We’re getting up close and personal with mothers who are savvy innovators and businesswomen and finding out their secrets to success. This time, we got the scoop from Romy Taormina, co-founder and chief of nausea relieve for Psi Bands.

The Bump: Romy, what inspired you to start Psi Bands?

Romy Taormina: I suffered from terrible morning sickness during my pregnancies, and I found nausea relief using acupressure wrist bands. But I was dissatisfied with existing products on the market. They were drab and uncomfortable. So I hatched the idea for Psi Bands, a drug-free, stylish and functional alternative for nausea relief. They’re available in several fun designs; uniquely adjustable at two areas (around the wrist like a watch and at the acupressure point for personalized comfort and fit); waterproof; reusable; and affordable.

TB: What are your top three pieces of advice for women looking to start their own business?

RT: 1) Don’t let fear or doubt get the best of you. 2) Stay true to yourself and your business. 3) The only way to score is to take a shot.

TB: What has been your biggest challenge? Biggest joy?

RT: Our biggest challenge has been cash flow. We have turned away business because of it. This past fall, we secured a line of credit which allowed us to move forward with a national rollout.

There have been many joys. Some of my favorites include: seeing our product on the retail shelf for the first time; landing key national accounts; having a feature in O, the Oprah Magazine; winning the Huggies MomInspired Award; and getting an offsite office, which allows me to better separate between work and family time than my former home office did.

TB: Looking back, is there anything you’d do differently?

RT: Yes, I’ve made my share of mistakes. But those mistakes were learning opportunities. I think Jessica Herrin of Stella and Dot said it well: “You have to fail your way to success.”

TB: What has been the most rewarding aspect of starting your own business?

RT: Bringing a product to market that makes a measurable improvement in the lives of those who suffer from nausea is, by far, the most rewarding part of my business. It is also fulfilling to know that I’m a role model for my children. I’ve shown them that hard work results in tangible positive outcomes. I take pride in financially supporting my family, and in providing meaningful jobs for others.

TB: What inside scoop do you have that entrepreneurs never tell you about starting a business?

RT: Running a business is like raising a child in that there are no books or resources out there that will completely prepare you for the experience. There are road maps, but until you’ve done it, you haven’t done it. And, no two experiences are alike. Because we can’t live life fully prepared, we sometimes just have to jump in with two feet and take the plunge. Sometimes it’s best just not to know what lies ahead. So, if you have a great idea that has legs — you’ve researched the marketplace and determined that there’s a need for it — and have the resources, drive and courage to turn that idea into a reality, then go for it!

TB: What’s a typical day in your life like?

RT: Go, go, go. Just like every mom I know! I’m fully immersed in what I do, whether I’m at home or at the office. Because I love what I do, I remain steadfast in my commitments, even during the hurdles. Those are the truest tests.

TB: Would you say that being a mother makes you a better businesswoman?

RT: Yes! Moms have an understanding that the only thing you can truly count on is change. It’s about the journey. Savor it.

TB: What’s the best part about having your own business?

RT: I’m invested 100 percent — emotionally, physically and financially — in my business. My husband and I have reversed roles — he’s now a stay-at-home dad and I’m the sole financial provider for my family. I have a responsibility not only to my employees and business partner to make this business a success, but I have the large responsibility to provide for my family. As one might imagine, there are aspects of this that are rewarding and some that are, at times, stressful. Working for myself definitely provides flexibility, and for that I am most grateful.

TB: Is there anything new and exciting you’re working on that you’d like to share?

RT: By June 2013, Psi Bands will be rolled out into all 7,500 CVS Pharmacy locations in the nation, which brings our total US retail store count to more than 13,000 locations, including Rite Aid, Babies “R” Us, Whole Foods, REI and more. We’re also  working on a new additional unisex design for Psi Bands which we will release within the next few months.

Plus, more from The Bump:

Finding Work-Life Balance

The Truth About Being a Working Mom

Advice for Morning Sickness

Moms are amazing! And not just at being moms. We know plenty of mothers who are also savvy innovators and businesswomen, and we’re in awe of what they do! We’re getting up close and personal with them and finding out their secrets to success in our new Inspiring Mompreneur series. First up, Julie Pickens, CEO and founder of Boogie Wipes.

