25. Pumping with Confidence: Tips and Tools for NICU Parents

Pumping in the NICU is about so much more than milk. It’s about logistics, exhaustion, hope, grief, and doing the best you can in one of the most intense seasons of parenthood.

In this episode, I’m joined by Lisa Myers, founder of Ceres Chill, to talk about the real-life challenges NICU parents face when pumping — from storing and transporting milk to navigating work, long hospital days, and emotional overwhelm.
Lisa shares her own journey through unmet breastfeeding goals and how that experience inspired her to invent a patented breast milk chilling thermos and build a company rooted in advocacy for breastfeeding parents. We also talk about Ceres Chill’s HERO programs, milk donation and donor milk, and how companies can meaningfully support NICU families and staff — not just with words, but with action.
Whether you’re a NICU parent, doula, nurse, or employer, this conversation offers compassion, validation, and practical insight into what real support can look like.

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Guest Spotlight: Lisa Myers
Lisa Myers is the Founder of Ceres Chill, a company dedicated to ensuring the success of breastfeeding parents and protecting the health of the world’s most vulnerable infants.
In just a few years, Lisa became a mother of two, was promoted to equity partner at an international law firm, and built a mission-driven company — all while navigating universal breastfeeding challenges. After struggling to meet her own breastfeeding goals, she was inspired to create an innovative solution to protect breast milk and support pumping parents everywhere. Lisa is a passionate advocate for working parents, NICU families, and systemic change in how we support lactation.
Connect with Ceres Chill
Website: CereschillCeres Chill — The Breastmilk Storage Game-Changer (use code NICULOVE for 15% off your order): https://www.cereschill.com/
Inside This Episode:
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
01:28 Lisa’s Background and Inspiration
02:34 The Rage-Fueled Launch of Series Show
05:34 The Impact of Personal Challenges on Innovation
06:18 Overview of Series Show Products
08:26 Features and Benefits of the Series Show Chiller
10:10 Design Philosophy and Aesthetic of the Product
14:05 Pumping in the NICU: Challenges and Solutions
17:57 The Role of Donor Milk in NICU Care
23:36 Supporting Milk Donation and Community Impact
29:10 The Ripple Effect of Donating Milk
36:14 Supporting NICU Families and Self-Care
44:03 Guidelines and Safety in Milk Storage
49:10 The Power of Breast Milk and Practical Tips
53:59 Empowering Parents and Building Resilience
56:58 Closing Remarks and Community Support

Links, Resources & Mentions:
Support for NICU Families through Ceres Chill:
Loved this episode?
Share this episode with a doula, NICU parent, or care provider who could bring more compassionate, NICU-informed support to their community — or leave a 5-star review and let me know what resonated with you.

Disclaimer:
This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for decisions about your health or your baby’s care.

Until next time, remember:
The NICU is only the beginning — and together, we can make this journey less overwhelming and a lot more empowering.

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25.  Pumping with Confidence: Tips and Tools for NICU Parents
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