Why HIGH ACHIEVING WOMEN struggle with PUMPING

Returning to work as a lactating, career-driven mother brings a unique set of challenges. You’re not only adjusting to life as a new mom but also balancing your career aspirations with the demands of breastfeeding and pumping. If you’ve found yourself feeling overwhelmed by this balancing act, you’re far from alone. High-achieving women, especially those who thrive on control and predictability, often find the transition to motherhood particularly jarring. Here’s a deep dive into how to manage this journey with greater ease and confidence.

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Why This Matters for High-Achieving, Career-Driven Moms

In our coaching program, we regularly work with moms from demanding careers—doctors, lawyers, business owners, and teachers, to name a few. Each of them has dedicated years to building their professional lives, and now, as new mothers, they want to continue nurturing both their careers and their babies. For many, breastfeeding is a non-negotiable, yet maintaining milk supply while managing a job can feel nearly impossible without the right tools and strategies.

Common Challenges for High-Achieving Moms Returning to Work

High-achieving moms typically share similar experiences in this transition. They thrive on organization, control, and predictability—all qualities that a newborn and breastfeeding make harder to maintain. Here’s how these challenges often play out:

Control: When you’re used to being the decision-maker at work, the unpredictability of breastfeeding and pumping can feel disorienting. Many moms face a painful reality where their milk supply diminishes due to stress and lack of consistent pumping time, often feeling like a loss of control over their bodies and their choices.

Organization: Bringing a new life into the world comes with chaos that can disrupt even the best plans. High achievers often struggle with the mental shift from a structured work environment to a more flexible (and often disorganized) home life, with pump parts, bottles, and breast milk storage constantly needing attention.

Time Management: A packed workday becomes infinitely more complex when you add in pumping sessions. The balance of being present at work while also managing milk expression can feel like an impossible equation, especially when faced with unexpected changes like meeting delays or forgotten pump parts.

Validation: Many high-achieving women find fulfillment in their work achievements. While caring for a baby provides a different kind of reward, it’s not often immediate or acknowledged. The grind of pumping and caring for a baby can sometimes feel thankless, amplifying feelings of inadequacy or self-doubt.

Solutions to Bring Control and Peace to Your Pumping Routine

To help high-achieving mothers find stability and confidence in their breastfeeding journey, we’ve developed a structured, three-phase coaching program. Below are some key strategies we use to help clients reclaim a sense of control and effectiveness:

1. Pumping Efficiently

Efficient pumping can drastically improve time management. To achieve this, it’s essential to focus on proper flange sizing and effective emptying techniques. Many moms discover they’ve been using the wrong flange size, which not only affects comfort but also milk output. Our program includes detailed guidance on flange sizing and techniques like hands-on pumping, which can help you maximize each session.

2. Creating a Predictable Milk Supply

Your milk supply may seem unpredictable at times, but it can be stabilized. A key element is establishing a routine for letdowns and managing your storage capacity effectively. Setting a “magic number” of daily pumping sessions based on your body’s needs can make a significant difference. In our program, we work closely with moms to find the right pumping schedule, so they can keep their milk supply stable and avoid fluctuations.

3. Controlling Your Schedule—On Your Terms

While you may not have complete control over your schedule with a newborn, finding small ways to regain a sense of normalcy can be game-changing. By developing a clear understanding of your milk supply needs and identifying efficient times to pump, you can make pumping a seamless part of your workday. Some of our clients have successfully added pumping sessions during commutes or scheduled quick breaks, minimizing disruptions to their workflow.

Building a Community and Seeking Ongoing Support

No one understands the challenges of a high-achieving, lactating mom better than those who have been through it. Our community provides a supportive space for mothers to share experiences, insights, and encouragement. Many moms initially feel apprehensive about joining group settings, but they often find unexpected strength in connecting with others who face similar struggles.

In our private coaching program, mothers receive guidance tailored to their unique needs, ensuring they have the skills and support to manage both their careers and their breastfeeding goals with confidence. This ongoing support allows mothers to adapt to life’s inevitable changes, from fluctuating milk supplies to unpredictable workdays, ensuring they feel equipped to handle whatever comes next.

Conclusion

For career-driven moms committed to both their jobs and breastfeeding, this journey may not always be smooth, but it can be manageable with the right strategies and support. If you’re ready to take control of your pumping and breastfeeding experience while thriving in your career, consider reaching out. You don’t have to navigate this alone—our program is here to help you succeed on your own terms.