The Bump: Julie, how was your business born?

Julie Pickens: My business partner at the time, who was also a mom, put baby nose drops onto a wipe to get them into her daughter’s nose. She realized that if she did it that way, she didn’t have to hold her down while she was kicking and screaming! That’s where the idea was born. It worked and we took the concept, named it and quickly went to work on formulating it. That was in May 2008, and we hired a chemist, since we didn’t have that technical background but we knew how we wanted it to perform and work. We developed the product and by October that same year, we had our first shipment of wipes and started selling them online. By January 2009 we were selling in retail stores. It happened really fast, and it’s been wild since then! I keep thinking, “Okay, when it calms down, when it calms down…” but it doesn’t calm down!

TB: Did your kids play a role in the creation of the product?

JP: At the time my kids were aged 13, 9 and 2. (Now they’re 18, 14 and 8.) We tested the product on them! Boogie Wipes were very helpful for my 2 year old. My older girls use them to this day use it take their makeup off. We stumbled on all kinds of uses we didn’t expect when we were developing because of trying our products on our own kids.

TB: Was it challenging juggling motherhood and starting a business?

JP: Yes, it has been a struggle. Being a mom is a demanding job, and it’s a challenge to be there for your kids and also make sure you have everything covered at work. When the business started, I thought, “This is great, I can bring the kids to the office with me,” and I really instilled a friendly workplace that embraced that. We hired other moms, we have flexible work schedules and people work around their kids’ activities. It was super important to us to create a fun working environment and everyone got their job done because the flexibility allowed them to work harder and get their job done.

But for me, personally, it was hard. I took on the role of CEO, did the capital raises and sales and distribution, and it became demanding very quickly. So I did have to learn how to balance all of that. At times I did it relatively well, and other times it broke my heart. I had to, at times, miss things because the business was growing and it got demanding. One night, I stayed at the office until 3 a.m. When I got home, there was a note on the stairs from one of my daughters. It was about how I was an inspiration to my girls to follow their dreams and to do what they wanted to do. She said she knew that it was hard for me and that I was tired. She thanked me for going to as many of their events and activities as I could. She also said she wanted to be like me when she got older. I’ll keep that note always.

Really, I think it’s a trade off. You do the best job you can. It’s not going to be easy; you can’t have it all. Sometimes you do feel like you let things slip, but in the end if you do your best, your kids really do see it.

TB: What three pieces of advice do you have for women wanting to start their own business?

JP: Number one, make sure the product or service that you’re putting out is something that really fills a need. Something that isn’t a “me too” product or service. Try to be unique and innovative.

Number two, always test your products. Run a focus group, do  consumer testing. Talk to other experienced (and brutally honest!) people for feedback on what you’re doing and to validate your concepts.

And last — the advice that saved us: Take a step back and write a business plan. You need a plan, so you know what it’s going to take to make this business a success financially. That will allow you to make smart strategic decisions about how to move it forward. Ideas are great, and there are a million of them, but planning and making sure you have the back end capital and resources to make this idea work are so important. Sometimes people miss that boat.

TB: What has been your biggest challenge throughout the process of starting your company?

JP: My biggest challenge really has been keeping up with the growth of our company. It took off fast in the first three years. And keeping up with that growth can give you some sleepless nights. When you have the growth, you have to fund the growth and it can be really stressful! We’re in year six and we’re finally profitable and to a point where I’m not losing sleep every night. It’s a very long road.

TB: Biggest reward?

Learning! I started with what I thought was pretty good knowledge and background on business. But to get to where I am now, running this company has provided me with so much learning about how to work with people and how to give back to the community. That has been so rewarding.

TB: Looking back, is there anything you’d do differently?

JP: There’s a million things I’d do differently! But I wouldn’t go back and change it because the mistakes provided great learning experiences for us.

TB: What’s a typical day in your life like?

