Natasha Allen-Hallyburton, Lactation Consultant - IBCLC

03/08/2026

Some claims get a lot of airplay because they appeal to the masses. Good research is often more boring (aka less newsworthy) but more accurate…

Your Milk Isn't "Boy Milk" or "Girl Milk"

Our study has shown there is in macronutrients based on your 's *x.
We analysed milk from 161 mother-infant pairs from Denmark and Australia, measuring protein, lactose, fat, and energy. In the Australian infants, actual 24-hour milk intake was measured.
The result: across both countries, there were in milk composition or in how much milk, protein, fat, lactose, or energy babies took in over 24 hours, whether they were boys or girls.
This challenges the idea, partly inspired by studies in animals like macaques, that mothers unconsciously change composition according to whether they are a girl or boy. Our , including this study, doesn't back that up. Many other things impact milk macronutrients composition like the time after birth and time of day, not your baby's s*x.
So, if you've worried your milk isn't "tailored enough" for your son or daughter specifically, you can let that go. In terms of macronutrients and energy it's built for babies, not "boy babies" or "girl babies."

Source: Honoré et al., Nutrients 2025, 17, 3647.
https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/17/23/3647

18/11/2025

Another paper from Abi Wheeler's soon to be submitted PhD looking at how, amongst women scoring high for birth trauma symptoms, breastfeeding experience really matters.

For women who wanted to breastfeed, being able to helped ease their experiences of birth trauma, whereas when breastfeeding difficulties arose, this could exacerbate birth trauma.

Lots of women experienced pressure to give formula, particularly if milk supply was taking time (which can happen after a difficult birth). The study is likely weighted towards those who wanted to breastfeed, but it again highlights the importance of asking women about their breastfeeding / feeding goals and working with them to meet those, rather than always trying to solve breastfeeding complications with formula

Full paper here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0266613825003845

26/09/2025

Colostrum is important!

31/07/2025

“You did this to yourself.”
That’s what a woman said when I mentioned I was tired the other day.

Actually her words were “you screwed yourself girlfriend” and “try giving her a bottle”

Because I co-sleep.
Because I breastfeed.
Because I chose presence over convenience.

Yes, I’m tired.
But I didn’t “screw myself.”
I surrendered. Willingly.

There is a sacrifice in mothering this way…
in being the anchor at 3am,
regulating your babes nervous system while taking care of your soul as well,
the arms that never fully clock out.

But sacrifice doesn’t mean self-erase
I haven’t lost myself.
In fact, parts of me have only awakened through this surrender.

This path asks so much.
And still, it’s the one that feels right to me.

To the mothers walking this edge
of service and selfhood,
of devotion and fatigue

I see you.
You’re not wrong.
You’re not alone.
You’re just deep in it.

Raising the next generation.

And that is sacred. 💛

27/03/2025

This will be such a valuable group to be part of!

Let’s do this! I’m so excited to announce I’m running my first Solihull parenting group next month! We will cover topics including sleeping, feeding, development, connection and so much more. The best part? You get to connect with like-minded parents and form connections. Comment “parent” and I’ll message you all of the info. I can’t wait to learn with you all. 🧠💪🏻🥰

20/06/2024

💗ADHD & MOTHERHOOD💗

This is such a great illustration of why so many women with ADHD seem to manage ok in life right up until motherhood comes along.

💗Does this reflect your experience? It sure reflects mine!

2303 likes, 202 comments. “I made it to 35 without even an inkling that I have ADHD. Motherhood tipped me over the edge, it put such a demand on my executive functioning that was beyond my ability to cope with. For many women they grt into their 50s. And it’s only due to increased information (d...

18/06/2024

💗BREAST SURGERY💗

Breast reduction surgery and/or breast lift is associated with an increased risk of breastfeeding problems,
particularly low milk supply

One study found that 73% of women who had undergone breast reduction surgery reported insufficient milk compared to 40% of those who hadn’t

So if you’ve had breast surgery be aware that you may need extra support to achieve your breastfeeding goals

A 1:1 antenatal breastfeeding consultation can help you plan and prepare to give yourself the best chance of creating a full milk supply and reaching your breastfeeding goals

💗 Message me to book a consultation today