My Breastfeeding Journey - Balancing a Career, Difficulty Breastfeeding, and Motherhood

Grace’s Story by Leva

As a biotech executive with a wealth of experience in various fields, Grace has always been driven and determined. But even she wasn't prepared for the challenges she faced as a new mother. A complete anterior placenta previa forced her to go on hospital bedrest, but she was determined to do everything she could to safely bring her baby into the world.

Things didn't go as planned. Grace gave birth prematurely via emergency C-section and had to receive a blood transfusion. Exhausted and overwhelmed, she was determined to breastfeed her newborn son. However, despite trying everything the lactation consultants suggested, her milk simply wouldn't flow.

As her son lost weight and became dehydrated, Grace knew she had no choice but to supplement with formula. She spent every waking moment trying to feed her son, breastfeeding for 20 minutes on each side before giving him formula, changing him, and putting him back to bed. Then, she would pump a little more to extract every breast milk drop. The whole cycle would start again an hour later, leaving Grace exhausted and stressed. Even at this point, the lactation consultants told her she "wasn't trying hard enough..." 

After two months of trying, Grace and her son weaned from breastfeeding and switched to formula full-time. As she returned to work, Grace couldn't help feeling guilty and exhausted. She knew no mother should have to go through what she had experienced.

Despite these challenges, Grace remained determined to be the best mother and professional she could be. Now the mother of three, she still continues to pursue her passions for running, yoga, and weightlifting, and enjoys hobbies like SCUBA diving and collecting sea glass. Grace continued to excel in her career, using her expertise in therapeutics, medical devices, and more to make a positive impact in the biotech industry. She also made it her mission to informally advise and mentor other startups and entrepreneurs, particularly women and underrepresented minorities, and to use her skills and expertise to create a more diverse and inclusive industry.

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