Neurodivergent-Informed Lactation Care with Rebekah Scroggy, IBCLC

In this episode of Behind the Latch, Margaret Salty interviews Rebekah Scroggy, IBCLC—a nurse, lactation consultant, and passionate advocate for neurodivergent-informed care. Rebekah shares how her personal experiences with autism and ADHD in her family, and eventually in herself, completely reshaped her approach to lactation support. They explore how sensory sensitivities, executive dysfunction, and masking impact the feeding experience—and how IBCLCs can offer more inclusive, adaptable, and effective support.Rebekah’s Journey into Lactation SupportRebekah shares how:Her son’s feeding struggles and her own traumatic experience with weight checks sparked her lactation curiosityVolunteering in a Facebook group led her to discover her passion for lactation supportShe left pediatric ER work and pursued public health before becoming an IBCLCHer transition to full-time private practice included advocacy, content creation, and contract work with Ceres Chill and The Better BoobAutism Diagnoses Changed EverythingRebekah explains:Her son and husband were both diagnosed with autism within the same summerLearning to support their needs helped her understand sensory overwhelm and rigidityShe began noticing her own sensory patterns and was later diagnosed with ADHDThese experiences fueled her desire to provide trauma-informed, neurodivergent-aware lactation careUnderstanding Sensory Needs in BreastfeedingThey discuss:How breastfeeding can create intense sensory input for both parent and babyWhy a baby might refuse to nurse during the day but accept the breast in a dark, quiet roomExamples of babies who need movement while nursing vs. babies who shut down with too much stimulationWhy flexibility, observation, and trial-and-error are key to careNeurodivergent Parents: What IBCLCs Should KnowRebekah highlights common struggles:Sensory overload (wet bras, milk on skin, baby grabbing, loud sounds)Executive dysfunction—difficulty following through on steps like getting dressed, eating, or pumpingMasking during consults—parents may appear to understand but feel lost after you leaveRigidity around feeding schedules, wake windows, and needing structureTools and Communication Tips for Inclusive CareRebekah recommends:Thorough, clear after-visit summaries with specific cues for when to reach outMulti-modal care plans—use words, visuals, and even video examplesJournaling or voice notes to help parents track and describe their experienceOffering realistic solutions, like moving a baby swing into the bathroom to facilitate self-careBuilding a More Inclusive Lactation CultureThey explore:Why all lactation professionals—not just those with lived experience—can and should support neurodivergent familiesThe importance of acknowledging when a case may be outside your scope and referring to othersHow including neurodivergent-friendly tools and communication strategies benefits all familiesGuest Info:Rebekah Scroggy, IBCLC is a nurse, lactation consultant, and mother who specializes in neurodivergent-informed lactation support. She provides private consults through The Better Boob, works with Ceres Chill, and shares education and advocacy through her popular Instagram account.📱 Instagram: @caffeinatedlactation🌐 Learn more: The Better Boob🍼 Products: Ceres

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