JP: Disorganized chaos! I leave at 6:30 a.m. to take my high schooler to school, and I’m at the office until 5:30 or 6 p.m. two or three times per week. The other days I leave at 3 p.m. Both of my daughters are competitive cheerleaders and gymnasts, so they spend four hours in the gym a night. So I leave work, grab dinner at home or takeout. (We sometimes eat in the car or at the gym!) Once we’re at the gym, I get my computer back out and work while they’re practicing. My life is work and their activities, and I think most parents can identify with that for older kids — your life is ruled by their activities. We get home at 8:30 p.m., they finish up their homework, have a snack and then it’s off to bed by 10 or 10:30. I usually work again until 12:30 a.m. The weekends are different. I might answer a few emails, but I really try to focus the weekends on the family.

TB: How do you think being a mother makes you a better businesswoman?

JP: You have employees that need you because they need a job and an income. And they may come to you with personal issues. Being a mom, I have compassion and care for people and care about making my company a family. But truthfully, all those things have made me a better mom because I can model those work situations to the girls now. When they come home and tell me they’re mad at someone I can say, “Well what was their perspective and how can you work with them?” I have a lot more patience. As moms, sometimes we’re, like, Patience, where is that?  That’s what has helped me.

Plus, more from The Bump:

The Truth About Being a Working Mom

A Day in the Life or a Work-at-Home Mom

18 Worst Things to Say to Working Moms

Mother’s Day is just around the river bend — and what better way to mark the moment you became a mom than by traveling back in time to revisit each milestone in your adventure? While the kids make presents, your partner preps Sunday morning brunch and you celebrate all the ways those little hands and feet have permanently changed your world, we’re throwing a big ole’ party for you, mama!

For all our moms, this one’s for you! Here’s to motherhood, every step of the way:

1. You take a pregnancy test — and it’s POSITIVE.

2. No, really — it’s POSITIVE! You’re going to be someone’s MOMMY!

3. YOU TELL YOUR PARTNER THE GOOD NEWS AND MAGICAL THINGS HAPPEN (like fireworks!)

4.  You tell Facebook (obvi!) and keep track of how many “likes” you get!

5. You start to feel a little different about things because you’re busy growing another HUMAN inside your belly.

6. You start asking for sweets at all hours of the day.

7. No, not sweets. BURGERS. BURGERS EVERY DAY.

8. You try your best to focus at work but — OH LOOK, OREOS!

9. At the end of your third trimester, no matter how many outfits you try on, you just can’t get comfortable.

10. Your water breaks! And you make all sorts of funny faces when doctors tell you to “push!”

11. The moment you meet baby you realize you’ve never met anything so lovely and perfect and beautiful.

12. You hope baby gets all your best qualities (and none of your mother-in-laws).

13. Those first few weeks together take a little getting used to.

14. But after awhile, you get the hang of things.

15. You learn each and every one of baby’s faces — and what they mean.

And…

And oh, yeah…

16. You’re so in love with your little bundle, nothing else matters.

17. You realize just how amazing it is to have created a life (and a mini-you!).

18. And how much being a mom is the most amazing experience in the world.

19. Even if there is a lot of this.

You love it anyway.

Happy Mother’s Day, moms, from all of us…

(and Ryan Gosling!)

The Latest on Khloe Kardashian’s Journey to Get Pregnant — Us Weekly

21 Adorable Etsy Finds Perfect for Your Little One — MSN

Celebrity Moms Share Their Mother’s Day Plans — CelebrityBabyScoop

Is It Safe to Bring Your Kids to Work With You? — MSN

Kate Hudson Dishes on Life With Two Funny, Rowdy Boys — People

8 Educational Apps Your Kids Will Love (and You Won’t Feel Guilty Letting Them Play With!) — POPSUGAR Moms

Do Economics Influence Your Fertility Rate? – MU Study

Dad’s Sweet Lunchbox Illustrations Are the Perfect Afternoon Treat! — MSN

Why Amber Rose Feels Like She “Missed Out” On a Natural Birth — CelebrityBabyScoop

20 Creative and Cool Summer Crafts for Your Kids — POPSUGAR Moms

NICU Treatments Linked to Intellectual Disabilities — Reuters

So, you’re a breastfeeding working mom. You’ve returned to the grind, found your rhythm and you’re finally  starting to feel like you’re getting the swing of this… And then just like that, boom — you’re confronted with your first business trip! Mine came right at my baby’s four month mark. While I was looking forward to the opportunity and education the trip provided, I was woeful over having to be separated from my little one and I thought that maintaining my exclusive breastfeeding relationship with my baby would prove difficult, if not impossible.

