Breastfeeding is often painted as a natural and straightforward journey, but the reality for many moms can be filled with unexpected challenges. From sudden drops in milk supply to the stress of maintaining a stash while balancing life’s demands, it’s not always easy. And it’s exactly why I created “Pumping by Design”—to offer a supportive space where moms can find the right strategies, guidance, and encouragement to thrive through it all.

Let’s now meet Erica, a mom who thought she had it all figured out, only to discover how much a little extra support could make a world of difference—and how she got the results. 

Meet Erica: A Story of Resilience

When I first met Erica, she had nothing but positive things to say about her workplace's support for breastfeeding. Working remotely, she appreciated the flexibility it offered her in balancing work and motherhood. It seemed like she had the ideal setup for breastfeeding success.

However, beneath her cheerful demeanor lay a deep anxiety that had been building up for weeks. Many moms can relate to this story—juggling the joys of nurturing a baby while navigating the uncertainties of milk supply, just like the many moms who reach out to me on Instagram for advice and support.

A Growing Anxiety

In just two weeks, Erica was getting ready for a family trip and was worried about not having her favorite breast pump with her. She was concerned about whether her body would respond well to a different pump and if she could produce enough milk for her baby girl without her usual routine. She felt like her milk supply was decreasing, and the thought of using formula as a backup made her feel like she was failing at providing her baby with the best nutrition.

But Erica’s anxiety wasn’t just about the trip; it was about feeling like her body wasn’t keeping up. Like she was failing as a mom. Like she was not enough. Each day, she saw her freezer stash dwindling, which led her to believe her body had given up. Thoughts of inadequacy began to creep in—she felt powerless, convinced that her desire to provide the best nutrition to her baby for at least the first year was slipping away.

Beyond Erica's story, other breastfeeding moms face challenges like:

• Sudden changes in supply due to stress, lack of sleep, or a change in routine (yes, family trips or business trips are a change in routine).
• Balancing pumping with a busy life, whether a job, other children, or self-care.
• The emotional toll of feeling like your body isn’t meeting your baby’s needs can create a vicious cycle of stress, impacting milk production even more.

These struggles highlight a common need: practical and empathetic support and guidance. That’s why I share daily tips and encouragement through my Instagram @BreastfeedingByDesign, where moms can connect, learn, and feel understood.

Finding a Way Forward

Erica was feeling upset and needed a plan to make more milk for her baby. We worked together to make a plan that would help her body make more milk and fit pumping into her busy life, even as she prepared for her trip.

For context, Erica is breastfeeding her baby (6 months old) exclusively on demand. She pumps occasionally to leave the house for a couple of hours, knowing that her baby has enough for the next feeding. Erica was able to start a small milk stash but has found it difficult to maintain.

The Plan

• Keep breastfeeding on demand as it was her primary goal.
• Add a consistent pumping schedule every three hours to signal her body to produce more milk. While this might sound intense, it’s a short-term strategy with a significant payoff.
  
  

A Routine That Works

• 6:30 am - Breastfeed + Pump (that first pump in the morning is EVERYTHING)
• 8:30 am - Pump
• 9:30 am - Breastfeed as usual
• 11:15 am - Pump
• 1:00 pm - Breastfeed as usual
• 2:15 pm - Pump
• 4:00 pm - Breastfeed as usual
• 5:45 pm - Pump
• 7:00 pm - Breastfeed as usual
• 10:00 pm - Last pump of the day
• 2:00/3:00 am - Breastfeed if baby wakes up and pump the extra milk after (this is one way to increase your milk stash)
• 6:00 am - Back to the cycle - rinse and repeat.

For those who find this schedule too intense, there are gentler adjustments that can still yield results:

• Pump one side while feeding on the other to catch the simultaneous let-down.
• Do not skip the nighttime sessions, as they are vital in maintaining supply and starting a milk stash.
• Use a Haakaa or milk collector during feeds to gather any extra milk if you don't want to pump the other side at the same time.
  

For more insights on how to effectively manage your breastfeeding journey, check out my post on The Power of Establishing Routines Early in Your Breastfeeding Journey. Establishing routines early can significantly impact your milk supply and overall experience.

Small Changes, Big Results

By adding that middle-of-the-night (MOTN) pumping session and pumping first thing in the morning, Erica could double her milk supply in just one night. Seeing those extra ounces in her bottle each morning gave her a renewed sense of hope. It wasn’t just about having enough milk for the trip; it was about reclaiming her power and knowing she could provide for her baby, even in moments of doubt. Her body did not let her down. That was massive for her as she regained confidence immediately. 

You may think that once your milk supply is low, you can't do anything to reverse the engine. Here is something I want you to remember: 

In many cultures, it is common for a grandmother to re-lactate so that she can breastfeed her grandchild. If someone who completely stopped breastfeeding decades ago is able to re-lactate, so can you with the right strategies.

"Pumping by Design" was created with stories like Erica’s in mind. Many moms perceive that they have a low milk supply or feel their body is failing them when they see their milk stash diminish. But more often than not, they haven’t been given the right tools and strategies to keep up with the ever-changing demands of breastfeeding, especially when introducing a breast pump into the mix.

The purpose of this program isn’t just about teaching techniques; it’s about offering practical and personalized guidance, a listening ear, and the reassurance that every mom’s journey is unique. We work together to find what fits into your lifestyle—whether that means boosting supply for an upcoming trip, building a stash for returning to work, or simply regaining the confidence to trust your body.

Join the waitlist here!

Stories like Erica’s remind us how just a few strategic changes can make all the difference. If you're ready to take a personalized approach, joining the Pumping by Design program could be your next step.

Conclusion

Many moms perceive a low milk supply. They may think their bodies are done and won't produce any more milk. Nine out of 10 times, misinformation, lack of education, and, most importantly, lack of support leads them to give up on breastfeeding before their babies are ready. 

Keeping up with the demand of breastfeeding, especially as you introduce a new tool like a breast pump to your journey is hard, but so is writing and reading. Would you just say to your kids that it's okay if they can't read after a few weeks of trying?  

When you know how to optimize the breast pump and your routine around your demanding life, you get exceptional results. I know that it can feel overwhelming, but how can you make it second nature? 

If you are planning to go back to work soon, go on a trip, or even consider leaving your baby and taking a break but have no idea how it will work, join the waitlist today and be the first one noticed when enrollment opens. 

Let’s build a community where you feel empowered, not pressured, to reach your breastfeeding goals. Follow along for more, and contact us today at [email protected] to take the first step toward a journey that works for you. You’ve got this!