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 Support
Rebekah shares how:
- Her son’s feeding struggles and her own traumatic experience with weight checks sparked her lactation curiosity
- Volunteering in a Facebook group led her to discover her passion for lactation support
- She left pediatric ER work and pursued public health before becoming an IBCLC
- Her transition to full-time private practice included advocacy, content creation, and contract work with Ceres Chill and The Better Boob
Autism Diagnoses Changed Everything
Rebekah explains:
- Her son and husband were both diagnosed with autism within the same summer
- Learning to support their needs helped her understand sensory overwhelm and rigidity
- She began noticing her own sensory patterns and was later diagnosed with ADHD
- These experiences fueled her desire to provide trauma-informed, neurodivergent-aware lactation care
Understanding Sensory Needs in Breastfeeding
They discuss:
- How breastfeeding can create intense sensory input for both parent and baby
- Why a baby might refuse to nurse during the day but accept the breast in a dark, quiet room
- Examples of babies who need movement while nursing vs. babies who shut down with too much stimulation
- Why flexibility, observation, and trial-and-error are key to care
Neurodivergent Parents: What IBCLCs Should Know
Rebekah 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 pumping
- Masking during consults—parents may appear to understand but feel lost after you leave
- Rigidity around feeding schedules, wake windows, and needing structure
Tools and Communication Tips for Inclusive Care
Rebekah recommends:
- Thorough, clear after-visit summaries with specific cues for when to reach out
- Multi-modal care plans—use words, visuals, and even video examples
- Journaling or voice notes to help parents track and describe their experience
- Offering realistic solutions, like moving a baby swing into the bathroom to facilitate self-care
Building a More Inclusive Lactation Culture
They explore:
- Why all lactation professionals—not just those with lived experience—can and should support neurodivergent families
- The importance of acknowledging when a case may be outside your scope and referring to others
- How including neurodivergent-friendly tools and communication strategies benefits all families
Guest 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