Well, as I write this from 20,000 feet in the air, returning from my first trip, let me tell you: it’s possible. However, it required some planning, research, support and minor injuries (more on that later!). Here’s what you need to know to make it work for you on a business trip, a girls trip, or any time you’re away from baby:

Think Supply.

– As soon as you know about your trip, start calculating what your baby usually takes in one day and add up the number of days you’ll be gone to figure out how much you’ll need to reserve (add 20% to account for any hunger spikes and spills!)

– “Pump and store” as much as you can until you meet that number.

–In my case, relying on a reserve wasn’t possible. I had a series of events prior to my travel that used my entire emergency stash. Shipping milk home was a necessity to make sure my little one had enough. Yes, that left a lot up to chance, but my lack of extra supply meant that I didn’t have a choice.

Pump and Run.

– Speaking of supply, make sure you keep yours while you are away, Pump often. Drink extra water (flying is a dehydrator), wear scarves and jackets for comfort and camouflage and pump just as much if not more often than you do at home. The logistics of traveling with pumping supplies wasn’t very difficult. TSA agents did not question my breast pumping supplies and were very cooperative.

– I did thorough planning in advance for pumping locations. A series of Google searches gave me potential pumping stations in the airports I’d be in. I found that one airport had a wonderful pumping room. As for the rest of my pumping locations, all were not entirely desirable but suitable. Airport bathrooms and airplane bathrooms had to do.

Shipping 101

– For my trip, I was fortunate to be staying at a full service hotel. I called ahead to the concierge and they were able to help secure the materials I needed: an in-room refrigerator, a Styrofoam cooler, dry ice, packing tape and a shipping carton. When I arrived to the hotel and picked up my necessities, the concierge sweetly commented “I always love these requests… it’s so inspiring to see women who are ‘doing it all’.” Isn’t that wonderful? You’re not the first person to ask a hotel employee for breastfeeding help and you might inspire someone in the process!

– Once you’re ready to prepare the shipment, take note, that dry ice is NO JOKE. Although I handled it while it was covered in two plastic bags, I still managed to get a fairly large dry ice burn. Painful and unsightly, it was a lesson learned. Handling ice = wear gloves. I packed the milk in plastic storage bags, used newspaper to fill the extra space in the cooler, and packaged the cooler in a cardboard box. Mark the carton “perishable” tape it securely and you’re off. My shipment arrived before 9:30 am the next morning. I did this each night I was away.

Travel La Leche Style.

– On the day of my return, I carried the remainder of my milk in the soft side cooler home with me. I read somewhere that TSA agents might make you pour it out (the horror!), taste it (really?) or give you a hard time. Luckily, none of that happened.

– Large planes have some type of refrigerator that you can use to refrigerate your cooler. Smaller planes were able to provide me with extra ice to surround my cooler.

And there you are. While I do feel that I just completed my own personal “Amazing Race”, I am proud that I got through it and I hope that my experience helps any other “first timer.”

Have you ever traveled while breastfeeding? How did you make it work?

Plus, more from The Bump:

Top 10 Breastfeeding Problems Solved

How Breastfeeding Changes as Baby Gets Older

Top 10 Breastfeeding Tips for New Moms

We all know we shouldn’t compare ourselves to other moms. It’s not right to judge or stereotype. Yeah, yeah… yeah. We also know we all do it and it can sometimes even serve a useful purpose. Who among us hasn’t wanted to be a little more like that mom and a little less like that mom?

