Pumping Tips for Business Owners

Running a business is demanding. Pair that with becoming a mother, and you’ve got a whole new level of relentless challenges. Recently, we’ve been sharing a mini-series of pumping tips tailored to different types of working moms, and I had the chance to interview one of our incredible clients—a multi-eight-figure business owner, Sunny. Hearing her story inspired me to dive deeper into the unique challenges faced by entrepreneurial moms navigating the world of pumping and breastfeeding.

For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Allison Tolman—a breast pump expert and coach for working moms. My mission is to help high-achieving, career-driven women balance their professional ambitions with their strong desire to breastfeed. If that sounds like your world, welcome. Let’s jump in and talk about the realities of pumping as a business owner.

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

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The Unique Challenges of Pumping as an Entrepreneur

Short or Nonexistent Maternity Leave

One of the first hurdles you might face as a business owner is the lack of a traditional maternity leave. Often, stepping away from work means revenue slows or stops. That reality can push you back to work far sooner than you’d like—while you’re still healing, adjusting to motherhood, and figuring out breastfeeding.

This early return often means introducing pumping sooner than expected, which can feel overwhelming without the right support. The transition from birth to pumping happens fast for you, and that timeline can be challenging to manage.

For tips on how to handle a short maternity leave, check this video on our channel!

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Stress and Its Impact on Milk Supply

Stress is a constant companion when you’re running a business, and unfortunately, it has a direct impact on milk supply. Research shows that high cortisol levels can affect milk production, making it even more important to manage stress effectively.

For you, stress isn’t just about deadlines or deliverables—it’s about brain space. The mental load of running a business, meeting pumping schedules, and caring for a baby is enormous. One piece of advice from my client Sunny resonated deeply: she built her village. From hiring a night nurse to working with a pumping expert, she recognized that outsourcing was key to making everything work.

That said, it’s important to acknowledge that hiring help is a privilege. Not everyone has the financial flexibility to outsource support, and that’s okay. If you can, view it as an investment—not just in your business or your breastfeeding goals, but in your overall health and well-being. If hiring professional help isn’t an option, think creatively about enlisting friends, family, or even local community resources to lighten the load. Remember, asking for help isn’t a weakness; it’s a sign of strength and prioritization.

When you’re spread thin, the mental load of trying to manage it all can spiral into anxiety. Stress, as we’ve discussed, has a direct impact on milk supply, which can make pumping even more daunting. If this resonates with you, check out the video on milk supply anxiety. It dives deeper into how stress affects milk production and offers strategies to help you manage both.

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Childcare Realities

Childcare looks different depending on your circumstances. If you’re heading back to a physical place of business, childcare may be a necessity. But if you work from home, you might think you can juggle work and baby care without outside help.

I strongly recommend some form of childcare—even if it’s part-time. Efficiency is everything when you’re running a business. Having focused work hours is essential, and pumping should be part of that intentional schedule.

We’ve got a great video on the channel about how to pump as a work from home parent. Check it out, here.

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Schedule Demands and the Juggling Act

As a business owner, you don’t have anyone enforcing breaks for pumping. You’re responsible for setting your own schedule and making it happen.

One of the biggest challenges you might face is the disruption caused by pumping alarms. You’re in the middle of deep work, and suddenly, it’s time to pump. The temptation to snooze that alarm is real, but skipping sessions can damage your milk supply and derail breastfeeding goals.

Efficiency is key here. Streamline your pumping routine so it’s as fast and effective as possible. It’s not about taking more breaks—it’s about making the most of the ones you do take.

The key to managing this is efficiency. Your pumping routine needs to be as streamlined as possible, allowing you to express milk quickly and effectively without taking more breaks than necessary. This isn’t just about saving time; it’s about creating a routine that works seamlessly within your already demanding schedule.

If efficiency is what you’re looking for, I highly recommend watching our video on pumping less. In it, we cover strategies to make each pumping session more effective, helping you reduce the number of sessions needed while still meeting your breastfeeding goals. By making your pumping routine more efficient, you can free up precious time in your day and stay on top of everything else demanding your attention.

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Setting Priorities and Making Decisions

As a business owner, you’re no stranger to evaluating priorities and focusing on what matters most. But when you’re juggling the demands of running a business and motherhood, those priorities can feel overwhelming. You may find yourself asking, What matters most right now? For some, the answer might be focusing on work and ensuring their business thrives. For others, it could be prioritizing breastfeeding as a short but meaningful phase in their life. There’s no right or wrong answer—what’s important is making decisions that align with your values and goals.

This is where the Pumping for Working Moms Program can be a game-changer. We help moms like you navigate these difficult decisions with clarity and confidence. Through personalized coaching, we work with you to identify what’s truly important, set realistic goals, and develop a plan that supports both your professional ambitions and your breastfeeding journey. Whether it’s carving out time in your day for pumping, finding ways to delegate tasks, or creating a flexible roadmap that adapts to your evolving needs, our program is designed to help you feel empowered and in control.

By addressing both the practical and emotional challenges of balancing business ownership and motherhood, we aim to ensure you’re making decisions that leave you feeling fulfilled—not overwhelmed. Because when your priorities are clear and supported by a well-structured plan, you can give your best to your baby, your business, and yourself.

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Flexibility and Realistic Goals

Motherhood demands flexibility. There’s no straight path, especially when breastfeeding and pumping are involved. Set realistic goals and be open to adjusting them.

It’s also okay to ask for help. You don’t get a gold star for doing it all yourself. Hire the help you need, whether it’s a pumping coach, a meal service, or someone to manage your inbox. Protect your time and energy—they’re precious resources.

The challenges of pumping and breastfeeding can feel particularly disorienting if you’re a high-achieving woman used to excelling in every area of your life. You’re likely accustomed to solving problems, managing teams, and handling whatever comes your way with precision and efficiency. But pumping doesn’t always fit neatly into that mindset, and it can feel frustrating when things don’t go as planned—no matter how hard you work at it.

We recently created a video exploring this very topic: Why High-Achieving Women Struggle with Pumping. In it, we delve into the unique challenges faced by driven, goal-oriented women navigating the unpredictable and often messy world of breastfeeding and pumping.

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Build Your Village

Sunny’s advice sticks with me: If you don’t have a village, hire one. As a business owner, you might have the financial flexibility to bring in support where you need it. Whether it’s a postpartum doula, a lactation consultant, or simply outsourcing household tasks, these investments can make a world of difference.

You’re already juggling so much. Motherhood and business ownership are full of unique challenges, but they’re also incredibly rewarding. Remember, you’re not alone. There’s help available, whether it’s through our coaching program or your personal network.

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Final Thoughts

Balancing business and breastfeeding is no small feat, but you don’t have to do it alone. The most important thing is that you feel good about the decisions you make—whether that’s continuing to pump, shifting your goals, or finding a new rhythm that works for you.

You’ve got this. And if you need guidance along the way, I’m here to help. Let’s make your breastfeeding journey as fulfilling and stress-free as possible.

Happy pumping!