When we talk about motherhood, there's a prevailing myth that our bodies will instinctively know what to do—conception will come easily, birth will unfold naturally, and breastfeeding will be effortless. But for many mothers, this narrative doesn’t match reality. Lizzy Morris’s story is a courageous testament to what it means to mother beyond those myths.
Diagnosed with Insufficient Glandular Tissue (IGT), a condition where the breasts don’t develop enough milk-making tissue, Lizzy faced profound breastfeeding challenges across her three pregnancies. But rather than surrender to shame or medical dismissal, she reclaimed her autonomy through informed choices, deep self-trust, and radical community support. Her journey is one of grief, advocacy, and ultimately, healing through freebirth and conscious decision-making.
What Is IGT—and Why Is It So Often Overlooked?
IGT is a little-known condition where the breast lacks sufficient glandular (milk-producing) tissue. It often goes undiagnosed, especially since many of its signs, like widely spaced breasts, minimal growth during puberty or pregnancy, or poor milk production despite frequent nursing, are normalized or overlooked in clinical settings.
Lizzy didn’t receive a formal diagnosis. Instead, she pieced together her symptoms through persistent research, participation in online peer support groups, and her lived experience with three babies. “I had no breast changes in pregnancy,” she explained. “I was pumping 12 times a day and still barely making three ounces.”
This self-directed path toward understanding is, unfortunately, common for women with IGT, who are frequently dismissed or encouraged to “just try harder,” despite physiological barriers that cannot be resolved through willpower or supplements alone.
Beyond the Bottle: Redefining What Success Looks Like
Lizzy’s experience challenges the mainstream notion of what successful breastfeeding—or even successful motherhood—looks like. She used donor milk, tried supplemental nursing systems (SNS), and navigated the devastating side effects of lactation medications like Domperidone, which gave her crippling migraines. She pumped relentlessly, latched even when there was almost no milk, and constantly questioned whether she was doing enough.
And through it all, she was grieving.
“Every time I think about breastfeeding, it still hurts a little,” Lizzy shared. “It’s not just about milk. It’s about the loss of something I thought was a given.”
This grief, layered with postpartum vulnerability and medical trauma, led Lizzy to radically reevaluate her care. After a traumatic hospital birth and a disappointing midwifery experience, she chose to freebirth her third baby at home, supported only by her husband. That experience became a profound source of healing, not just for her, but for her entire family.
The Power of Freebirth and Protected Space
Lizzy’s third pregnancy was a secret—literally. She didn’t tell most of her family until she was 38 weeks pregnant. Why? Because she needed to protect her mental health and her choices. “Every time I thought about telling people or getting prenatal care, I asked myself, ‘Is this a hell yes?’ And if it wasn’t, it was a no.”
Her freebirth was not spontaneous or reckless—it was deeply informed, grounded in self-awareness, and intentionally supported by a radical community of mothers who honored her autonomy.
“My husband caught the baby on our living room bed,” she said. “It healed our marriage. It healed something in me.”
Radical Motherhood Means Reclaiming Authority
Lizzy co-founded the Radical Moms Union to create space for women like her, mothers who are navigating systems that weren’t built for them. For those with IGT, or any other condition that disrupts the dominant postpartum narrative, Lizzy’s story is a lifeline. It’s proof that you’re not broken, and you’re certainly not alone.
She wants other mothers to know: “There are more ways to feed and mother than the ones we’re sold.”
If you're struggling with milk supply and suspect IGT, here’s Lizzy’s advice:
- Seek a knowledgeable lactation consultant or IBCLC, if accessible.
- Find a specialized peer support group, such as the private Facebook group for IGT mothers.
- Grieve the loss of your breastfeeding expectations—your feelings are valid.
- Reevaluate your goals regularly and give yourself permission to change course without guilt.
Above all, remember that you are still feeding, loving, and raising your baby with intention and strength. And that matters far more than how full the bottle is.
Gently Explore More
Lizzy’s story offers a rare, raw, and empowering perspective on IGT and radical self-trust in motherhood. For those navigating similar paths—or simply seeking more authentic voices in postpartum care—this episode is a must-listen.