Here are five of the most common mom types I’ve encountered:

1. The By-the-Book Mom. This is generally but not always a first-time mom. She knows the recommended amount of sleep, food, dirty diapers and infant Tylenol a baby should have according to his age and weight. She knows exactly when the first teeth should appear and in what order. She can recognize cradle cap, RSV and Fifth Disease on sight. This mom is a font of useful knowledge, but should never be a substitute for your pediatrician. Also, she tends towards anxiety. Wonder why?

2. The Go-With-the-Flow Mom. This mom is the polar opposite of the By-the-Book Mom. She is very attuned to her baby’s needs, usually calm and unfazed by a little rash or unexplained crying fit. If the baby has a diaper blowout or spews spit-up all over her, oh well. That’s what babies do! This mom is good to have around as a reminder not to freak out over every little thing, but sometimes she’s a little TOO laid back. I mean, letting your baby eat sand and get licked on the mouth by a strange dog? Ew.

3. The Martyr Mom. This type of mom is very common. In fact, I’d say there’s a little Martyr Mom in all of us. She always puts herself last, whether it’s eating, sleeping, or even basic personal hygiene. Her baby is always adorably dressed and clean, whereas she is usually rumpled, rushed, and guzzling a lukewarm latte because she didn’t have time to eat. She will give you her last wipe or Goldfish cracker and insist that YOU pick the park for your weekly playdate. She is never available for mom’s night out, though, because she doesn’t feel right asking anyone else to watch the baby.

4. The Guilt-Free Mom. In sharp contrast to the Martyr Mom is this rare breed. I know a couple of them, or else I’d think she was an urban legend. Guilt-Free Mom may travel for work, go on weekend getaways with friends and to the gym regularly, and may even have time for HOBBIES! She doesn’t feel the least bit guilty because her very capable husband carries at least half of the child-raising and household load. She loves her kids, but doesn’t slavishly serve to their every waking need. When you ask how she does it, she laughs and shrugs. “I just do!” You would hate this mom if she wasn’t so nice.

5. The Perfect Mom. The one who always does everything right and always looks good doing it. She never complains, always smiles, dresses herself and her children stylishly but not obnoxiously so, has a clean house, well-behaved kids and an involved spouse. She had an easy birth and no problems breastfeeding. She even still looks good in a bikini. Surprise! This one’s a trick –- she DOESN’T EXIST. If you think you know a Perfect Mom, you just don’t know her well enough. Believe me.

Besides, most of us are combinations of these mom types, aren’t we? Of course, I’d like a little more Guilt-Free Mom in the mix. I’m working on it.

What type of mom are you?

Plus, more from The Bump:

8 (Annoying) Moms You’ll Meet Online

“Holy Crap! I’m a Mom!”

7 Annoying Moms You’ll Meet at the Park (Or Wherever Else You Go)

After becoming a mom this past September, I was unpleasantly startled to find that there is a lot of drama out there in the world of moms. Whether it is between the boob or the bottle, bed-sharing or cry-it-out, the battles go on and on. It’s exhausting. Can we even coexist amidst all of the opinions, research supported decisions, and varying parenting choices?

At first my response was no, we cannot coexist. I must find like-minded women to surround myself with. I was in a panic to befriend women who thought and viewed parenting in the same ways that I did. I thought that this was going to be the best and possibly the only way to approach mommy friendships. Guess what? I was wrong.

While there is extreme value in having like-minded friends to support you, it is also essential that we learn how to relate and navigate with others who have different approaches and perspectives. Why do we have to learn to do this? In all honesty, we do not have a choice. Whether we like it or not (and we probably don’t), we are going to come in contact with parents who approach parenting differently. We cannot control what others may say to us but we can control how we chose to react.

React With Confidence

I didn’t notice how insecure I was as a mom until my son was given a helmet to treat plagiocephaly. Honestly, I felt a lot of guilt and shame that his head had a funny shape. I felt like it was my fault. I also feared that people would judge me, or worse, judge my beautiful baby because he looked different.

