What if feeding your baby wasn’t supposed to hurt?
In this powerful and compassionate episode of Redefining Us, host Stephanie Konter-O’Hara sits down with Valana Frohardt—lactation consultant, physician assistant, and mother—to uncover the truth about infant feeding. Together, they explore the often-overlooked emotional, cultural, and systemic challenges that parents face when trying to feed their babies.
Valana opens up about her own experience struggling with breastfeeding and how it ignited her passion for providing trauma-informed, shame-free lactation care. Through her story, she sheds light on the myths and expectations that weigh heavily on new parents—especially birthing people—around how feeding “should” go.
Pain Is Not Normal
One of the most powerful takeaways from this conversation is Valana’s message that pain during feeding is not normal—and should never be dismissed. Too often, parents are told to push through discomfort or suffer in silence. This episode challenges that narrative and calls for a deeper, more compassionate approach to infant feeding support.
Beyond "Fed Is Best"
We also talk about how mental health, racial disparities, trauma, and access to care shape the lactation experience. Valana shares why slogans like “fed is best” are only the beginning—and why true informed choice and holistic support are what parents really need.
A Call for Better Support
Whether you’re a parent, a birth worker, or simply someone who wants to show up better in these vulnerable spaces, this episode offers insight into how we can care for parents with empathy, not judgment. Valana reminds us that parents don’t need pressure—they need support, evidence-based information, and the freedom to choose what works best for their families.
This episode is for anyone who has ever struggled with feeding a baby, supported someone who has, or wants to be part of changing the system for the better.
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