Balancing Breastfeeding and Work: Heather’s Journey to Success

Hi, I’m Allison, a nurse, lactation consultant, and breast pump expert. I’m thrilled to share today’s interview with Heather, a member of our Pumping for Working Moms program. Heather, a physical therapist and mother of two, has experienced the highs and lows of breastfeeding while balancing a demanding career. Her story provides valuable insights into overcoming the challenges of pumping and returning to work with confidence.

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

If you prefer a podcast format, listen here!

Heather’s Initial Challenges

Heather’s first breastfeeding journey was fraught with difficulties, especially as she transitioned back to her job as a physical therapist. She struggled with low supply, even after trying everything from power pumping to supplements. She had to supplement with formula, which wasn’t part of her original plan.

“I bought all the cookies and supplements, woke up more to feed her, but it was just so exhausting,” she shared. Despite her best efforts, meeting her goals seemed impossible, and Heather often felt defeated.

Another major issue was improper flange sizing, which Heather didn’t realize until much later.

“I found out I didn’t have the right size flange the whole time. I had been switching sizes based on recommendations that just weren’t right for me,” she said.

This realization came after joining our program, where she learned how to find a properly fitting flange, which made a big difference in her comfort and milk output.

Turning Things Around with Our Program

Heather’s second experience was much more positive, thanks to the support she received from our Pumping for Working Moms program. She joined us during the late stages of her pregnancy, preparing herself for the road ahead.

“I actually joined while I was still pregnant,” Heather mentioned. “I attended a few calls even before my son was born. It was a game-changer because I already felt supported before things got really hard.”

Our program helped Heather approach pumping with the right tools and techniques. We emphasized the importance of flange sizing, creating a controlled oversupply for peace of mind, and setting a realistic schedule that fit her life. She found these strategies invaluable when navigating pumping with a newborn.

“Without this group, I would have probably quit a lot sooner,” Heather admitted. “The weekly coaching calls were a lifeline, giving me the space to talk things through and get support when I felt like I was losing it”.

Strategies for Pumping at Work

Returning to her physically demanding job as a physical therapist, Heather implemented several strategies to make pumping at work more manageable:

1. Scheduled Pumping Sessions: Heather found it essential to create a set pumping schedule that fit around her patient appointments. “I would mark out times on my calendar, like at 10 o’clock, I needed to go pump for 15 to 20 minutes,” she explained. This approach helped her stay consistent while reducing the stress of finding time to pump between patients.
   
2. Understanding Her Milk Supply: Through our program, Heather learned to assess her milk supply and identify when her breasts were well-drained. We worked on techniques like using multiple letdowns and hand expression to ensure efficient emptying. “I was able to understand what was normal for me and how to adjust my schedule if my output dipped,” she said.
   
3. Creating an Oversupply Buffer: Given her experience the first time around, Heather chose to create a slight oversupply to ease her mind. “I wanted that mental security of having some extra milk because my job is unpredictable,” she noted. This buffer provided flexibility, especially during long workdays when her pumping sessions had to be adjusted.

Overcoming Workplace Barriers

Despite her preparation, Heather still faced workplace challenges, such as finding appropriate pumping spaces and dealing with a busy schedule. Here’s how she managed these issues:

• Communicating Her Needs: “I like to work hard, and sometimes it was frustrating to stop and pump,” Heather shared. She was proactive in setting expectations with her supervisor about needing regular breaks. “I would tell them, ‘I need to pump at these specific times,’ and most people were supportive once they understood how important it was”.
  
• Getting Support at Home: Heather’s husband played a crucial role in supporting her breastfeeding goals. “He would bring me the pump if I was too tired, reminding me that this was one of the key sessions I couldn’t skip,” she said. Simple gestures, like cleaning pump parts, made a big difference in helping her stay on track.

Emotional Support and the Group’s Role

Pumping while working can be a roller coaster of emotions, and Heather found our program to be a crucial source of encouragement and motivation.

“There were times I felt like I was making myself crazy,” she admitted. “It was reassuring to be able to jump on a call and talk through it, especially when things weren’t going as planned”.

Heather particularly appreciated the group setting, where moms could share their experiences and learn from one another.

“Sometimes, you already know what you want to do, but talking it out and having someone confirm it helps,” she said.

The collective wisdom and shared stories made the challenges of pumping feel less isolating and more manageable.

Ending Her Breastfeeding Journey with Confidence

As Heather approached her son’s first birthday, she started considering weaning. This time, the decision felt right.

“It was just so much more peaceful this time. I didn’t feel like I was letting myself down,” she reflected. “I had met my goals, and it was a choice that I felt good about”.

Heather’s story illustrates that while pumping as a working mom is challenging, the right support and preparation can make all the difference. Our Pumping for Working Moms program was there to guide her through each stage, helping her achieve her breastfeeding goals while maintaining her career.

Key Takeaways for Working Moms

Heather’s experience offers several important lessons for other working moms:

1. Start Preparing Early: Joining a supportive program before the baby arrives can set you up for success.
   
2. Advocate for Your Needs: Clearly communicate your pumping schedule at work and advocate for the accommodations you need.
   
3. Build a Support System: Whether through our coaching program, a lactation consultant, or your partner, having the right support is crucial.

Our Pumping for Working Moms program aims to empower women to find balance in their careers and breastfeeding goals. Heather’s story is a testament to what’s possible with the right guidance and a supportive community.

If you’re interested in learning more about our program and how we can help you navigate this transition, click here to apply. We’d love to support you on your breastfeeding journey, just like we did for Heather.