Teen Pregnancy & Breastfeeding with Amber Ginn, IBCLC
- jaimiezaki
- 24 hours ago
- 14 min read
Teen Mom Success Story: Overcoming teenage pregnancy to experience breastfeeding success & build a successful breastfeeding support company
15, pregnant, and told to “just get an abortion.” What happens when a teen mom chooses to breastfeed instead?
What if everyone around you says you’ll fail? What happens when you walk into the hospital as a pregnant teen—and no one takes you seriously?Can breastfeeding actually become a source of healing when everything else feels stacked against you?
In this episode of the Breastfeeding With Confidence podcast, I’m joined by fellow IBCLC Amber Ginn, who became a mom at just 15 years old who chose motherhood and breastfeeding, even when support was nowhere to be found.
Amber opens up about the judgment, the trauma, and the dismissive care she faced as a teen mom—and how breastfeeding became more than just feeding her baby. It became her mission. Her healing. And the reason she became a lactation consultant herself.
This episode is about so much more than breastfeeding—it’s about what happens when we believe in young mothers instead of writing them off.
Inside this episode, we talk about:
Why her hospital experience left her feeling dismissed and unsupported
Navigating high school while breastfeeding a newborn
The role breastfeeding played in her healing and self-worth
What inspired her to become a lactation consultant
The gaps in the pro-life movement when it comes to real postpartum support
Why investing in breastfeeding support matters more than most moms realize
What it means to make confident, informed choices as a young mom
How to support pregnant teens without shame or pressure
What to look for in a lactation consultant who will truly advocate for you
This one is raw, inspiring, and deeply important—especially if you’ve ever felt judged for your story or underestimated by the system.
Breastfeeding Resources:
Work with Amber: get.thelatchlink.com
Transcript:
Amber:I had to advocate so hard for a breast pump. I would ask one nurse, and they would tell me, "Oh, I'll ask someone else." So I finally had to get out of bed—barely able to stand up straight—and walk out of my room to the nurse's station and say, "I want a breast pump."
Jamie:Hey Mama Bear, welcome to the Breastfeeding With Confidence podcast. Do you dream of bonding with your baby through exclusive breastfeeding but worry about breastfeeding pain or low milk supply? Maybe you're struggling with breastfeeding and no one seems to have any answers.
I'm Jamie Doula, international Board Certified Lactation Consultant and mom of five. I've been where you are—working through painful latches, milk supply worries, and postpartum depression. Supporting countless mothers through their breastfeeding journeys for over eight years, I'm here to tell you breastfeeding doesn’t have to be perfect to be positive.
Each week, I'll share breastfeeding tips to help you prevent and overcome unexpected breastfeeding challenges so you can actually enjoy bonding with your baby.
If you’re ready to shut out the toxic whispers of the world, embrace your God-given intuition, and release your inner fierce Mama Bear, grab some coffee or your favorite herbal tea and let’s dive in.
Jamie:I've got Amber here with me. Amber is another IBCLC and a good friend. She’s going to share her story of teen parenthood and breastfeeding, how she became an IBCLC, and why this work is so important.
Amber, I’m gonna let you introduce yourself.
Amber:Nice! Yeah, first and foremost, thank you so much for having me here. My name is Amber Gi. I’m a board-certified lactation consultant in private practice. I’m a mom of two, and I run a virtual lactation practice.
I had my first kiddo very young, which I think is what we’re gonna talk about, so I’ll save that for later. But I really love working with moms. I think lactation care is so, so important, so I’m glad you have this podcast—it’s a great way for moms to get information about support.
Jamie:Yeah, no, I so appreciate you. For people who don’t know Amber, she’s amazing. She has this thriving practice and helps so many moms, which is truly inspiring.
So many lactation consultants come into this work because of their personal experiences, right? We realize how important that support is when we didn’t have it. I love hearing stories from moms who really struggle but use that as fuel and fire to do something good and change the world.
That sounds like your story—so start at the beginning.
Amber:Sure. When I was 15 years old, I found out I was pregnant. Obviously, that was not on my vision board for that year. It came as a surprise.
When people say "surprise," I mean, if you have unprotected sex, you could have a baby. So, you know, not surprised per se, but definitely not what I intended.
I remember telling my mom, and she was so upset. I was definitely one of the "golden child" types in my family. Between me and my sister, I was the oldest, very driven, always got good grades, all that good stuff. So it was a big blow to my mom—she thought I was going to be the one who finally got to go to college.