After working through those feelings I realized that I was choosing a perspective that fueled feelings of guilt and shame over one that fueled confidence. So you know what I decided? I decided that I am a friggin’ awesome mom. I am the best mom for my son. I have chosen to stand with pride when I do what is right for my family whether it is a medical decision or any other choice we intentionally make. And in that same vein: You are the best thing your kid has going for them. What you decide works for your family, maybe not your neighbors or that other mom at church, but when it comes to your family, you rock.

We need to remember that every family’s needs vary which causes them to choose different ways of caring for their children. When you put life into that perspective it makes relating to other moms a bit easier and once you decide you are an awesome mom, no one can take that away from you.

React With Grace

Once we come to terms with the fact that people parent differently because each family is different, life gets a lot simpler. However, there will always be something that rubs you the wrong way. I have decided to approach these situations with grace (or at least give it my best effort). If a mom says something that I am super offended by a couple of times in regards to a parenting choice I’ve made, I have decided to brush it off. If there is repeated incidences of this, I have decided to have a quick chat with her, let her know that it rubbed me the wrong way and that I hope we can approach the topic differently next time. Letting your confidence show by letting the small stuff go and standing up when things are really out of line can keep your friendships going strong without suffering through uncomfortable comments that can feed into the “Mommy Wars.”

Keep Your Mind Open

I grapple a lot with keeping my mind open as a parent especially after spending hours pouring over literature and research to make a decision. Then pops in another mom who has decided to do the exact opposite of what I have decided on! All of my instincts tell me to shout, “NO! You are making the wrong decision,” but honestly, she is probably thinking the same thing about me. Rather than looking at the situation as a right or wrong thing, we can learn from each other. This doesn’t mean that one of you has to change your decision, but you might get the chance to learn something about the other side of things that you never knew. You also might gain more respect for that mama, too. Odds are she didn’t make that decision thinking that it was going to negatively impact her child and neither did you.

The other side to open-mindedness is remembering that there isn’t always a “choice” in some matters. This one comes into play a lot with the breastfeeding vs. formula battle (or stay at home mom vs. working mom). People have their opinions on what is “right”, but sometimes it wasn’t a choice for that mom. Sometimes we are forced to make choices as a parent, and we definitely need grace and open minds when it comes to that.

How do you maintain your “mom” friendships despite the differences?

Plus, more from The Bump:

7 Secrets All Mamas Need to Survive the Mommy Bullies

Here’s to Having it All: Balance Your Mom Life and Career

The Truth About Mommy Wars

I walked into work the other day, fresh off spending the last few hours with my 7-month old. I made the usual rounds, coffee in hand, chatting it up with the boss and co-workers.  I suppose it was about two hours later when I shut the door to my office and settled in for a pumping session — I looked down as I unbuttoned my cardigan to see what I can only describe as Haley’s Comet traveling from my shoulder down the front of my black cardigan. The comet… was a booger.

I had a napkin in my desk drawer and a bottle of water nearby, so I dabbed at my little booger comet to no avail. Rather than blotting it out of the night sky, I only added to its glow with little bits of napkin fuzz. As I contemplated my next move, I realized two things. First, do a spit-up-drool-snot-boogey check before leaving the house. Second, never get caught without a backup.

The first I haven’t quite mastered.  The second, I have.  What do I mean about a backup?  Well, there are several options — all of which will become a working mom’s best friend if you plan ahead.

1. Pack a scarf: Ah, that tasseled, slinky little weave of sanity in an insane world.  The scarf is there when you need to cover the hickey-like splotches on your neck where your little munchkin thought it a good idea to explore the ol’ scratch ‘n pinch on his road to motor skill mastery. The scarf is there when you dribble milk down your front (2% or breast)  It’s great for dabbing messes, covering messes, and even makes a great breastfeeding cover if you need it in a cinch.  They come in approximately 17 billion patterns, colors, and price-points, and they squish, fold, or roll into the tiniest little packet for fitting into purses, diaper bags, or if you’re like me, into a jumbo bin by the front door or under your desk.

2. Grab your pashmina: With the fabric being a wee wider than the scarf, the pashmina is also great for those “oopsy” moments. Where the scarf falls short, the pashmina steps up and swishes its mighty girth over shoulders and around arms — areas which are all fair game for boogies, snot, spittle, and (gasp) even poop. All you need is one or two pashminas in a basic color to keep in your drawer.  Black, gray, or beige and call it a day.

