Katherine's Breastfeeding Journey: Mastitis, Breast Refusal, Fast Letdown & the Products That Helped

Breastfeeding isn't always the natural, effortless journey it's often made out to be.

In this episode, Katherine shares her honest experience navigating breastfeeding—from battling mastitis twice, managing a fast letdown, and working through breast refusal, to coping with the isolation that can come with feeding challenges.

She also opens up about the products that genuinely made life easier, sharing the brands she reached for time and time again (without the overwhelm of endless recommendations).

In this episode we chat about:
• Recovering from mastitis and preventing it from returning
• Navigating breast refusal and the emotional impact
• Managing a fast letdown
• Pumping, feeding and milk collection essentials
• Katherine's favourite newborn and postpartum products
• Practical tips she'd recommend to every new mum

Whether you're currently breastfeeding, preparing for your baby's arrival, or supporting someone who is, this conversation is full of honest reflections, practical advice and reassurance that you're not alone. 🤍

This episode is proudly sponsored by:

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Katherine's Favourite Products

• Bottles: Bibs, Haakaa and Dr Brown's (glass). Swap to Pigeon teats as they're the closest to a natural nipple.
• Bottle Cleaning: Haakaa silicone bottle brush.
• Bottle Steriliser: Any steriliser that also dries bottles (Amazon has great options).
• Bottle Warmer: Not used personally.
• Electric Breast Pump: Spectra (gold standard) and Bubka Glow hands-free pump.
• Manual Pump: Haakaa Gen 3 suction pump.
• Colostrum Collection: Milk Co collection kit or syringes from your midwife.
• Letdown Catcher: Mammae (a daily essential).
• Milk Storage Bags: Standard disposable bags (found silicone versions harder to clean).
• Nappies & Wipes: Comfy Koala.
• Baby Wash, Shampoo & Nappy Cream: Beetle and Weleda.
• Baby Bath: Affordable bath from Baby Bunting.
• Nappy Caddy: Henlee (plus an inexpensive Temu caddy for another room).
• Change Mat: Henlee.
• Sleep Suits:
• Baby Monitor: Lollipop (phone-based monitoring).
• Maternity Bras: MILK and Mumma Mila (comfortable and leakproof). Wear Nala for daytime comfort.
• Breast Pads: Reusable bamboo breast pads from Baby Bunting.
• Lactation Tea: Mammae.
• Thermometer: Any reliable digital thermometer.
• Play Mat: Little Luxury organic cotton play mat.
• Breastfeeding Pillow: Affordable Kmart pillow (excellent for back support).
• Baby Bouncer: BabyBjörn Bouncer.