By: Yanina Boshes, BSN, RN
Balancing Work, Motherhood, and Breastfeeding: My Journey Through Guilt and Growth
Being a working mom is a constant juggling act — one filled with love, dedication, and sometimes, guilt. Looking back to 2019, I remember feeling completely overwhelmed when it came to breastfeeding. I didn’t have the resources or support I desperately needed, and that left me feeling like I was constantly falling short.
What I didn’t realize at the time was just how much this pressure was fueling my guilt. I felt like I was failing at something that was supposed to be “natural.” And when I struggled, I believed it was my fault — that I wasn’t trying hard enough or that I just wasn’t cut out for breastfeeding.
Looking back now, I can see that what I really needed was guidance and support — someone to reassure me that I wasn’t alone and that it was okay to struggle.
When nursing didn’t go as planned, I found myself exclusively pumping. While I was determined to provide Sean with breastmilk, the reality of pumping full-time was exhausting, both physically and emotionally.
Exclusive pumping quickly became a full-time commitment layered on top of my regular job and parenting responsibilities. My days revolved around a rigid schedule — pumping every 2-3 hours, carefully measuring ounces, washing endless pump parts, and worrying constantly about my supply.
Returning to work only made things harder. I remember lugging my pump bag back and forth, navigating awkward moments when I had to step away for pumping breaks or worse getting walked into when my sign would be ignored. Some days, I’d be stuck unable to express because there just was no coverage. I desperately tried to stay on schedule. I’d scroll through photos and videos of Sean to help my letdown, feeling a mix of love and guilt — love because I knew I was doing this for him and guilt because every where I turned I was faced with “why not nurse?”
There were days when my supply dropped, and I’d spiral into self-doubt. I’d question whether all the hours spent attached to my pump were enough — enough for him, enough for my family, enough for me. Each missed session felt like a failure, and each spilled ounce felt like a devastating loss.
But in those moments of frustration, I also found resilience. Exclusive pumping taught me discipline, patience, and a new kind of strength — the kind that comes from pushing forward even when things feel impossibly hard.
I didn’t realize it at the time, but I was giving my baby something more than just milk — I was giving him my dedication, my love, and my determination to show up for him in the best way I could. I showed up for him for 26 months. My worries that we would not be bonded by nursing was now an after thought.
Tips for Working Moms: Making Breastfeeding Easier with Ceres Chill
Balancing work and breastfeeding is no small feat, but having the right tools can make a huge difference. For me, this go around at 13 weeks postpartum, Ceres Chill became an absolute game-changer.
Here are some tips for making the most of it as a working mom:
- Master Your Pumping Routine: Try to stick to a consistent pumping schedule, even at work. Setting calendar reminders or alarms can help you stay on track and avoid missing sessions. It's okay to advocate for yourself and remember that you are feeding your baby.
- Use Your Ceres Chill to Simplify Storage: Just pump directly into your bottles, transfer the milk into your Ceres Chill, and you're set. Bring multiple chambers or express into inner chambers to make bottles the next day easy.
- Keep Extra Parts on Hand: Having spare pump parts in your bag can be a lifesaver when you’re short on time or can’t wash everything between sessions.
- Create a Pumping Station at Work: If possible, designate a small space in your office for your pumping essentials — your pump, Ceres Chill, wipes, and snacks. Extra parts and even a shirt can come in handy. I can't tell you how many times I forgot something.
- Don’t Skip Hydration and Nutrition: Staying hydrated and eating well can help support your supply. Keep a water bottle and some healthy snacks with you to stay energized throughout the day.
- Give Yourself Grace: Some days won’t go as planned — and that’s okay. Whether you pump less than expected or miss a session, remember that you’re doing your best, and that’s what matters most.
To the Amazing Working Moms: You've Got This
To every mom balancing work, pumping, nursing, or simply trying to hold it all together — I see you.
Going back to work while caring for your little one isn’t easy, but please know this: you are doing an amazing job. Whether you're pumping in a storage room, nursing during a midnight wake-up, or just trying to keep your coffee warm — you are showing up, and that matters more than you know.
It’s easy to feel like you’re being pulled in a million directions, but remember that every ounce of love, effort, and dedication is making a difference. Even when you feel stretched thin, your hard work is seen.
Be proud of yourself.
Celebrate the small wins — the ounces pumped, the cuddles squeezed in between meetings, and the moments you took a breath and reminded yourself that you are enough. ♥️
Happy National Working Mom Day 🫶🏻 Your journey is unique, your strength is unmatched, and your love is the heart of everything you do.
You’ve got this, mama — I am cheering you on. But when in doubt, take a look at your baby, you did that!