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.

NICU Support & Resources for Families and Professionals: 

Stay connected with me @thenicutranslator on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenicutranslator/

Want to learn more about how to best support NICU babies and their families before, during and after a NICU experience? Grab the FREE guide here to get started: https://app.thenicutranslator.com/5things

Download my free NICU Birth Plan Template to help your clients feel more prepared, ask informed questions, and navigate the unexpected with confidence. A supportive, easy-to-use tool for doulas, professionals, and NICU families alike: https://app.thenicutranslator.com/nicubirthplan

Learn more about how you can become a Certified NICU Doula (C-ND) here: https://www.thenicutranslator.com/nicu-doula-academy

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/

Instagram: Instagraminstagram.com/cereschill

Facebook: Facebookfacebook.com/cereschill

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:

• HERO Giveaways: CereschillHero giveaways: https://www.cereschill.com/pages/hero-giveaways
• Milk Saves Lives (donor milk & milk advocacy): CereschillMilk Donations Saves Lives: https://www.cereschill.com/pages/milk-saves-lives
• NICU Warriors Program: CereschillNICUwarriors: https://www.cereschill.com/pages/nicuwarriors

Loved this episode?

Share this episode with a doula or care provider who could bring NICU-informed care to their community or leave a 5-star review and let me know: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-nicu-translated-podcast/id1838158332

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.

SEO Keywords:

NICU doula, NICU doula training, NICU support, trauma-informed NICU care, NICU parent support, navigating the NICU, doula education, preemie parent resources