I pumped for a long time after Roosevelt was born—even after returning to work.
Breastfeeding was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. I faced every challenge you could imagine—pain, thrush, vasospasms, a tongue-tie revision, and endless consultations. Despite all this, I was determined to give Roosevelt the best start, even if it meant a mix of breastmilk and formula.
When I returned to work, I kept pumping. It wasn’t easy. The space I had was minimal—just a chair and a curtain separated me from other women in the cattle-like stalls. I had to store my milk in the communal fridge. My milk bag got knocked over on several occasions and the contents spilled. Cue tears. This all added more stress to an already difficult task. But I pushed through, committed to providing for my son as best I could.
Now, seeing companies introduce dedicated, well-equipped spaces for mothers—comfortable, private rooms with fridges, sinks, and even areas to work while pumping—fills me with hope. These are the steps that truly support mothers, integrating the realities of parenthood into our work lives.
My experience led me to start Leva—a comprehensive wellness platform designed to support new mothers, offering everything from lactation consulting to mental health resources. My goal is to remove the guilt and shame that so many mothers feel, providing them with the tools and information they need to make the best decisions for themselves and their families.
I’m passionate about making motherhood more manageable and empowering women to thrive both at home and in their careers. If this resonates with you, I’d love for you to follow along on this journey and share this message with others who might benefit.
To all the moms out there, however you choose to feed your babies—you are doing an incredible job. The most important thing is that you feel supported and empowered in your choices.
(Photo of me with my baby when he was a newborn.)
