PROTECT Your Most VALUABLE Assets as a Pumping, Working Mom (⚠️ it’s not your milk supply!!)
If you’re a working mom trying to balance breastfeeding, pumping, and building a career—you’re in the right place. I see you. That first year can feel like a non-stop juggling act, and trust me, I’ve been there.
But what if I told you that your milk supply isn’t your most valuable asset?
Yep, really. Today, I want to share the truth about what actually matters most for breastfeeding and pumping moms who are managing both work and a baby—and how to protect those assets so you can not only survive but maybe even enjoy this season of life.
(This blog post was originally a video. Check it out, here!)
The Two (and a Half) Most Valuable Assets for Working Breastfeeding Moms
Over the years—both in my personal journey as a mom of three and as a coach since 2009—I’ve discovered a few non-negotiable truths for breastfeeding working moms.
While milk supply is important, these two assets (plus a bonus one!) are often even more critical to protect.
Time
Your time is everything when you’re juggling milk supply, a work schedule, and your baby’s needs. Every pumping session, every meeting, every diaper change—it’s all part of your daily puzzle.
Why Time Matters
- You have limited hours in the day.
- Troubleshooting pumping issues on your own eats up time fast.
- Wasted time = less rest, less baby bonding, and more stress.
How to Protect Your Time
- Pump Efficiently: Learn what works best for your body. Hands-on pumping, correct flange sizing, and optimizing letdowns can cut pumping time significantly.
- Set a Flexible Schedule: Block out pump breaks on your calendar and have a backup plan for when life inevitably goes sideways.
- Batch Tasks: Meal prep, assemble pump parts ahead of time, and delegate when possible. (Yes, your partner can clean those pump parts.)
- Avoid Trial-and-Error: Stop throwing spaghetti at the wall. A personalized plan can save you hours every week.
Client Story: One of our clients, Monica, was an OBGYN managing long surgeries and pumping sessions. She created a custom plan using a wearable pump, stuck to it, and successfully met her one-year breastfeeding goal—without compromising her demanding career. You can do this too.
Brain Space
Mental overload is real. You’re managing feeding schedules, milk tracking, work deadlines, and possibly even trying to remember to drink water.
Why Brain Space Matters
- Stress impacts milk supply.
- Cognitive overload affects decision-making and emotional well-being.
- You deserve to be mentally present for both your baby and your job.
How to Protect Your Brain Space
- Work Smarter, Not Harder: Expert guidance gives you fast answers and frees up your mind.
- Automate What You Can: Use tracking apps, set reminders, or use a shared family calendar.
- Delegate: Outsource tasks like cleaning, grocery planning, or even pumping strategy.
- Set Boundaries: Communicate your needs at work. You only get one shot at this postpartum season—make it count.
- Have a Backup Plan: Know how long you can safely push a session and how to recover later without harming your supply.
Client Story: Emily, a hospital nurse working 12-hour shifts, was overwhelmed by her unpredictable schedule. After joining our program, she learned how to assess her supply needs in real-time and confidently adjust her pumping schedule—saving her loads of stress and second-guessing.
Bonus: Sleep
Sleep might feel like a luxury right now, but it’s a vital piece of the puzzle.
Why Sleep Matters
- It regulates hormones like prolactin (essential for milk production).
- Sleep deprivation increases stress and reduces supply.
- A well-rested mom is more focused, productive, and emotionally present.
How to Protect Your Sleep
- Find the Easiest Nighttime Solution: Whether that’s co-sleeping, side-lying nursing, or having your partner do the feeding—do what works.
- Pump Strategically: Know your body’s limits so you can maximize sleep stretches.
- Work the System: Leave milk at room temp for up to 4 hours, or keep a mini fridge in your room.
- Prioritize Bedtimes: Get to bed early when you can—it won’t be forever.
- Give Yourself Grace: Not every night will be perfect. Do your best, and let go of the rest.
This Is About More Than Milk
Here’s the truth: protecting your time, brain space, and sleep isn’t just about keeping your milk supply going—it’s about protecting you.
You deserve to feel good, stay sane, and actually enjoy this chapter of your life. I’ve seen countless women do just that when they focus on what really matters—and I know you can too.
If you’re looking for the simplest, most effective route to make this whole pumping and working thing work, let’s chat. Our program is invite-only, but we’d love to talk and see if it’s a good fit for you. The link to apply is below.
You’ve got this, mama. And I’m cheering you on every step of the way.
Happy pumping!
Meet Allison Tolman, LPN, IBCLC!
She is the owner and founder of New Little Life, a company dedicated to providing objective information and support for pumping mothers. With 15+ years of experience in various pregnancy and postpartum fields including as an LPN, birth doula, childbirth educator, and IBCLC, her current research focuses on testing and exploring breast pumps to find the most practical way to help pumping mothers reach their goals as well as teaching lactation professionals to better understand the complex art of pumping.
She runs a long-term coaching program to support working mothers who are pumping.