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“We’re not done learning. We’re not done understanding what can support PMOS.”
— Kenita Chenevert
In this episode, we continue their conversation with Kenita Chenevert, BSHM, MA, IBCLC after our Deeper Dive into PMOS. Kenita did NOT grow up dreaming of becoming a lactation consultant. Her journey involved a workplace injury, a temporary reassignment, two lactation consultants who saw her potential, and a whole lot of “Wait, tell me more!”
Kenita gets real about racial disparities in maternal care, the importance of advocating for Black birthing parents, and why every parent deserves respectful, compassionate care—without someone grabbing their breast before even asking permission. (Yes, apparently “introduce yourself and ask before touching” should be standard practice. Revolutionary stuff, we know.)
The conversation also tackles one of lactation’s biggest trouble spots: professional gatekeeping. From disagreements about credentials and education pathways to debates over herbs, oral restrictions, and clinical approaches, Kenita challenges lactation consultants to stop tearing each other down and start learning from one another. Because having letters after your name doesn’t mean you know everything—and being willing to say “I don’t know, but I know someone who does” is a sign of a great practitioner, not a professional failure.
Listen now to discover:
- Raising kids who understand that breastfeeding is normal—and who might just help you with your nipple ruler (10:41)
- Advocating for Black birthing parents and addressing racial disparities in maternal care (13:45)
- Why consent, compassion, and respectful hands-on support should be non-negotiable (17:14)
- Why the lactation community needs fewer turf wars and more opportunities to learn together (30:42)
“A lot of times, we are in our own way.”
— Kenita Chenevert
Links and Resources
- Subscribe to the Deeper Dive Membership: https://learn.paperlesslactation.com/subscription/deeper-dive-membership
- Have an idea for a podcast episode or a Deeper Dive? Let us know! https://learn.paperlesslactation.com/form/collaborate
Connect with Kenita Chenevert: https://milkdrops.com/
Highlights:
1: 58 – Kenita’s unexpected journey from the operating room to becoming an IBCLC
7: 37 – Creating a private practice that fits real life
10:41 – Raising kids who understand that breastfeeding is normal
13:45 – Advocating for Black birthing parents
17:14 – Why consent should be non-negotiable
30:42 – Creating more opportunities to learn together
About Us
Leah Jolly is a private practice IBCLC with Bay Area Breastfeeding in Houston, Texas. Annie Frisbie is a private practice IBCLC serving Queens and Brooklyn in New York City, and the creator of Paperless Lactation.
The Lactation Business Coaching podcast is produced by us and edited by Jillian Grover, who also writes our show notes. Our theme song is by Silas Wade.