3. Keep an extra cardigan at the office: Finally, the princess of the ball. That cover-all, dress-up, dress-down, all-American, apple-of-my-wardrobe cardigan. A working mom’s wardrobe staple. Not only is the cardiganmy wardrobe must, but it covers up any mess. Who knew? This little miracle garment is available for less than twenty bucks at most Target-like stores, and comes in long-sleeve, short-sleeve, 3/4 sleeve, crop, drop, button, zip, heavy, light (running out of air)… You get the picture. This is the big Kahuna of the working mom’s closet.  I keep a basic black one draped over my office chair for whenever I show up with my blouse crusted over with unknown substances. I’ve also been known to double up a scarf with a cardigan. (Hey, I dribble once in awhile myself.)

Who says we can’t be cute and stylish on the outside even when our boobies are leaking on the inside?  But, what do I know… I’m just the girl with the booger on her shoulder!

What wardrobe stables do you rely on now that you’re a mom?

Plus, more from The Bump:

8 Biggest Mistakes New Moms Make

How to Revamp Your Post-Baby Wardrobe

Quick and Easy New Mom Hairstyles You Can Do

There are so many things that I wasn’t prepared for when it came to motherhood: how much I would love my new baby girl, how my priorities could change so dramatically and so quickly, and just how hard breastfeeding would be with my schedule.

I returned to my job just five weeks after having baby, but I wanted to continue to give my daughter all of the benefits that breastfeeding provides.

My initial online research on the topic of breastfeeding and short maternity leaves didn’t give me a lot of hope. The first results focused on a study revealing, “Mothers who take less maternity leave may breastfeed less.” The study, conducted by the Community Health and the University of South Carolina, noted that if new moms delay their time of return to work, then their duration of breastfeeding among U.S. mothers may lengthen.” Great, except — not an option to lengthen my leave. While I have a management position with a wonderful company, being absent for 12 weeks would prove difficult. So, now what?

After a few months of breastfeeding and working and learning a lot along the way,  I am still exclusively breastfeeding. I also found key things helped me to stay on track.

So, if you’re planning to breastfeed (or are already breastfeeding) and you have a shorter-than-usual maternity leave, here’s how I made it work:

1. Don’t sweat the stash.

I had visions of having a month’s worth of extra milk on the day of my return. I read stories online about women who had over 200 (!) ounces saved when they went back to work. The reality is that a newborn baby has constant needs that might not allow you to have a large surplus when you’re returning early. I reset my expectations and just pumped as often as I could. I always made enough for the next day, and built up a small freezer stash, slowly. Very slowly. But, I now have a moderate supply that I’ve built up ounce by ounce. When you are returning to work early, it’s nearly impossible to have gallons of milk saved. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to have it immediately.

2. Nursing on demand at night.

You’re still establishing your supply in the early weeks of breastfeeding. Nursing on demand at night helps make sure that your supply stays strong, and it gave me much needed bonding time after my early separation. Do I miss the extra sleep? Sure. But I know this phase of her life is short and I love the quiet time alone together looking out at the moon.

3. Develop a support team.

Breastfeeding seems to be one of the most polarizing topics for moms. Some formula users want to tell you to give up and that breastfeeding is overhyped and doesn’t make a difference. Some breastfeeding moms are so rigid that it’s hard to identify with them or follow their advice. Find a few friends, colleagues and family who can celebrate your goals and successes, and can hear you vent when you’ve had a bad day. Luckily I have a husband, boss, friends and family that fit this bill. It makes a huge difference. If you don’t have this, online communities, blogs and forums are full of women going through the same thing. And don’t let anyone judge your early return to the office. We all have different situations, schedules and lives.