She told me, "You’ll have to stay in school." So that was a big thing for me. I was like, okay, I’m gonna stay in school. At first, I wasn’t thinking about motherhood or breastfeeding—I was in survival mode, just getting through the pregnancy.
But after the initial shock wore off, I wanted to read all the books and understand everything about birth. Like many moms do, we obsess about birth plans but don’t think about breastfeeding.
I definitely felt victim to that. I wanted a natural birth, but everyone in my family thought that was hilarious—they said I definitely wasn’t going to get it.
Jamie:I don’t know if you want to go into too much detail, but please do.
Amber:Okay, sure. Toward the end of my pregnancy, I started having symptoms of preeclampsia. Being the type of person I am, I researched it and printed off a fact sheet and brought it to my obstetrician.
That day, there was a med student or resident instead of the usual doctor. He told me, "You need to stay off WebMD, you don’t have any signs, everything’s fine, just go home."
I made it a few days longer but ended up admitted to labor and delivery with preeclampsia and a dangerously high blood pressure.
I tried to hold out without an epidural despite being induced. I had a magnesium drip and ended up having an "emergency" C-section.
Knowing what I know now, I think different things could have been done, but my birth dream was definitely shattered—it was disempowering and just a blur.
Jamie:I imagine that was really hard, being a teenager and not being taken seriously. People around you were basically mocking your birth plan.
As a mom and a woman, I imagine that feeling of not being heard or respected was really challenging. Would you mind speaking about that feeling?
Amber:Of course. Feel free to interrupt me—I’m a fast talker.
It felt like being a kid telling adults something important, and they just say "yeah, sure" like you’re a child.
But this was literally life or death—my bodily autonomy and my child.
It was extremely disempowering and frustrating.
Early in pregnancy, I had some spotting and went to the ER. I overheard a male nurse tell my mom, "This is why I don’t believe in God—he would never let children get pregnant."
I thought, "Great, that’s not professional." So I faced a lot of meanness.
Even administrative staff at my OB’s office were nasty every time I checked in.
People at school—teachers and staff—would say, "You were going to do so well," implying I’d fail.
It was a lot of nonsense.
Jamie:High stakes and no one cared about your opinion. That’s the challenge of teen pregnancy.
It’s frustrating because some people who say they’re helping end up shaming teen moms, the ones who need support the most.
Amber:Absolutely. I’m pro-life and believe in supporting women, but I also think we need to educate and support them about the sanctity of life.
When I was 15 and pregnant, I knew I had the bodily autonomy to make any decision.
I had a friend who also got pregnant at 15, but her family was determined she had to get an abortion, unlike mine.
She had an abortion and encouraged me to do the same—maybe to commiserate and share the experience.
It was hard for both of us, but she was sweet and supportive—came to my baby shower and checked on me in the hospital.
Now she has a baby and is a wonderful mom.
I really appreciated her support, even though it was tough.
Jamie:Thank you for sharing that vulnerability. Sometimes we need to hear these truths.
Amber:Yeah, I might get emotional again. But I’m glad to share.
Jamie:And for women who have made similar decisions, sharing your truth can help others.
Amber:Definitely. I think hearing honest stories helps women make wise decisions.
Jamie:This episode is coming out the week of June 24th, the week Roe v. Wade was repealed.
Amber:Oh, I didn’t know that—how ironic.
Jamie:Again, the Holy Spirit is guiding this conversation.
Sharing stories, good or bad, is important as long as there’s no pressure.
Jamie:Moving on—how did breastfeeding go after your birth experience?
Amber:Oh yes! I wanted a natural birth, so I definitely wanted to breastfeed.
But I had to advocate so hard for a breast pump. I asked nurses, and they kept passing me off.
Finally, I got out of bed, barely able to walk, went to the nurse’s station, and said, "I want a breast pump."
The nurse said, "Really? With everything going on, you want to try breastfeeding too?"
I said, "Yes, please!"
They got me one, but I had no idea what I was doing. They gave me a 24mm flange when I needed a 13mm, so it didn’t feel great.
It was the Medela Symphony pump—really intense, not my favorite.
Amber:I got discharged without being shown how to latch or told to keep pumping.
I ended up with crazy engorgement and mastitis on one side.
I remember going to CVS, where a very sweet, very elderly woman helped me when I dropped something.
Amber:My mom found out that WIC offered breastfeeding help, so we went there.
The breastfeeding peer counselor was amazing—she showed me how to latch and set me up with an old-style pump.
I took that pump back and forth to school every day for my entire junior year and was able to give my son breast milk.
That was huge—saving money and feeling like I did something right.
