Returning to work while breastfeeding can feel overwhelming. From pumping schedules and bottle refusal to freezer stash guilt and formula shame—there’s so much pressure on new moms to do it “perfectly.”
In this episode of The Modern Indian Parent Podcast, Rinie Gupta speaks with Dana Hardy, an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and Executive Director of Begin Ed India, about the realities working mothers face when trying to continue breastfeeding after maternity leave.
Whether you’re still on maternity leave, preparing to return to work, or already juggling feeds and Zoom calls—this episode is packed with practical tips, emotional validation, and refreshingly honest advice.
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No time to watch/listen to the full episode? Read the blog in under 10 min to get all the key learning.
Blog:
[Blog] EP 44. How Breastfeeding Moms Can Transition Back to Work
![[Blog] EP 44. How Breastfeeding Moms Can Transition Back to Work](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1300,h_650,c_fill,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep,g_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F9a815a8f-48ba-4ef1-be2e-664f408a6176_1280x720.png)
In this empowering episode, we explore the challenges breastfeeding mothers face when returning to work, with expert insights from Dana Hardy, an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)and executive director of Begin Ed India. From pumping and bottle-feeding to workplace support, Dana shares practical guidance to help mothers navigate…
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👩⚕️ Connect With The Hosts
Rinie Gupta (Host, Pediatric Sleep Consultant): https://www.instagram.com/riniegupta/
Sanchita Daswani (Co-Host, Pediatric Nutritionist): https://www.instagram.com/sanchitadaswani/
🤝 Connect With The Guest
Dana Hardy (IBCLC and Executive Director of Begin Ed India): https://www.instagram.com/begin.edindia/
📌 Episode Chapters
⏳ Skip to the part that interests you:
00:00 Introduction: Breastfeeding & Returning to Work
03:01 Dana’s Journey Into Lactation Support
04:42 What Breastfeeding Moms Need to Know Before Returning to Work
07:59 When to Introduce a Bottle and Build a Pumping Plan
11:55 Choosing the Right Breast Pump
12:38 Increase in Night Feeds and Lack of Sleep
15:30 Superwoman Syndrome and Burnout
18:12 Balancing Frequency of Pumping and Direct Latching
20:11 Do Moms Need a Freezer Stash of Breastmilk?
26:28 Formula, Mixed Feeding & Letting Go of Shame
31:43 What If Baby Refuses the Breast Because of the Bottle?
35:14 What If Baby Refuses the Bottle?
37:43 Advocating for Pump Breaks at Work
41:58 How to Reach Dana for Support
📺 Explore More
Check out our full playlist of breastfeeding, formula feeding, and pumping-related episodes:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL80AqRVvQHY1_RcWjHuGR58kiTqmFTux8
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