Business suits and breast pumps in America: A three-part adventure

The Backstory- Part 1

I have a six month old that I am exclusively breastfeeding. I take my responsibility very seriously. I believe that breastfeeding is one of the best gifts you can give your baby. The nourishment value of breastfeeding is unparalleled.

I also enjoy the experience of feeding my baby. The joy I see in his eyes as he drinks his milk is gratifying. I am not a "breastfeeding Nazi" as my husband and I like to call those that make you feel bad about not breastfeeding or push you too hard to breastfeed. It is a huge commitment that some may not want to or cannot make. I have worked very hard to keep my milk supply up and to be able to fulfill this commitment.

My son was born before his due date. Sometimes I pumped 6-8 times a day after breastfeeding to get my milk supply up to exclusively breast feed. Given the history, I stay committed to my responsibility.

Now a little preview into what some may call a crazy life. I have a business called Nature Certified, which makes organic and all natural skincare for families. I started the business a few years ago when my daughter was born. I was motivated by the gap in how few truly natural and organic skincare brands existed that I could trust. It's been hard balancing two young children and a young demanding business. I very much enjoy what I do though. When a large supermarket chain in the northeast asked me to attend their diverse supplier vendor fair I jumped at the opportunity.

While I was concerned about putting my best foot forward in the presentation and making a mark for Nature Certified I was most concerned about my baby and his milk supply. You see, on a side note, I had pumped so much milk that I had to buy a large deep freezer. However a few months ago, my three-year-old daughter unknown to me pulled the plug out (twice!) I can only say I tried not to cry when I saw what had happened to my emergency stock.

My plan for my big sales opportunity was to fly in and out. Being a coast-to-coast flight from California to Pennsylvania, I was losing close to sixteen hours in travel time in and out. I was planning the trip down to the last milk drop.