CLIENT INTERVIEW: Sunny’s Story

Returning to work after having a baby is a monumental transition, especially for career-driven women committed to breastfeeding. It’s a time filled with logistical challenges, emotional turbulence, and the need to merge two significant parts of your identity: being a dedicated professional and a loving, present mother.

Sunny’s story is one that highlights the unique struggles and triumphs of navigating this balance. As a successful business owner and new mom, she faced the reality of integrating her work and motherhood goals. Her experience exemplifies the empowerment and clarity that come from having the right support system in place.

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

Facing the Reality of Motherhood

Sunny describes herself as a planner who thrives on structure. But, as many of us know, nothing truly prepares you for the chaos of postpartum life.

“You think you’re ready,” she reflected, “but nothing tests you more than the arrival of your child.”

From cluster feeding to sleepless nights and managing milk supply, Sunny faced the dual challenge of adapting to motherhood while maintaining her professional ambitions.

The Importance of Support and Community

I created our program specifically for moms like Sunny—driven women who want to continue breastfeeding while returning to work. When we first connected, she shared her desire to breastfeed but admitted she felt unsure how to manage it all. That’s where I stepped in to help.

Our program isn’t just about providing information—it’s about walking alongside mothers through every phase of their journey. We offer tools, strategies, and a supportive community that evolves with you as your needs change.

For Sunny, this approach was a game-changer. She often mentioned how reassuring it was to have an ongoing relationship other moms in our program to navigate the ups and downs of breastfeeding.

A Systematic Approach to Pumping

One of the most critical aspects of Sunny’s success was implementing an efficient pumping strategy. In the Pumping for Working Moms Program, we emphasize the importance of understanding your unique milk supply, optimizing pump settings, and creating a sustainable pumping schedule.

Sunny learned to:

• Customize Her Routine: We tailored her pumping plan to fit her busy workday while ensuring she maintained her milk supply.
  
• Maximize Efficiency: Using techniques like hands-on pumping and proper flange sizing helped her get the most out of each session.
  
• Adapt with Confidence: By focusing on what she could control, Sunny found peace amidst the unpredictable nature of early motherhood.

Navigating the Emotional Journey

Breastfeeding and pumping are as much about emotional resilience as they are about logistics. Sunny often shared how overwhelming it felt to juggle her roles as a mother, entrepreneur, and wife.

One of the guiding principles we instill in our program is the importance of self-compassion. It’s not about perfection; it’s about progress and finding what works for you and your baby. For Sunny, this mindset shift was crucial in navigating the inevitable challenges and guilt that come with breastfeeding while working.

Redefining Success on Her Terms

Sunny initially set a goal to breastfeed for 12 months—a common milestone. But as the months passed, she realized it wasn’t just about hitting a number. It was about doing what felt right for her and her baby.

Around the eight-month mark, Sunny decided to start weaning, and she did it on her terms.

“It was empowering to make the decision to wean on my own terms. I set that 12-month goal early on, but around eight months, I realized I was ready to stop. I’d built up enough of a backstock to combine breast milk with formula until her first birthday. And honestly, my mental health was starting to suffer. So I made the call to wean.

The process of weaning was hard—it took about five weeks. The hormonal upheaval hit me harder than I expected. I felt so blue during that time. But even with the challenges, I’m proud I got to make that choice. I wasn’t forced to stop early, and I wasn’t trapped in breastfeeding longer than I wanted. That control was everything to me,” Sunny said.

Advice for Working Moms

If you’re a working mom preparing for this transition, I want you to know that it’s possible to balance breastfeeding and your career. Sunny’s journey is a testament to what’s achievable when you have the right support.

Here is Sunny’s advice for mothers like you:

• Plan Ahead: Understanding your milk supply and pumping logistics before returning to work can make all the difference.
  
• Invest in Guidance: the Pumping for Working Moms program offers the tools, strategies, and support you need to succeed.
  
• Build a Support System: Join a community of like-minded moms who understand your challenges and celebrate your wins.
  
• Be Flexible: Goals are essential, but adapting to the unexpected is key to maintaining your sanity.

Above all, remember that you don’t have to do this alone. With the right guidance, you can thrive as a professional and a mother—on your own terms.

If Sunny’s story resonates with you, I encourage you to take the next step. Apply to our program today at newlittlelife.com/apply and let us help you create a breastfeeding and pumping plan that works for you.

You deserve to feel confident and empowered in your journey. Let’s do this together.