Mary O'Donnell, IBCLC

01/24/2026

01/23/2026

01/23/2026

01/14/2026

To the NICU mom pumping milk for a baby you can’t hold yet,

Before anything, how are you and your fighter ?

I know that pump hurts more than people know.
Your body is doing what it’s meant to do, but your arms are empty.

You sit there, watching milk drip into bottles while your baby is behind glass and wires.
You’re feeding a child you can’t touch.
Providing for someone you ache to hold.

Every session feels unfair.
You’re exhausted.
You’re sore.
And you still show up, again and again, because this is the only way you can mother right now.

That milk carries your hope.
Your patience.
Your refusal to give up.

If no one has told you today, this counts.
You are still a mother.
And what you’re doing is hard.

I am so proud of you. So so proud

01/10/2026

To the pumping mom who leaves her baby to go to work, you are nothing short of a superhero 💛 You navigate early alarms, crowded schedules, and endless to-do lists, all while carrying a deep commitment to *nourish and protect* your child. Every pump session, every ounce you collect, is a message to your baby that “Mom is here, even when she’s not.”

You sit in quiet rooms, sometimes with judgmental glances or impatient coworkers, but you keep going. You plan your breaks, pack your cooler, wash bottles in record time, and face the discomfort and exhaustion…all so your baby gets the gift of your milk. Your body is working tirelessly, your mind is juggling responsibilities, and your heart is stretched across miles, yet you persevere.

This is love in its rawest, strongest form. It’s dedication that doesn’t need applause but deserves all the recognition in the world. You’re providing not just nutrition, but immune protection, comfort, and connection…your baby will feel it every time they nurse, long after you’re back in your role at work.

To the pumping mom who wonders if it’s worth it: it absolutely is. Every drop matters. Every session is proof of your love, your sacrifice, and your strength. Keep going. You are building a bond and giving your baby a gift that will last a lifetime 💛🤱🏼

You are enough.
You are amazing.
And your baby will always know
the love behind every ounce.

01/10/2026

Thinking about how to talk to your boss about pumping breaks or other lactation accommodations? Find info & resources for breastfeeding workers from the Center for WorkLife Law: https://bit.ly/3vtyYqj Contact their legal hotline at hotline@worklifelaw.org or call (415) 703-8276

12/27/2025

Flying this holiday season? Here's a quick reminder of the current TSA guidelines on traveling with breastmilk. Safe travels!

[Image Description] Infographic on flying with breastmilk in the United States, set over a picture of a colorful horizon over an airplane wing. Continued in comments.

12/27/2025

We are all done breastfeeding but I had tons of milk bags left over, I made my toddler smoothie packs for the freezer, I cut up peaches and strawberries and froze yogurt in ice cube trays and added 2 to each bag. I just toss them in the baby bullet and add some apple juice or water..

12/22/2025

Looking for a treat to help support your milk supply? Look no further.

PS No actual cookies were baked in the making of this recipe.

[Image Description] Holiday "lactation" cookie recipe. See comments for continued description.

11/22/2025

With the holiday travel season upon us, it’s a great time to appreciate just how wonderfully portable breastfeeding truly is. No matter where your plans take you -road trips, flights, or family gatherings - it’s always ready, at the perfect temperature, and available whenever your baby needs it. It’s one less thing to pack and one more thing to make your journey a little easier. Breastmilk is the ultimate travel food!

[Image Description] A photo of a woman nursing her infant. Text overlay reads, " Your milk is always ready to go. You can feed your baby anytime, anywhere." La Leche League USA logo sits below.

10/12/2025

You are not replaceable.
Not as a mother. Not as their mother.

No one can do it the way you do, not your mom, not your sister, not a babysitter, not anyone.

The way your child breathes easier when it’s your arms around them, that’s something only you carry.

So when you sit there thinking you’re not doing enough, remind yourself:
you are the calm after their storm.
you are the safe place they run to without thinking.
you are the one voice that can quiet their chaos.

You might feel tired.
You might feel like you’re barely holding it together.
But to that child, you’re everything.

Not almost.
Not halfway.
Everything. ❤️