Demystifying Pumping: Insights from Allison Tolman of New Little Life

In a recent episode of Nessle Together - A Parenting Podcast, I had the pleasure of interviewing Allison Tolman, a nurse, lactation consultant, and breast pump expert. Together, we explored the world of pumping and discussed valuable insights that can help breastfeeding families navigate this important–and too often under-taught–corner of the infant feeding universe. 

In this blog post, I'll highlight key takeaways from our conversation, shedding light on topics such as YouTube as a business tool, why pump training is important for lactation professionals, practical tips for pumping parents, and the need for more support for pumping parents.

1. Diversifying Your Business with YouTube:

Did you know that Nessle Together’s listenership is 50% parents and 50% parent-support experts? Allison shares lots to learn with the Expert side throughout this episode, including her journey into becoming a YouTube influencer. She covers the value of using YouTube to diversify your business, especially if you frequently relocate or work abroad. Unlike Instagram, where content fades away quickly, YouTube provides a long-lasting platform where your helpful content can reach and benefit a wider audience through search results.

2. Expanding Lactation Training:

We discussed the importance of addressing the knowledge gaps many lactation professionals have when it comes to understanding pumps. While training often focuses on breastfeeding at the breast/chest, there is still much to learn about flange sizing, assisting clients in selecting the right breast pump, and helping clients feel comfortable with pumping, particularly when they return to work. Allison loves to share this knowledge with other lactation experts, and she even has a training product that focuses on just that!

3. Practical Pumping Tips:

I shared some of my own favorite practical tips, such as using a pump car adapter and a battery pack for convenient pumping on the go, and we assure listeners that pumping discreetly at your seat on an airplane will go 100% unnoticed, so go for it.

4. Understanding Output Differences:

One key insight that Allison highlights is that output at the breast and at the pump can differ, which is normal. Allison encourages her clients not to worry if the amount of milk expressed during pumping sessions doesn't match what their baby gets while breastfeeding, and that there’s a great many levers that can be tweaked with the help of the expert to increase output at the pump.

5. Advocating for Pumping Support:

The conversation also touched upon the need for greater support and understanding for individuals who pump in public, during work calls, or in the presence of clients. Encouraging a supportive and inclusive environment can make a significant difference in normalizing and empowering pumping parents.

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Our podcast episode with Allison Tolman delved into the world of pumping, providing valuable insights and debunking myths. From leveraging YouTube for business growth to addressing training gaps for lactation professionals, understanding output differences, and advocating for pumping support, we hope this episode has demystified the pumping process for our listeners. Be sure to tune in to the full episode for a comprehensive exploration of these topics and more.

Remember, pumping is an individual journey, and seeking support from professionals like lactation consultants can provide crucial personalized guidance!

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Connect with Allison:

On the web: https://www.newlittlelife.com/ 

On Instagram: @newlittlelife_byallison

On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/newlittlelifebyallison 

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