Breastfeeding and perimenopause both suffer from a lack of research and investment. When you put the two together, mothers in their 40s and 50s are often met with a lack of understanding and no clear path to follow. So this week, I’ve got together two women who know as much as anyone can do about these tricky subjects, Dr Claire Phipps, the Menopause GP, and Tamzin West IBCLC, to help me untangle the truth and the rumours.

We talk about the symptoms of perimenopause and why blood testing doesn’t always help, how HRT and other treatments interact with lactation, and we answer your questions about sleep, bone health, rage and fertility while breastfeeding during perimenopause.

You can follow Tamzin on Instagram @‌seedsofloveibclc and @‌breastfeedingandmenopause

and Claire @‌themenopauseGP

My new book, ‘Supporting the Transition from Breastfeeding: a Guide to Weaning for Professionals, Supporters and Parents’, is out now.

You can get 10% off the book at the Jessica Kingsley press website, that's uk.jkp.com using the code MMPE10 at checkout.

Follow me on Twitter @MakesMilk and on Instagram  @emmapickettibclc or find out more on my website www.emmapickettbreastfeedingsupport.com

Resources mentioned -

British Menopause Society https://thebms.org.uk/

Understanding Menopause Booklet from Diane Danzebrink https://menopausesupport.co.uk/?page_id=17128

This podcast is presented by Emma Pickett IBCLC, and produced by Emily Crosby Media.