Jamie:That’s so true. For many moms, especially after a difficult birth, giving breast milk—whether at the breast or pumping—is a healing gift.
Jamie:I’m imagining carrying that pump at school every day. Were your teachers supportive?
Amber:Thankfully, yes. There was a public school nurse assigned to teen moms who supported me.
In my county, teen moms are protected to pump during school just like working moms.
I pumped every day during lunch, though I had no extra time.
At first, they let me pump in the theater changing room, but the band teacher there was awful—he’d harass me and try to make me say why I needed the keys to the room in front of everyone.
He was bullying me, so I eventually got to pump somewhere else.
Amber:I stored my milk in the teacher’s lounge freezer.
My guidance counselor, who had just had a baby, even asked me questions about breastfeeding.
It was definitely not a typical high school experience, but I graduated with a 3.9 GPA and was accepted to every college I applied to—including Duke.
Amber:You can do anything with a baby on your hip.
That inspired me to pursue this work.
Jamie:So many people tell teen moms they won’t graduate or succeed, but if we’re pro-life, we must support the moms who nurture that life.
Amber:Exactly. I’m pro-life but frustrated that many pro-life organizations don’t support breastfeeding or holistic care for moms.
They focus on ultrasounds and “having the baby,” but don’t support moms beyond that.
Many only offer lactation support if the consultant works for free.
It’s frustrating because breastfeeding gave me back my power and shaped my life.
Amber:Breastfeeding was a redemptive experience for me.
It was the one piece I felt I got right amid so much struggle.
My son had good nutrition, and it changed my mindset—I felt empowered.
Amber:I know you see this too—women come lost and confused, and with good support, everything changes.
Lactation care is deep—it supports moms’ sovereignty and confidence.
That confidence helps raise confident kids, and it can even make breastfeeding easier for the next generation.
Jamie:My husband and I were just talking about how important this work is.
He said you’re not selling breastfeeding support—you’re helping moms use their voice when no one else did.
Jamie:If you’re listening and feel like you’ve been told to be quiet or crazy, it’s time to speak up and learn to use your voice.
Jamie:What advice do you have for moms who are struggling? Maybe teen moms listening—what message do you want to share?
Amber:Remember that a baby is a blessing, even if it’s not the right time.
You can do anything—with or without a baby on your hip.
My son will be 17 soon and has his own successful business.
He’s healthy, thanks to breastfeeding—I rarely get sick.
Amber:I’ve built a successful practice, seeing over a hundred moms a month.
If I had listened to those who said I couldn’t because I had a child, I wouldn’t be who I am today.
Amber:Sometimes the tough stuff makes us special.
Jamie:I feel the same. I wasn’t a teen mom, but I was young and away from family when I struggled with breastfeeding.
It was hard after an unwanted C-section with no support.
There was that attitude of "you’ve tried hard enough."
Jaimie:Right? Don’t keep trying to force it and wonder why it’s so hard. Why can’t we just tell people that they can do hard things? Learning how to overcome hard things is so good for you—it makes you stronger. It’s okay to struggle. It’s okay to struggle and you can overcome that struggle, but you need the right support.
If there are teen moms listening—or really any moms—I think this applies to all moms. Especially teen moms, what would you say, looking back, that you’d recommend to a mom preparing to breastfeed? A mom who plans to breastfeed, wants to breastfeed, but thinks it’s just going to happen?
Amber:Oh, you know what I’m gonna say? They should hire an IBCLC during pregnancy so they know what the heck they’re doing.
I wouldn’t say, “Stay off TikTok” or “Stay off YouTube,” but you are going to get a million different opinions. And if y’all didn’t know, social media is pretty much a marketing tool—so a lot of times, people are trying to sell you stuff.
So, find an IBCLC that you really trust. Talk to a few if you need to, because — oh my God, I could go on about this — don’t just assume that the IBCLC who happens to be within 15 miles of your house is the right one. That’s not necessarily the case. Definitely do your research.
Find someone during pregnancy, and understand why you want to breastfeed. That goes really far. So many moms come to me struggling, and they don’t even really want to be breastfeeding. If you don’t want to do it, you’re not going to have an easy time doing something difficult.
Jaimie:Yeah, I agree. Getting support during pregnancy from an IBCLC is so important. And like you said, just because someone is close by doesn’t mean they’re the right fit or the only option. The internet exists.
You work with moms all over the world, right?
Amber:Well, in theory, yes. I primarily do insurance, so not so much, but with telehealth, yeah, you could literally have an IBCLC from Australia. The time zones might be tricky, but you’re not limited by geography or insurance networks.
