*We recorded this episode back in February (2025) during a time when doctors went on strike in Jamaica which, in many ways, would have put already vulnerable communities (like women - pregnant women) in even greater positions of vulnerability.. You will hear Simeca make reference to this at around the 9:30 time stamp.

In our first time with a male guest, we welcomed Sean Lord, a counsellor and social worker.

As we’ve continued to engage in conversations that go beyond the surface when it comes to breastfeeding and breastfeeding support, we dared to venture into the world of social work. Believe it or not, there’s an interconnectedness with breastfeeding support and social work. Not many new born or breastfeeding mothers who need the services of a social worker actually benefit from them, and that’s unfortunate.

In this episode, Sean and Simeca conceptualise vulnerability and discuss how vulnerable moms require the input of social workers. They also venture into a discussion that highlights the role social workers play in the lives of members of the breastfeeding community.

The discussion takes a turn that the audience might not expect as not much of it highlights breastfeeding and breastfeeding support and goes beyond social work and the work of lactation consultants. The focus is more on the vulnerabilities within communities of expectant or newborn moms who are already vulnerable simply because of their gender. Additionally, the reality of it all is that if we (as a people and relevant resources) can't address the pressing needs of vulnerable women, we won't be able to do the specialised work we want to do or need to do in order to help mothers build that bond with their child(ren).

Many tidbits came out of the conversation:

The guest mentioned that in order to help and support expectant mothers and newborn moms, boys and men need to be more involved in the approach. He also mentioned that for social workers to be more effective, specialisations are required. It can’t all be family life social workers. There are far too many intricate issues for there to be so few specialist social workers.

We could write about the entirety of the discussion, but it would be more meaningful to listen. We hope you enjoy this one as much as we did.

Resources for women and teenaged mothers in Jamaica:

The Bureau of Gender Affairs (instagram.com/bgajamaica)

Woman Inc (womanincja.org)

The Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation (womenscentreja.com)

Eve for Life (eveforlife.org)

Since we recorded this episode, we made some changes and updates! Keep up with Simeca on Instagram @cradleoflifelactation and keep an eye out for the Cradled Titty Talk Instagram content @thecradledtittytalkpodcast.ja

Whoever said that competitors in the same field of practice can’t get along lied to you.

In this episode, Simeca sits with Jessica Salmon to discuss the journey into the IBCLC world as mothers and business women. Much like the episode with Janiya M. Williams (first episode of the podcast), this one highlights the struggles faced in the breastfeeding world for non-white mothers.

Unlike the first episode, however, both our host and guest are Jamaican-based. Though Jessica is not a born-Jamaican, she has operated in the country and understands the issues faced; thus making the episode, perhaps, more relatable to the Jamaican mom.

Being a non-Jamaican IBCLC, Jessica was able to shed a little light on her own unique journey into the field and how she had to adapt to the country’s culture, while being a mom, wife, and business woman. The discussion included conversations about Jessica’s business, Honeysuckle Motherhood, her ‘Double Your Milk Supply’ workbook and her ‘Guide to the first 90 days’ with your baby initiative.

This one felt a lot like two long-lost friends catching up and it’s made clear by the fun and relaxed tone shared between host and guest. It’s heartwarming, welcoming, and in some cases tear-jerking as both ladies shared intimate stories pertaining to their journeys as moms and how they both inspired each other at the start of their IBCLC careers and continue to inspire each other.

If you’re a listener hoping to venture into the breastfeeding support world, use this conversation as a sign that it is possible and rewarding. Use it as an example that competition does not have to mean arch nemesis. It can mean great collaboration, inspiration, and maybe even friendship.

To connect with Jessica, follow her on Instagram @honeysuckle.motherhood to stay in touch.

“It’s not just about having a chunky baby.” - Simeca Alexander Williamson

In this episode, Simeca goes solo to discuss a recent case (within the last six months of the episode’s publication) of a ‘failure to thrive’ experience.

She starts by explaining to listeners what ‘failure to thrive’ means in the world of breastfeeding. Where she mentions growth charts for babies and the expected path to progression in terms of weight gain.

Simeca mentions including diagrams to illustrate the growth charts. However, Spotify doesn’t allow us to share diagrams. So, our quick fix is to direct you to a growth chart resource. You may head to the following link to access it: Using WHO Growth Standard Charts | Growth Chart Training | CDC

Simeca then proceeds to break the case down into manageable bits and pieces that are digestible for the audience. The mom in this case is a second-time mother whose baby had a tongue tie and was not gaining weight after six weeks.

This episode highlights some key concerns and steps to address the issues:

• Signs to look out for in a potential ‘failure to thrive’ baby

• Postpartum fog

• Positioning (the correct baby hold) - Pace bottle feeding

• Increasing milk supply

• Fast flow bottle usage versus slower flow bottles with a gradual slope or the breast

• Flanging

• Identifying progressive suckling (nutritive sucks vs non nutritive sucks)

• The ‘fine line’ between misguided suggestions from the paediatricians and OBGYN vs correct guidance from lactation consultant

• The importance of following up with your lactation consultant in good time

The hope here is that newborn mothers, other interested parties, and even students preparing to enter the breastfeeding world will be educated based on Simeca’s experience and actions. They will be able to note key points and apply them to their own experiences.

Good News! Simeca shared, “I spoke with mommy about a week ago and the baby was now at 3.3 kg compared to just a .2kg in a six week period. So I am very excited about that! Of course, follow up has to be done with the paediatrician and it’s more ideal when [we - paediatrician and I] can speak with each other just in case we have technical terms [that need clarification]. It’s better when it’s a wholesome and integrated approach in terms of health; especially in a specific case like ‘failure to thrive’.

Simeca handles this case and many others on a daily basis with her clients. A major point to note is that all pregnancies are different, and as such, all breastfeeding journeys are different. As Cradle of Life’s chief lactation consultant, Simeca has the experience, skills, and tools to help mothers and their newborns along their breastfeeding journey, despite the challenges that may present themselves.

You may connect with and contact her via the website, https://cradleoflifeltd.com/ to book a consultation with her.