My Breast Pump SABOTAGED Me When I Went Back to Work

Hi there, and welcome back to the New Little Life channel! If you’ve ever wondered about my story, my credentials, and why I do what I do, this blog is for you. Whether you’re a curious mom or a supportive partner looking to understand how we help mothers succeed, I hope this gives you insight into the passion and purpose behind my work.

(This post was originally a video. Check it out, here!)

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From New Nurse to Breastfeeding Advocate

My journey started in 2009 when I graduated as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) and began working with pregnant and breastfeeding mothers in an OB office. Early on, I noticed that most doctors and midwives weren’t trained to support breastfeeding effectively, which created a huge gap in care. To bridge this gap, I earned my initial lactation certification (CLC) and took over many of the breastfeeding support visits at the clinic.

I realized quickly that what I loved most about nursing was educating patients. Helping them understand their bodies, build confidence, and feel empowered to care for themselves and their babies brought me so much fulfillment.

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Learning the Hard Way: Pumping as a Working Mom

When I had my first son in 2014, I felt prepared to balance work and breastfeeding. I had worked hard to establish breastfeeding during maternity leave, but when I returned to work, I quickly learned how different pumping was from nursing.

Like many new moms, I assumed that all I needed to do was strap on the pump, hit go, and the milk would flow. I had no idea how much flange size, pump settings, or even the condition of pump parts could affect milk output. Using a hand-me-down pump with outdated parts didn’t help, and slowly my milk supply began to drop.

Daycare called one day to say they didn’t have enough milk for my baby, and I had no choice but to supplement with formula. While formula is a fantastic option and my baby thrived, it was frustrating knowing that my pump—not my body—was the barrier to achieving my breastfeeding goals.

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Turning a Struggle Into a Passion

When we moved to Europe in 2018, I committed to understanding everything I could about breast pumps. I began testing and reviewing pumps on this channel, working with an engineer to create a tool that objectively measured suction and performance. There wasn’t much reliable data available, and I wanted to give moms the tools they needed to make informed choices.

During this time, I also earned my IBCLC certification, worked with mothers from a variety of cultures, and gained a broader understanding of the challenges pumping moms face worldwide. This experience reinforced my belief that we needed a better system to support working mothers.

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A Program Built for Working Moms

Recognizing the lack of targeted support for working moms, I developed a program specifically for mothers who are pumping and returning to work. Unlike traditional lactation consultations that focus on breastfeeding at the breast, this program is tailored to help you manage pumping, troubleshoot issues, and find a routine that fits your busy life.

I’ve designed it to be long-term and flexible. You pay once and gain access to a year or more of resources, expert advice, and a supportive community. Weekly Zoom calls, a group forum, and on-demand video lessons make it easy to get help when you need it without adding more stress to your schedule.

If you’re curious about what makes this program different, my video on the structure of our coaching program offers a detailed behind-the-scenes look.

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Supporting Moms With Confidence

Helping moms achieve their breastfeeding goals is at the heart of everything I do. I know how overwhelming and frustrating it can be to feel stuck, doubting your ability to mother the way you want. My mission is to provide you with the knowledge and support to succeed—whether that’s pumping at work, nursing on weekends, or finding a combination that works for your family.

I’ve walked the path you’re on. I’ve felt the frustration of a dwindling supply, the overwhelm of managing work and pumping, and the loneliness of navigating it all on my own. That’s why I created this program—to ensure that no mom has to go through it alone.

If you’re ready to take the next step, let’s chat. Whether you’re struggling with flange sizing, milk output, or building a manageable routine, we’ll work together to create a plan that helps you thrive in your career and meet your breastfeeding goals.

You’ve got this, and we’re here to help.

Happy pumping! 💕