There are lots of great IBCLCs who offer reasonable self-pay options. I think your prices are great, and I’d say if you’re deciding between buying a Snoo or fancy baby clothes they’ll wear for a few weeks, reallocating that money to breastfeeding support is a much better investment.
Breastfeeding is one heck of an investment, and the return on that investment is huge.
Jaimie:Absolutely. I know you have some financial savvy, so “investment” is a big word for you, but it’s so true. It’s not just a financial investment—it’s an investment in peace of mind, confidence, and health.
We can spend thousands on baby gear we probably don’t need, sometimes on credit cards. But when it comes to breastfeeding support, some people hesitate to pay unless they’re guaranteed not to have to use formula.
Amber:Right, but the return on investment is huge, even if you do end up using formula. Every ounce of breast milk is so beneficial. It helps mitigate the risks formula can bring.
Would you rather make the decision to use formula knowing you have all the information and confidence that it’s the right choice? Or make that decision because you were pressured, told there were no other options?
Jaimie:Exactly. What are we really investing in here? Peace of mind. That’s invaluable.
Breastfeeding support isn’t even a dollar-for-dollar comparison to formula. Sure, you could spend $1,500 to $3,000 a year on formula, and maybe the same amount on breastfeeding support—and still not succeed with breastfeeding. But breastfeeding is more than just calories—it’s strength, power, connection, and future health.
Amber:Yes, and it’s important to say too: for moms who might think, “I want to use formula,” we support that too. I think you and I are a lot alike—some IBCLCs are more rigid, but I want moms to make empowered decisions.
If your choice is formula or anything else, I’m here for that. The goal is that you feel confident and supported, whatever your choice.
Jaimie:Absolutely. The majority of clients I see are already using formula. Their goal often is to reduce formula, not necessarily stop it completely. Everyone’s goals are different, and we support you in yours.
We can share opinions if you want, but mainly it’s about aligning with your goals, not imposing mine.
Amber:Exactly. We answer to the moms we work with—not corporate entities, not doctors trying to hold authority over moms. We walk alongside them and support their journey.
Jaimie:That is such an important distinction in the care we provide. If you don’t know how to decide if an IBCLC is good, figure out who the answer is to. Look at the language they use and whether they are truly in service of the mom.
I love that working virtually, you don’t have to worry about pissing off a pediatrician or anyone else. You can just focus on the mom.
Amber:Yes! I’ve seen so many IBCLCs hold back because they don’t want to contradict doctors. But honestly, I don’t care who I piss off as long as I’m not pissing off the mom.
We’re here to serve moms, and that’s so important.
Jaimie:It’s funny—working locally, I know people who get so many referrals from pediatricians they feel they can’t offend them. I told my husband when I started working at the hospital, “I’m gonna get fired within the first month.”
He asked why, and I said, “Because I don’t mind pissing off the pediatrician.”
Amber:Yeah. Sometimes you just have to be willing to piss people off. And if they get pissed off, it says more about their weaknesses than ours.
Jaimie:If you take nothing else from this conversation, take this: it’s okay to piss off your doctor.
You’re not beholden to your doctor. You’re not supposed to be a “good patient.” You’re supposed to be an empowered mom who feels good about being a mom.
Amber:Yes. Don’t listen to them if you don’t want to. Do what you want.
Jaimie:I love it. Amber, thank you so much for sharing your story and your fire and inspiration.
I know lots of moms want to use insurance for lactation care. How can they find you if they want someone who works with their insurance?
Amber:You can check out githelatchlink.com where you can find all the info. Right now, we work with Cigna, UHC plans, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Anthem PPO plans.
But I have to say, Jamie, you’re fantastic. If moms are on the fence, pick someone who aligns with you—even if they don’t take insurance. Don’t be afraid to dip into your pockets a little.
Jaimie:Thanks so much. And for those wondering, many insurance plans do reimburse you if you pay out of pocket, especially PPOs.
There are options, and we’re just two of many great options out there.
Thanks again, Amber. I really appreciate this!
Amber:Thank you so much!
Jaimie Zaki is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and mom of 5! Jaimie has volunteered as a La Leche League Leader, worked as a nurse, doula, and birth photographer, and is the host of the Breastfeeding With Confidence Podcast and founder of the Confident MamaBear Society. Jaimie provides holistic breastfeeding advice for pregnant & new moms, helping them overcome unexpected latching trouble and milk supply issues. She empowers mothers to make informed decisions from a place of confidence and intuition.
Breastfeeding Resources Available:
