"It’s about having choices, being informed, and feeling in control of my body and birth. That’s what I wanted."

"I think it's really lovely to be able to, you know, enjoy breastfeeding, which was never something I felt would ever happen with my first journey."

Alison’s journey through birth and breastfeeding was marked by resilience and adaptation. Initially unprepared, she faced painful breastfeeding struggles, complications during her first home birth, and a hospital readmission due to her baby’s weight loss. Diagnosed with insufficient breast tissue, she turned to donor milk, aligning with her ethical vegan beliefs. For her second child, she chose an empowering freebirth and successfully supplemented her milk supply with donor milk. In this interview, Alison highlights the power of community, informed choices, and perseverance, encouraging new mothers to seek support and reminding them that challenges are temporary.

00:00 Introduction to the Holding Time Podcast

00:41 Alison's Breastfeeding Journey Begins

01:23 Challenges and Misconceptions

02:40 Birth Experiences and Their Impact

06:05 Finding Confidence and Control

08:52 The Role of Donor Milk

12:53 Community Support and Empowerment

23:46 Reflections and Advice for New Mothers

25:53 Conclusion and Gratitude

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