Whole-Person Lactation: A Conversation with Nikki Lee

In this episode of Behind the Latch, Margaret Salty interviews Nikki Lee—nurse, lactation consultant, educator, and passionate advocate for whole-person care. They explore what it truly means to practice holistic lactation support, the power of touch, how to integrate craniosacral therapy into lactation visits, and why honoring the parent-baby dyad requires more than just clinical skill.Nikki’s Journey into Holistic Lactation SupportNikki shares how:Her personal experience with trauma and her mother's breastfeeding shaped her worldviewBecoming a nurse and then a mother guided her into lactation workPublic health taught her to “be a guest in people’s lives” and see the full pictureGrandparenting has opened new insights into intergenerational support and growthWhat Holistic Lactation Care Really MeansNikki defines holistic care as:Treating people as whole beings—not just a set of symptoms or body partsConsidering physical, emotional, energetic, and spiritual dimensions of healthPaying attention to the space, energy, relationships, and dynamics in the homeLetting intuition, observation, and deep listening guide care—not just checklistsIntegrating Craniosacral Therapy into Lactation CareIn this episode, you’ll hear:How Nikki uses gentle, intention-based touch to support healingWhy craniosacral therapy isn’t manipulation, but rather listening through the handsHow this work calms the nervous system and boosts oxytocin for both parent and babyThe importance of in-person, hands-on training to learn this modality safely and ethicallyCase Study: When the Problem Isn’t Just the LatchNikki walks through a powerful case example:A mother presented with nipple pain, oversupply, and a baby refusing the breastCraniosacral therapy helped both parent and baby regulate and reconnectThe home environment—including subtle undermining from family—was a key factorSmall changes like music, safe bedsharing, and community support transformed the experienceHospital Challenges, Safe Sleep & Speaking TruthMargaret and Nikki discuss:Why hospitals are often inhospitable places for breastfeedingThe risks of sleep deprivation and the need for honest conversations about safe sleepHow to gently guide families while honoring their choicesThe importance of truth-telling and emotional regulation in protecting against burnoutAdvice for Future IBCLCs and Holistic PractitionersNikki encourages new professionals to:Observe as much normal breastfeeding as possibleFollow their interests—whether it’s mental health, massage, childbirth ed, or herbsBring their whole selves to their work, and pursue therapy to unpack personal triggersRemember: “Be the provider you’d want for your own grandbaby.”Guest Info:Nikki Lee, RN, IBCLC is a lactation consultant, educator, and holistic practitioner with decades of experience in breastfeeding support, craniosacral therapy, and public health. She offers courses, private sessions, and mentorship in holistic lactation.🌐 Website: www.nikkileehealth.com📘 Facebook: Nikki Lee Health📚 Books: Breastfeeding: A Parent’s Guide and Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Breastfeeding (Proclaris Press)Resources Mentioned:📌 Upledger Institute – Craniosacral Therapy Training📌 James McKenna’s Safe Infant Sleep📌 Pathways to holistic certification: PSI, childbirth ed, and moreConnect with Margaret:📧 Email:...

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