4. Lose the “all or nothing” mentality — now!

There was a point where I would say to myself “No formula for my baby. It’s not what’s best.” I’ve since abandoned this. If breastfeeding becomes something I just can’t do or if she has hunger needs that I just can’t keep up with, I will be open to using formula to fill in the gaps. Or, if breastfeeding became something that turned me into a constantly stressed, nervous wreck (which admittedly it almost did a few times) I would stop completely. Having a “one day at a time” mentality will be better on you physically and mentally and ultimately better for your supply should you continue. Do what you can. Any breastfeeding, whether it’s for a few days, weeks , or months, is an accomplishment anyone can be proud of.

How did you balance breastfeeding and work?

Plus, more from The Bump:

Breastfeeding Advice for New Moms

Top 10 Health Benefits for Breastfeeding

Top 10 Breastfeeding Tips for New Moms

When my first child was a baby, before I started working again, my husband and I had the co-parenting thing down pretty well — at least on Monday. By Friday, though, it was a different story. My weeks tended to go something like this:

MONDAY: Baby wakes up, Dad gets him, changes him, takes him downstairs. Mom steals an extra few minutes of sleep before Dad leaves for work. Baby plays on floor while Mom makes coffee, thinking about how lucky she is to not have to squeeze into a suit and sit in traffic. Mom whistles, baby giggles. Both are clean and dressed. Meals go smoothly, naps are on schedule, and Mom might even get to the grocery store and make dinner.

TUESDAY: Baby wakes up, Dad gets him, changes him, takes him downstairs. Ten minutes later, Dad claims he has to leave early to pick up the dry-cleaning. Mom attempts to get a few more minutes of sleep with the baby, but baby is not interested. He IS exceptionally smiley and dressed in a cute outfit, though, so Mom doesn’t mind. In the afternoon, naps go well and Mom gets some stuff done around the house. Dad makes dinner.

WEDNESDAY: Baby wakes up, Dad gets him, but doesn’t have time to change him or take him downstairs before work. Mom reluctantly gets up, wrestles baby into his clothes, and attempts to keep him from diving into the empty tub while she goes to the bathroom. Downstairs, Mom pulls baby away from plugs, oven, dog bowl, and trash can while she fixes breakfast. Morning nap lasts 12 minutes. Baby’s new favorite game is “Bash Heavy Objects Against the Dishwasher Door.”

Unshowered and dressed in sweats, Mom drags baby to the mall to get out of the house. Dad works late, Mom misses yoga, and there’s nothing for dinner except peanut butter sandwiches.

THURSDAY: Baby wakes up crying at 4:30 a.m. Dad goes and rocks him back to sleep. Baby wakes up again after Dad has already left for work. Baby is soaked, crib is soaked, and the dog has peed on the kitchen floor. Mom reheats day-old coffee and throws some Cheerios on the highchair tray to soothe crying baby. Both Mom and baby are wearing dirty pajamas and could use a bath. It’s too cold to go anywhere. Naps turn into hour-long wrestling matches. The TV stays on all day long. Dr. Oz is actually pretty interesting.

FRIDAY: Baby wakes up crying at 5 a.m. and stays awake. Dad says, “You can get him this time,” then rolls over and sleeps through his alarm clock.

The box of wipes is empty. Baby head-butts Mom in the nose while trying to jump off the changing table, then manages to slam his fingers in a drawer. Mom feels like the worst Mom ever.

There is no coffee and no milk for breakfast. Baby alternately fusses, cries, and shrieks throughout the day. No naps are taken. In a last-ditch attempt to get baby to sleep, Mom takes the long way to the grocery store and sits in the parking lot until baby wakes up.

On the way home from work, Dad stops at the liquor store and the barber shop WITHOUT ASKING. Mom passes baby off to Dad, then stomps upstairs to sulk and send out her resume for jobs involving extensive overseas travel.

Later, after the baby is fed and in bed, she goes downstairs. Apologies are made. Takeout is ordered. A movie is rented. Another week in the life of a stay-at-home mom has come to an end.

Stay-at-home moms, can you relate? What was your experience like?

Plus, more from The Bump:

Staying Happy as a Stay-at-Home Mom

Checklist: Working Mom vs. Stay-at-Home Mom

What It’s Really Like to be a Stay-at-Home Mom