Joanna Franken: Pump and Pour

Joanna Franken keeps it real for a new generation of breastfeeding moms

Milk and motherhood—for many new moms, the two are inseparable. Breastfeeding is tightly woven into the expectations and pressures surrounding early parenting, and when things don’t go as planned, it can shake a mother’s routine, and eventually, her confidence.

For Joanna Franken, a Fil-Dutch content creator and first-time mom, breastfeeding became a powerful revelation. Though she hadn’t mapped out every detail of postpartum life, it was through its challenges that she discovered her own strength. Her experience as a “pumping mom” has been demanding and deeply fulfilling; and she’s embraced both the chaos and clarity of modern motherhood.

Tackling the Learning Curve

While her social media presence might suggest an easy flow of milk, Joanna is quick to clarify: it took real grit and dedication to get there.

“It was far from easy,” she says. “I went through almost every challenge—blisters, cuts, lip ties, clogged ducts, blebs, and even came close to mastitis. There were so many moments I wanted to give up, but I pushed through. I knew I wanted to give my son (Koa) the best start with breastmilk and support his immunity from day one.”

Though she was able to stimulate milk within a week of birth, it was one month postpartum when she committed fully to pumping. “That’s when I began pumping after every feed—sometimes up to seven times a day, for 30 minutes each session [on both sides]. It became a way for me to make sure he was well-fed and happy,” she shares.

Authenticity and Building Community

Joanna didn’t plan on becoming a “pumping mom content creator,” but the support she received online moved her to share more.

“Shortly after giving birth, I posted on Instagram Stories saying how breastfeeding felt even harder than pregnancy and childbirth combined. Then, ang daming nag-message sa akin—mga moms sharing support, tips, experiences. That interaction inspired me to start sharing more.”

Her milestone moment? Filling her first “full egg”—a full pump cup worth of milk. “Other moms wanted to know how I did it—and that’s when I launched my TikTok to document and share my pumping journey in hopes of helping others.”

She also credits the discipline of pumping with helping her lose weight postpartum. But she’s quick to note that without proper nutrition, it can come at a cost. “When I was one week into breastfeeding, I would lose sensation in my hands because of nutrient deficiency. My baby would latch, and I’d still produce milk, giving all my nutrition away.”

Routines and Real Talk

When asked for advice, Joanna offers it straight: consistency is key. “First, stay consistent if you want results. Eat healthy, stay hydrated, and rest. Stick to the schedule,” she says. At her peak, she pumped four times a day—9 AM, 12 NN, 3 PM, and 6 PM. “Eight times talaga yung recommended, but if you must skip, that’s okay. Just don’t be too hard on yourself.”

Support is just as essential. “If you’re a pumping mom, you have to think of the dishes, of the schedule, and how to pump (uninterrupted) while taking care of the baby. Find a routine that fits your lifestyle—make it sustainable so you don’t quit right away.”

But finding the right fit really requires trial and error. “It’s not like you buy a pump and it’s magic,” she says. “You might need different flange size or insert. There are a lot of parts and components.”

To boost supply, Joanna recommends malunggay—whether in tinola, capsules, or drinks. “Malunggay in tinola, that was my meal daily for a whole month! I think I got PTSD from malunggay,” she laughs.

Redefining Strength in Motherhood

“People will tell you breastfeeding is worth it, but when you’re fresh postpartum, you wouldn’t realize it right away. You’ll think, ‘How is it worth it when I’m in so much pain, when I am not getting any rest?’ But it’s really a mindset. You choose it every single day. You dedicate your time, and it’s a commitment.”

Joanna is part of a current shift in how we talk about motherhood—not as perfection, but as persistence. “I really wanted to reach the younger, new generation of moms like me,” she says. “Most of the lactation support online came from seasoned moms with multiple kids. But for my batch—the new moms—it’s really inspiring to see someone your age, or close to it, go through the same thing and learn how they adjusted. That yes, it’s not easy. But if she can do it, I can do it, too.”

Through every pump and post, Joanna reminds us that modern motherhood doesn’t have to be perfect to be powerful. Sometimes, the most meaningful support comes from someone just like you—still figuring it out, one “full egg” at a time.

More about breastfeeding?

Ria Atayde-Marudo: The Beautiful Mess of Motherhood
Marlann Flores On Breastfeeding: “It’s Complicated.”
Angelica Panganiban Shares Breastfeeding Truths Moms Can Relate To

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