the pump project
The Pump Project is an ongoing series of portraits documenting the strength and resilience of mothers pumping at work.
AMY E. PEDIATRIC PSYCHOLOGIST
“Pumping doesn't care what you need to do, where you are, or who you're with...it has to be done. I've pumped in the car, in a closet, during meetings (thanks, Zoom). I've cried because it felt like nothing was coming out. Pumping was the bane of my existence but I feel so grateful that I was able to do it.”
JESSICA B. PASTRY CHEF
“Pumping and making doughnuts did not mix at first. It usually meant waking up at 3am to pump before work, then setting timers through the day to remind myself to pump, planning my pump schedule between our busiest hours. I quickly became an expert at rolling out dough or frying and glazing doughnuts while pumping. I was also so lucky to have an extremely supportive staff who would often remind me to pump, drink more water and eat something.”
ALICIA G. PEDIATRIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE PHYSICIAN
“My work keeps me busy and on my feet. Taking a moment to step away and pump is my moment of calm in the chaos. It lets me make time for my child and honestly, for myself. And it's a way to feel connected even when we're not in the same space.”
JULIE K. PROFESSOR
"I was a combo feeder , and I was so glad to have many different ways to feed my baby. But I have to be honest... pumping was pretty joyless. Getting to snuggle with my little bub at the end of a long day... That's where my joy is."
MADDY W. FLOWER FARMER
“After I stopped breastfeeding and pumping, I moved to formula and I was happy with the decision. For days after, I found myself uncontrollably crying. I didn’t know why I was so sad and it wasn’t until weeks later that a friend told me that hormones can be really out of whack when making the transition. Now I try to tell everyone I know that the transition may come with some unexpected tears even if you’re comfortable with the switch.”
KIRSTEN S. ACTOR
KATHERINE E. ARTIST & NONPROFIT WORKER
"I was neutral about pumping until I experienced aversion to it after an unexpected interaction in my workplace. After that experience, I realized it was something parents really need space and time to do away from the commitments of their jobs. While it felt like a duty that I had to fulfill each day, I was grateful to be able to provide my daughter with sustenance while she was away from me all day.”
JULIA VAN DEN HOUT. ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN WRITER
EMMA A. TEACHER
“In the spring of 2021, I returned to work teaching high school history,just three months postpartum.I was overwhelmed for many reasons—working on little sleep, missing my baby, worrying about COVID, and trying to navigate pumping with a busy teaching schedule. Then, a dear friend gave me the best advice: treat yourself. “Don’t try to grade papers while pumping,” she said. “Have a snack, sit back, and watch a good TV show.” I took her advice to heart. Instead of seeing pumping as another task on my endless to-do list, I began looking forward to it—a small but cherished break from the chaos of the pandemic.”
KELLY R. OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
“My second breastfeeding journey truly taught me that "Fed is best", as my son didn't eat well at breast or bottle. Every calorie pumped and consumed was precious and hard-earned. His first year consisted of pumping, formula fortifying, and feeding every 2-3 hours around the clock. My pump followed me everywhere--trains, airplanes, park benches, janitor's closets...you name it, I've pumped in it! “
SOPHIA C. ARCHITECT
COURTNEY L. ORTHODONTIST
“Breastfeeding is an amazing gift and one of the most remarkable capabilities of the female body. Pumping, on the other hand, is both a blessing and a challenge. It allows mothers like me to be away from their children for periods of time while continuing to provide the benefits of breast milk. For me, breastfeeding was a joy—it felt natural and deeply rewarding. Pumping, however, was often a burden, requiring discipline and sacrifice. Still, I’m incredibly grateful for the technology that made it possible for me to nourish my babies while pursuing my career. It’s a balance I didn’t take lightly, and I’m thankful for the tools that helped me navigate it.”
CATIE A. MARINE ECOLOGIST & SOCIAL SCIENTIST
CLEA A. ACTOR
“My son being healthy and happy is my number one goal. No matter where his milk comes from, be it Bobbie or from my pump, he is still being thoroughly nurtured, held, and loved by me. I had to remind myself of this as I had to give up exclusively breastfeeding when I decided to go back to work for a show on Broadway. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up; my soul was calling me back to acting. Still, I mourned the time it took away from both me and him, especially those precious moments of breastfeeding. Knowing he was healthy and happy with Bobbie’s formula helped me so much with the tough transition. “
BRITTANY P. WOMENS HEALTH
KATE B. CHIEF OF STAFF, OPERATIONS
VICTORIA L. CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY DOCTORAL STUDENT
“Even with incredible support, feeding and working and studying and becoming a mother and being a full human all at once is HARD. It’s also the best. Holding it all at the same time.”