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An Open Letter to Moms: The Silent Struggle of Motherhood

As we kick off National Breastfeeding Awareness Month, I'm compelled to share a heartfelt note addressed to all mothers. When I was pregnant with my first child, I felt a wave of confidence regarding my breastfeeding plans. Equipped with medical advice and resources, I was certain I could nourish my child for the recommended year, or longer. But the reality hit me hard as soon as I brought my baby home. Amid a chaotic nursery filled with nursing pillows and pump accessories, the idea that breastfeeding would be a natural process felt far from the truth.

In those first weeks, I faced overwhelming challenges. Although we managed to find our rhythm eventually, I battled relentless anxiety around my milk supply. Returning to work only exacerbated the situation. The process of pumping was time-consuming and fraught with difficulty, leading me to eventually stop breastfeeding at seven months. This left me feeling inadequate, as though my body had failed to meet expectations.

What I wished someone had told me back then is that my body nourished my baby for over half a year, and any struggles I faced were not a reflection of my worth as a mother. Instead, these challenges highlighted a lack of systemic and societal support designed to help mothers succeed in their breastfeeding journeys. I am not broken, and neither are you—what’s often broken is the support surrounding us.

Sadly, my story is not unique; many mothers experience similar struggles. Recent discussions around motherhood often touch on the importance of recognizing the hard work mothers do, yet the specifics of breastfeeding remain underdiscussed. Motherhood is an extraordinary and transformative experience, yet it often occurs without the necessary resources and communal support. In a world where many women return to work just weeks after giving birth, we juggle the demands of recovery, nurturing, and self-discovery with little external help.

Research shows that two-thirds of parents report feelings of loneliness stemming from their parenting responsibilities. While a staggering 83% of mothers begin breastfeeding immediately, within the first month, about 70% face obstacles, such as concerns about milk supply, pain, and exhaustion. Only 40% of babies born in 2021 were breastfed for the recommended duration—this indicates a systemic failure requiring urgent attention.

At Willow, we have set out to change this narrative. Our company introduced the first in-bra wearable breast pump, designed to empower women by allowing them to integrate pumping into their busy lives instead of adapting their lives around pumping. Since our founding, our mission has been to create a suite of products and services that support women as they transition into motherhood.

We aim to celebrate your strength as a mother and honor your body for all it has achieved—transformation, nourishment, and resilience. As we observe Breastfeeding Awareness Month, let’s work to redefine the conversation. You brought life into the world, and that in itself is a monumental achievement. It’s time for all of us to demand better—not only for breastfeeding mothers but also for all parents.

Advocating for change in motherhood is not merely about individual products or initiatives; it requires a collective voice pushing for paid parental leave, flexible workplaces, accessible childcare, and comprehensive maternal healthcare. No mother should have to make the painful choice between caring for her infant, prioritizing her well-being, and maintaining her job.

For those overwhelmed by motherhood—wondering about breastfeeding, feeling fatigued, or questioning their capabilities—here’s your reminder: You are not broken. The challenge of mastering breastfeeding doesn’t define your effectiveness as a mother. You are immensely capable and possess profound strength. Even in the absence of a supportive “village,” know you are connected to a broader community of mothers.

It's important to remember that having a freezer full of breast milk or exclusively breastfeeding doesn’t determine your identity as a mother. You are enough just as you are.

I wholeheartedly believe in the collective power of mothers. By changing the narrative around motherhood and seeking to honor and uplift one another, we can effect real change in how mothers are supported. A stronger, healthier version of you is emerging, and throughout this journey—from the first drops of milk to the final feeds—I am here, cheering you on.

With love and solidarity,
Sarah O'Leary
Mom of Two, CEO at Willow

About Willow

Willow Innovations, Inc. is a pioneering mom-led company dedicated to elevating the maternal experience. Launched in 2014, Willow transformed the breast pumping landscape with the invention of the first fully in-bra wearable pump in 2017. Our award-winning products allow mothers the freedom and comfort of pumping anywhere while optimizing output. Rated #1 in Customer Satisfaction for breast pumps, we continue to challenge the status quo of motherhood and strive to build a supportive community. To learn more, visit onewillow.com and connect with us on Instagram and Facebook.