CLIENT INTERVIEWS: Sam’s Story

We’re thrilled to share the journey of one of our incredible members, Sam. She’s recently hit a major milestone, and her story is a testament to the resilience and determination that so many moms show.

(This blog post was originally a video. Check it out, here! And if you prefer podcast format, check that out, here!)

Sam’s Journey

“I joined the program was because my first breastfeeding and pumping experience was an absolute disaster. My first daughter was born really prematurely, and I had no guidance on how to effectively breastfeed or pump in a NICU situation. I had to quit around three months, and I’ve carried so much regret from that experience.”

When Sam found herself pregnant again, she was determined to do things differently. “This time, I wanted to give it a real shot, so I found Allison’s videos on YouTube. When I learned about the Pumping for Working Moms program, I was so grateful something like that existed. I joined right before my maternity leave ended, and honestly, I don’t think I would have made it to six months without it. Now, I’m six and a half months in and still going strong!”

Learning the Right Tools

One of the most powerful lessons Sam learned was that her challenges weren’t about her milk supply. “With my first, I thought breastfeeding was natural and should just work. So when I struggled, I assumed it was my fault,” she admitted. “This time, I learned it wasn’t a supply problem—it was an output problem. I didn’t know how to pump effectively or choose the right tools. The program helped me troubleshoot all of that, from finding the right pump to setting up a schedule that actually worked for me.”

Sam also discovered the importance of night pumping in the early days. “Both my kids started sleeping through the night early, which is great, but I didn’t realize going too long without removing milk was hurting my supply. Once I found the program, I added pumps back in and saw improvements almost immediately. I wish I’d known this sooner, but I’m just glad I figured it out in time.”

A Balancing Act

Transitioning back to work added another layer of complexity to Sam’s journey. “My first week back was wild,” she said. “I had to be in the office with a foreign customer visiting, but I was upfront and said, ‘I’m making milk for my baby, so I’ll need to use the mother’s room every three hours.’ Everyone was super supportive, which made a huge difference.”

Working from home most days also gave her flexibility. “I could look at my schedule and adjust my pumping times around meetings. But even with that flexibility, it was still overwhelming at first—managing the milk, storing it properly, and fitting everything in. Thankfully, the program gave me the structure I needed to make it work.”

Embracing What’s Sustainable

One of the biggest shifts in Sam’s mindset was learning to balance her goals with her overall well-being. “I’m down to four pumps a day now, and I supply about 75% of my baby’s milk. At first, it was hard to accept that I might need to supplement, but I realized my baby is healthy and happy, and that’s what matters. I decided it’s better to be a present mom and partner than to stress myself out trying to do it all.”

When asked if that was a tough realization, Sam nodded. “It was. I’m naturally competitive, so opening that first can of formula was really hard. But once I let go of my ego, it got easier. My husband didn’t care how we fed the baby; he just wanted me to feel good about it. I realized the only person judging me was myself.”

One Step at a Time

Now that she’s hit her six-month goal, Sam is taking it one step at a time. “I’ve stopped thinking about making it to a year—it’s too overwhelming. Instead, I’m going week by week, month by month. Breaking it down like that makes it manageable, and I actually feel like I can keep going. Who knows? I might make it to a year after all.”

Her advice to other moms? “Advocate for yourself. Make your needs known to your partner, your workplace, and anyone else in your support network. And don’t be afraid to tackle big challenges—you can handle so much more than you think.”

The Power of Choice

Hearing Sam’s story reminds me why I created this program in the first place. It’s not about how long you breastfeed or how much milk you pump—it’s about giving you the tools and confidence to make the choices that are best for you and your family.

If you’re ready to make pumping faster, more efficient, and a smaller part of your busy life, I’d love to help. Click the link below to apply for the Pumping for Working Moms Program. Whether you’re looking for troubleshooting tips, emotional support, or just a community that gets it, we’re here for you.

Thanks again, Sam, for sharing your journey. I’m so proud of you and can’t wait to see where this next chapter takes you!