Finding Control in Your Breastfeeding and Pumping Journey: A Guide for Working Moms

If you’re a highly motivated working mom looking for some control over your breastfeeding and pumping experience, you’re in the right place. This blog post is all about finding control during a chaotic time, whether it’s managing your milk supply, balancing work, or deciding when to wean—all on your own terms. As someone who works with career-driven mothers through my coaching program, I see many moms who are juggling work, family, and breastfeeding, and all they want is some control in their lives.

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

The Importance of Control in Your Journey

One of my clients, Sunny, recently shared her story with me, and her words resonated deeply. She was able to find control in her breastfeeding journey, and I want to share her experience as an inspiration for you.

Sunny said, “My original goal when we first spoke was to provide my daughter with breast milk for the first 12 months of her life, but what I truly wanted was to do this on my own terms. No one prepares you for how out of control you feel when you bring a human into the world. With your program and support, I was able to control how I nourish my baby. I made the choice that I was ready to wean off when it started affecting my mental health. I run a business and went back to work at three months. I never could have achieved this in my way and on my terms without this program.”

Sunny’s journey highlights what many of us crave: the ability to make informed decisions and take control of our lives, even in an unpredictable season.

What You Can’t Control

The first step toward gaining control is understanding what’s in your power and what’s not. Let’s start with the things you can’t control:

• Life events: We have no control over life’s unexpected obstacles, such as family situations, work crises, or health challenges.
  
• The actions of others: You can’t control how your partner, coworkers, or daycare providers act or think. Trying to change others only drains your mental energy.
  
• Acts of nature: Things like pandemics, natural disasters, or illnesses are out of our hands.

But you do have control over several things, and that’s where you should focus your energy.

What You Can Control

• Your Milk Supply:
  While it may seem like your milk supply is unpredictable, with the right knowledge and tools, you can gain control over it. A predictable milk supply means you understand how milk production works, know what your body is capable of, and can adjust your supply based on your needs.
  
  “You should be able to make informed decisions about your milk supply, know how much you need, and pump efficiently,” I often tell my clients. Understanding how to increase or decrease your supply based on your circumstances is key to feeling empowered.

• Your Mental Health:
  Postpartum depression and anxiety are real, but you have control over how you react to these feelings. Seek help when needed, whether it’s through a therapist, support groups, or coaching. Managing mental health also means controlling what thoughts you hold onto and learning how to release stress in a healthy way. It’s important to recognize when you need a break and to give yourself permission to rest.

• Who You Get Help From:
  You get to decide who’s in your corner, whether it’s a lactation consultant, healthcare provider, or a coach. If something a provider tells you doesn’t sit well, trust your instincts and seek a second opinion. You have control over who you trust to guide you through this journey.

• Your Definition of Success:
  One of the most empowering aspects of this journey is realizing that you control what success looks like for you. Maybe success means pumping a certain number of ounces, or maybe it’s simply feeling grounded and at peace with your experience. Take a moment to reflect on this question: “Are my expectations realistic for me, given my current circumstances?” Success might not be about hitting arbitrary milestones, but about feeling confident in your choices. Define your goals clearly, and make sure they’re specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).

• When to Wean:
  You also control when to wean.
  
  As I often remind clients, “You’ve worked so hard, and when it’s time to stop, it should be on your terms—not because you were forced to quit.”
  
  Weaning is a decision you can make when you’re ready, and it should come from a place of peace, not frustration or exhaustion.

How to Take Control

Control doesn’t mean perfection. It doesn’t mean manipulating the situation to get exactly what you want, but rather having the power to influence the course of events. Here are a few ways to take control:

• Focus on your goals: Know your why and revisit it often. Why are you breastfeeding or pumping? What does success look like for you? When you’re feeling overwhelmed, returning to your reasons can ground you.
  
• Get support: Whether it’s from a partner, healthcare provider, or coach, having someone in your corner makes a huge difference.
  
  As Sunny shared in her story, “I couldn’t have done this without support.”
  
• Learn what works for you: Knowing your body and understanding how to work with it is key. Use your knowledge to adjust your milk supply, balance your mental health, and keep your goals in sight.

Conclusion

Control is possible, even in the most chaotic times of life. As a working mom, balancing your career, breastfeeding, and personal life can feel overwhelming, but focusing on the things you can control makes all the difference. Whether you’re just starting your pumping journey or are ready to wean, remember that you have the power to make choices that align with your goals.

If you’re looking for support in taking control of your pumping and breastfeeding experience, consider joining our coaching program. You don’t have to navigate this alone.