Managing your MILK SUPPLY: Tips For When Your Pumping Day Doesn’t Go As Planned!

As a pumping, working mom, you’re bound to face some crazy days. It’s not always easy to balance everything, and unexpected challenges pop up when you least expect them. Recently, one of our clients shared an inspiring story in our private group, and I felt compelled to make this video. Her experience might sound familiar, and if it hasn’t happened to you yet, it probably will at some point.

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

My client’s workday started off with a bang—her first pumping session was way below what she expected. She had to troubleshoot in between meetings, and by the time her second session came around, things were back on track. Then, during her third session, her pump battery died. Yep, her battery died in the middle of an already challenging day!

But instead of panicking, she used some alternate techniques to finish strong and managed to come home with her milk supply intact. Even more impressive? She did all this while on call as a busy midwife! 💪

The best part? She shared this experience as a win with our community because she was proud of herself for staying calm, protecting her supply, and making it work.

So, how did she manage to get through a day like that? That’s what I want to dive into today. In this blog post, I’ll share seven practical tips for dealing with unexpected roadblocks as a working, pumping mom. Trust me, I started with three tips, but there’s just so much to cover, and I know these will help you, too.

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Have a Backup Plan

This might seem obvious, but having a backup plan is essential. You can’t always predict what’s going to go wrong, but you can prepare for the most likely scenarios. Whether it’s a forgotten pump piece, a dead battery (like our client experienced), or an unexpected meeting, having a contingency plan can save you a ton of stress.

Here’s a simple tip: keep a manual pump at work or in your car. These hand pumps are small, easy to use, and don’t rely on electricity or batteries. So when (not if) you forget something or something breaks down, you’ve got a backup ready. You can also think about alternate pumping locations, just in case your usual spot isn’t available. Flexibility is key!

And remember, if you’ve made it through your entire pumping journey without forgetting anything, please tell us your secrets in the comments because we all need them! 😂

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Know What Works for YOU

The internet is full of tips and advice on increasing milk supply, but here’s the truth: the only thing that matters is what works for you. You need to know your body and understand your milk supply.

What’s your baseline? How much do you usually pump in each session? Knowing this can help you troubleshoot on tough days. For example, if you know that extending your pumping time by just five minutes increases your output, that’s a tool you can pull out when you need it.

Some moms have small storage capacities and need to pump more frequently, while others can go longer stretches between sessions. The point is, you know your body best, and understanding your limits will give you confidence to make adjustments when things go off track.

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Adjust as Needed

One of the most important skills you can develop as a pumping mom is the ability to adapt. You need to be flexible and willing to go with the flow (pun intended!). All-or-nothing thinking can lead to unnecessary stress, especially when things don’t go perfectly.

Let’s say you had a rough day and one of your sessions didn’t go as planned. Instead of freaking out, take a step back and look at the bigger picture. What happened over the past 24 hours? What can you control, and what’s out of your hands?

Sometimes, the best thing you can do is make up for a missed or shortened session later in the day. Whether that means an extra pump before bed or a weekend power-pumping session, just remember: it’s okay to adjust.

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Ditch Perfection

Let’s be real: the only predictable thing about motherhood is that it’s unpredictable. You’re going to have bad days, and that’s okay. You don’t have to be perfect to protect your milk supply.

One of my favorite quotes from Sheryl Sandberg is, “Done is better than perfect.” This applies so well to breastfeeding and pumping. If you get stuck in the mindset of having to do everything perfectly, you’re going to burn out.

The goal is progress, not perfection. Every small win adds up, and giving yourself grace during tough times will help you stay sane in the long run.

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Remember Your Long-Term Goals

One rough day won’t derail your breastfeeding journey. But if you find that you’re consistently having trouble keeping up with pumping or hitting your goals, it might be time to reassess.

What’s really important to you in the long run? Are you skipping nighttime feedings at six weeks postpartum? This might not affect you right away, but it could impact your long-term milk production. It’s important to have clarity around your goals and adjust when necessary. Ask yourself, “What’s most important to me right now, and what am I willing to adjust to get there?”

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Be Realistic

Let’s face it: sometimes, life is crazy. Whether it’s a stressful job, a major life event, or just a particularly busy season, you may need to readjust your expectations. That doesn’t mean giving up on your goals, but it might mean compromising in certain areas.

For example, if work is getting intense and you’re not able to pump as often as you’d like, consider how you can make up for it later, or reevaluate what’s realistic for your situation. You can’t be a supermom all the time, and that’s okay!

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Control What You Can

There will always be things that are out of your control—your daycare might overfeed your baby, your job might be chaotic, or your pump might break at the worst possible moment. But there are also many things that are within your control. Focus on those!

If your daycare isn’t following your feeding instructions, consider sending pre-measured bottles. If your job is chaotic, set boundaries and communicate your pumping needs to your boss. And if you need help, don’t be afraid to ask for it—whether that’s hiring a cleaner or finding a professional to help.

The most empowering thing you can do is take charge of what you can control, and let go of the rest.

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At the end of the day, every mom’s journey is unique. You’re going to face challenges, but with the right mindset and some preparation, you can navigate those tough days with confidence. I hope these tips help you feel more empowered as you balance work, pumping, and motherhood.

If you’re looking for more support, our long-term coaching program might be just what you need! We’re here to help you troubleshoot, make adjustments, and hit your long-term breastfeeding goals.