Guide

    Book Your Virtual Consult Today!

    Stay Connected:

    YouTube

    Instagram

    FaceBook

    Pinterest

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    16 mins
  • How to Increase Milk Supply – What Actually Works
    Mar 14 2025

    Struggling with milk supply? You’re not alone. In this episode, Amber Ginn, IBCLC with over a decade of helping thousands of moms navigate the ups and downs of breastfeeding, is sharing practical tips and advice to boost your milk supply—without the overwhelm or guilt.

    It’s not as simple as “pump more, make more”—your body’s more complicated than that. Let’s get you confident, in control, and understanding how to effectively increase your milk supply.


    What You’ll Learn:

    • How to effectively increase your milk supply.
    • Why milk supply goes beyond demand—and what really drives it.
    • Practical tips for milk removal (breast or pump) with simple checks.
    • The role of stress, sleep, and diet in your flow.
    • Hydration done right—no gym-bro water jugs needed.
    • When lactation supplements help (and when they don’t).
    • Signs for when to seek professional help.

    Key Takeaways:

    • Milk Removal: Ensure baby’s latch is comfy; for pumping, fit your flanges (try a nipple measurer—linked below).
    • Diet & Hormones: Eat enough (protein, carbs, fat), sip mineralized water, get good sleep, and manage your stress—your hormones matter.
    • Supplements & Herbals: They’re a bonus, not a fix. Some of Amber’s favorite recommendations for herbals are hops, milky oats, & blue vervain. Recommended supplements from Legendairy Milk are linked below.
    • Red Flags: Poor diaper output, weight gain issues, or painful feeds? Reach out—I’m here.

    You’re the boss of your breastfeeding journey. Forget the social media hype—Amber will help you find what works for you and your baby. Subscribe for more real talk and breastfeeding support every week. You’ve got this. 💛

    More From This Episode:

    Nipple Measurer from Amazon

    Lengendairy Milk Supplements:

    Pump Princess

    Liquid Gold

    00:00 Welcome to the Latch Lounge Podcast

    01:56 Understanding Milk Supply

    02:49 Effective Milk Removal Techniques

    03:23 Choosing the Right Pump

    06:08 Hydration and Diet Tips

    08:37 Supplements and Lactation Aids

    13:05 When to Seek Professional Help

    14:55 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    Resources:

    TheLatchLink.com

    Free Breastfeeding Guide

    Book Your Virtual Consult Today!

    Stay Connected:

    YouTube

    Instagram

    FaceBook

    Pinterest

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    15 mins
  • Welcome to The Latch Lounge Podcast!
    Feb 28 2025

    Breastfeeding is natural, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, or just plain unsure if you’re doing it “right,” you’re not alone—and you’re in the right place.

    I’m Amber Ginn, IBCLC, and I’ve spent over a decade helping thousands of moms navigate the ups and downs of breastfeeding. The Latch Lounge is your go-to space for real, practical, no-BS breastfeeding advice that actually works for you and your baby. No guilt, no pressure—just expert guidance that meets you where you are.

    Each week, we’ll tackle the biggest breastfeeding questions and myths, from latch pain and supply struggles to pumping tips. You’ll get bite-sized, actionable strategies to help you feel confident and in control of your feeding journey—because you are the boss of your body and your baby’s needs.

    So if you’re ready to ditch the doubt and get the breastfeeding support you deserve, hit subscribe and join me every week. You’ve got this, and I’ve got you. Let’s make breastfeeding simpler, smoother, and stress-free—together. 💛

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    2 mins
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