CLIENT INTERVIEW: Whitney’s Story

In today’s blog, we’re excited to share an interview with Whitney, a client in our Pumping for Working Moms program, who has a remarkable story about balancing her career and breastfeeding journey. Whitney, a pathologist, new mom, and breastfeeding advocate, faced multiple challenges but navigated them with a blend of research, determination, and the support from our program.

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

Starting the Journey with a Goal to Breastfeed

Whitney is an experienced professional in her late thirties who wasn’t initially sure about having children. Once she and her husband decided, she dove into researching everything she needed to know about motherhood.

“I tend to be a big researcher,” Whitney shared, explaining how she initially approached breastfeeding.

She prepared by taking classes, reading books, and buying supplies to set herself up for success. Despite not coming from a family with a strong breastfeeding culture, her motivation was clear:

“It makes logical sense to try to feed your baby the milk from your body as opposed to formula,” she said.

The Transition Back to Work

Returning to work was a critical point for Whitney. Like many new moms, she worried about maintaining her milk supply and creating a realistic pumping schedule. She initially thought she needed a huge freezer stash, but watching videos from our program shifted her mindset. Whitney started by pumping every morning a few weeks before her return, building a manageable stash and adjusting her schedule.

Balancing a new job with pumping wasn’t easy, especially the constant need to troubleshoot logistics. She remembered how complex things got with different pumping environments, from using the Spectra and Pumpables Genie Advanced for mobility to dealing with workplace interruptions.

Despite these challenges, Whitney learned to adapt. “I started to feel more comfortable about managing my supply on my own terms,” she said.

The Impact of Personalized Coaching and Community

One of the turning points in Whitney’s journey was joining our coaching program. She described her intake call as a “wave of relief,” finally finding a supportive space where other moms were going through similar experiences.

“It’s nice to have such a group of people who are so like-minded,” she shared, adding that she enjoyed both the structure and the community aspect of the program. The program not only gave her practical advice but also provided a support network that validated her unique approach and preferences, like her choice to safely co-sleep with her baby.

Having that support was invaluable. “The group was pivotal for me to really get to that first year with less anxiety,” she noted, highlighting how the community helped her move away from the feeling that she had to pump constantly to maintain her supply.

With guidance on techniques like hand expression and tailored pumping intervals, Whitney gained confidence and learned to adapt her routine without added stress.

Managing the Emotional Weight of Pumping at Work

Returning to work as a new mom often means navigating interruptions and managing expectations. Whitney found it challenging to balance her pumping schedule with her work duties, especially with people occasionally entering her office mid-pump. Setting boundaries in a demanding job took time, but having the group’s support helped Whitney prioritize her own needs alongside her work responsibilities.

One critical aspect of the program was learning about her “magic number,” or the minimum number of times she needed to pump to maintain her supply. With guidance, Whitney found a routine that worked, allowing her to pump efficiently and reduce sessions as her baby grew, which gave her a greater sense of control and balance.

Advice for New Working Moms

Whitney’s experience is a testament to the power of support and personalized guidance for working, breastfeeding moms. Her biggest advice for others is to trust their intuition and seek support when they need it.

“You matter,” Whitney emphasized, “Check in with yourself. Everyone else is checking in on that baby—like, check in with yourself.… The program actually really helped me in that regard because I wasn’t alone anymore. It just wasn’t me and my baby. I think a lot of new moms feel hesitant to do that… but my biggest piece of advice would be to make sure you’re doing okay.”

It’s essential for new moms to acknowledge their own needs and not be afraid to reach out for help, whether that’s through a structured program or building a network of supportive family and friends.

For Whitney, the transition to motherhood wasn’t easy, but she now approaches it with confidence and resilience, proving that with the right support, high-achieving women can succeed in their careers and breastfeeding goals on their own terms!