Allison Tolman
IBCLC | Breast Pump Expert | Nurse | Coach
"The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well." - Ralph Waldo Emerson
When I started my career as a nurse, I never thought I’d be where I am today. Not everyone is so lucky to KNOW their passion and know where they fit into the world. A beautiful career as an OBGYN nurse led me to lactation counseling. A love for teaching and helping new mothers, along with the birth of my first child, began my journey as a birth doula.
Now, 15 years later, I have combined my passion for learning, teaching, and serving into helping new mothers and families navigate their way through breastfeeding and pumping to return to work and successfully meet their breastfeeding goals!
Being a military spouse has opened my eyes to the world and the variety of ways that one thing can be accomplished! I find true joy in helping families meet their individual goals with respect to their unique circumstances, dynamics, religion, or culture.
I am a scientist at heart, and love to find and create research to objectively answer questions. Working with an engineer I created the "Boobie Barometer" and have tested nearly 100 breast pumps and counting! I love compiling data and helping mothers pump more efficiently!
I am passionate about my work and helping families, not only where I am located (which is always changing #militarylife), but all over the online world. Seeing the success and challenges of growing families drives me to learn more, share more, and explore new options!
As featured in the Washington Post...
Using a breastpump used to require privacy. Not anymore.
What does New Little Life do?
Allison's Licenses and Certifications
IBCLC - International Board Certified Lactation Consultant
ICD - Internationally Certified Birth Doula
LPN - Licensed Practical Nurse
ICE - Certified International Childbirth Educator
SBD - Certified Stillbirth and Bereavement Doula
HCHD - Hypnobabies Certified Hypno-Doula
Also certified/trained in:
Rebozo – with Gena Kirby
Placenta Encapsulation (No longer offering this service)
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Official Red Cross Volunteer and Mom2Mom Shape Chapter Director
Previous CPR/First Aid Instructor with the Red Cross.
Allison Tolman is requested frequently to be a guest at conferences, on podcasts, in videos, writing guest blog posts, and more. Not only is she considered an expert in the breast pump area of the lactation field, she has also built a successful business to help working mothers meet their breastfeeding goals! Here is a list of places you can find Allison other than on the typical New Little Life platforms!
As heard on...
Thrive Mama Podcast with Dr. Elisabeth Wygant
Listen Here --> Tips, Tricks, and Tools for Pumping and Breastfeeding Mamas
Finding Genius Podcast
Listen Here --> Helping Working Mothers Develop Healthy Breastfeeding and Pumping Practices
As seen on...
YouTube video with Alice Turner
Doula | Childbirth Educator
Breastfeeding Expert and IBCLC, Allison Tolman of @New Little Life by Allison reveals some of the worst breastfeeding advice. Not all advice is equal and sometimes the is really bad advice about breastfeeding.
YouTube video - Authority Accelerator Review
I got to talk with my business coach, who also enrolled in my program! Such a great conversation with Sunny Lenarduzzi and I'm so grateful for the blueprint she gave me to launch the Pumping for Working Moms Program and help mothers all over the world.
YouTube Interview - Finding Genius Podcast
Helping working mothers develop healthy breastfeeding - This video is also available on their podcast
YouTube video with Sarah Mitchell
Infant Sleep Expert
Allison Tolman from @New Little Life by Allison is a Lactation Consultant who helps new mothers and families navigate their way through breastfeeding and pumping. Today, she has something to share about her experience with sleep training & working with Dr.Sarah Mitchell. Watch the video to know about what was her 3 biggest hesitations with sleep training.
YouTube video with Alice Turner
Doula | Childbirth Educator
First 24 hours of breastfeeding can be a challenge. Allison Tolman from @New Little Life by Allison joins in a discussion about this time in your breastfeeding journey.
YouTube video review for my business coach!
The Authority Accelerator Program (by Sunny Lenarduzzi) review by Allison Tolman, Lactation Consultant for Working Moms
Published Works
Exploratory research on comparing breast pumps: Using data to objectively evaluate pump qualities.
2023
An article in the peer-reviewed journal, Clinical Lactation, presenting the preliminary data gathered from the BPVMS (The Boobie Barometer) and how it relates to breast pump evaluation, selection, and performance.
Speaking Engagements
Recent and Upcoming
Journée Internationale de l'Allaitement
November 2024
Breastpump Expert and IBCLC, Allison Tolman, is scheduled to give a presentation on Providing Practical Support for Pumping Mothers (in English) as well as assisting with individual breast pump education for the LLL leaders.
Idaho Breastfeeding Coalition - Keynote Speaker
June 20-21, 2024
Breastpump Expert and IBCLC, Allison Tolman, gave two presentations on The Science of Breast Pumps and Providing Practical Support for Pumping Parents as well as set up a "Breast Pump Zoo" with 30+ pumps to touch and explore!
GOLD Lactation Conference 2023
Virtual | April 3-June 30, 2023
The overwhelming amount of breast pumps on the market and lack of evidence-based pumping research make it difficult for both parents and professionals to know how to choose and use breast pumps effectively. After conducting pilot testing on over 50 breast pumps with a custom designed Breast Pump Vacuum Monitoring System, we will use the graphs and data gathered to better understand the differences between pumps and which are most effective for specific pumping scenarios. We will dive into the science of breast pumps, the practical use of different types of pumps, and clinical aspects of counseling pumping parents.
USCLA Conference 2022
Norfolk, VA | September 22-24, 2022
Breastpump Expert and IBCLC, Allison Tolman, provides a break-out session during the USCLA Breastfeeding Conference titled Understanding Breastpumps. Learn the basics of breast pumps, view graphs and data on popular pumps, and discover how to help your clients choose the best breast pump for them. Register here
Breastfeeding in the Bay State Annual Conference 2022
Virtual | October 3-4, 2022
Breastpump Expert and IBCLC, Allison Tolman, provides a break-out session during the Breastfeeding in the Bay State Annual Conference titled Understanding Breastpumps. Learn the basics of breast pumps, view graphs and data on popular pumps, and discover how to help your clients choose the best breast pump for them.
Now scheduling a LIMITED number of in-person conferences only for 2024
Months already scheduled are June, September, October, and November. More details to come!
