One of the things I've enjoyed best about attending the San Francisco Writer's Conference over the past couple of years is meeting fellow authors and aspiring authors — especially writers from the North Bay.
Author/Working Mom/Advocate Karlee Vincent shared an elevator with me at the Hyatt Embarcadero at the 2022 conference and we chatted about what we were working on. We were delighted to find out that we both live in Petaluma!
Karlee and I have kept in touch as I've released another novel and she's been working tirelessly to complete and release her first book: Pump or Bust: A New Mama's Guide to Office Politics, Breast Health and Pumping on the Road! Karlee's book publishes on Dec 1st. I'll add in a link once it's live, but I have to say I'm happy to see these kinds of books emerging in the marketplace. I raised three sons whilst working full or part time and it is an incredibly nuanced juggling act.
Ask my husband and he'll tell you about a memorable big meeting that I couldn't miss for my work and that I drove down to Marin County for when our second son, Luc was about six weeks old. He simply was not interested in taking a bottle, never mind that the milk had been pumped nice and fresh that morning. His lungs had a solid workout as he screamed for a good three hours until I made it home. Somehow we figured it out and I was working from home during his first few months so that helped. That was 28-years ago and it still stresses me out thinking about it. But for working mom's like Karlee, who travel frequently with their job, breastfeeding, pumping and keeping a new born fed and happy takes considerable steel and determination. As does writing and publishing a book. Bravo Karlee!
Here's what people are saying in the previews:
“Pump or Bust offers a candid and captivating perspective on the journey of new motherhood. Karlee’s relatable experiences resonate deeply, reminding us that as new parents, we navigate not only the arrival of a precious baby but also a transformative evolution of ourselves.” —Stephanie Hack, MD, MPH, Ob/Gyn and Founder of Lady Parts Doctor
“This book is a great resource for any new parent navigating the workplace while nourishing their baby, a must-read for the breastfeeding parent and the community that needs to support them.” —Sascha Mayer, Cofounder and Chief Experience Officer, Mamava
Congratulations mama, you birthed a tiny human! Soon, if not already, you’ll become an expert on the basics of napping, spit up, and diaper rash. But new moms also need to learn how to return to work empowered. Employers, coworkers, friends—even family—aren’t always supportive when it comes to breastfeeding and pumping in the workplace. Pump or Bust offers wise and often humorous guidance to help you advocate for yourself at work and while traveling for work.
In Pump or Bust, you’ll find everything you need, including:
- Conversation starters to ease your transition back into the office.
- Strategies to gain support from coworkers, managers, and HR.
- Game-changing self-care practices for nursing mothers.
- Tips and tricks to pump like a boss at work and while traveling for work.
- Essential checklists for moms, dads, caregivers, family members, and employers.
- The spilled milk: Inspiring stories and advice from other mamas about their breastfeeding and traveling experiences.
- Voices from leading industry experts addressing every stage of the back-to-work pumping journey.
Karlee Vincent is a parenting advocate who has lived through the trifecta: traveling, working, and pumping. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband, their two school-aged daughters, and a fluffy fur baby. Karlee has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, CNN, Ms., Tamron Hall, and Care.com. Her essays have appeared in Scary Mommy and Tiny Beans, and she blogs for the TODAY Parenting Team, the TODAY’s Show community for parents.
Karlee is also a member of the California Breastfeeding Coalition Board of Directors.
Say hello at: KarleeVincent.com
If you're in the area on Dec 3rd, Karlee will be signing books and celebrating mamas at Noo Noo, 429 1st St, Petalma from 2.30pm to 4pm. RSVP via Karlee's website. Share this with a new mom or soon-to-be-new mom. Karlee's book would make an excellent gift for a baby shower and someone you know who is about to be a parent.
Congrats Karlee. You rock!
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