Our Story
Everyone celebrates the beginning of motherhood, and rightfully so. What about when breastfeeding comes to an end, though? When your little one’s dependency on you finally starts to shift? That is a time that is often brushed past, minimized, or overlooked.
Hi, I am Terese, co-founder of Lactation Vacation. For me, breastfeeding is difficult both physically and emotionally. My wonderful husband has walked alongside me during my breastfeeding journeys and when I was done nursing my oldest, he decided he wanted to do something special for me. When my oldest was completely weaned, he sent me on a trip by myself for a few days. We didn’t have much room in our budget for it, but I found a cheap flight and went anyway.
It was the middle of February in New England. It was freezing outside and I didn’t rent a car, so I walked everywhere in a place that wasn’t very walkable. I barely even noticed the freezing weather because for the first time in a long time I ate meals without sharing, I read an entire book, I moved my body, rested, and remembered what it was like to not be in “mom mode” 24/7.
It was a simple thing, yet it was just the kind of reset I needed to continue being the mom I wanted to be.
When I came back, I couldn’t stop thinking about it.
I told Eliza—who would eventually become my fellow co-founder of Lactation Vacation—and we both had the same thought: more moms need support like this.
Finishing your breastfeeding journey isn’t just the end of something. It’s a transition into a new version of yourself. More than that, it deserves time, attention, and care instead of merely putting away the nursing clothes and calling it a day.
We wanted to create Lactation Vacation to give other moms the same opportunity I had. Moms shouldn’t need permission to take care of themselves, but sometimes it takes someone else saying, “you should take a break” before moms are willing to consider the idea.
To those supporting a current or previously-breastfeeding mother, this is your chance to do something special for her and to acknowledge all of the hard work that her nurturing entails in a tangible way.
To the mothers, this is your permission to step away—out of the house, out of the routines, and out of the constant feeling of responsibility—so you can finally reflect, rejuvenate, and rediscover yourself inside of motherhood.
You already gave so much.
Now it’s time to do something just for you.
Meet The Women Behind Lactation Vacation
Eliza Sweat
Co-founderI have been blessed with two beautiful girls, each of whom I’ve experienced a fairly standard nursing journey with. Even so, breastfeeding is hard! I was wholly unprepared with my first daughter and did not expect the rigor of the first few weeks: painful feeds, hormonal outbursts, cracked nipples, engorgement, uncertainty of whether she’s getting enough, etc. You get the picture. I thought to myself (and out loud to my husband), How could anyone do this long-term? I’m glad I persisted, though. Even though it was still exhausting physically and mentally, the pain eventually stopped and gave way to a beautiful and bonding breastfeeding journey I cherished. Weaning was emotionally very difficult for me. I was looking forward to having more freedom, of course, but I grieved not having that time and that special way to bond with my baby. I wish that I had a Lactation Vacation to help me commemorate and process that special time.
Now I’m passionate about helping other women feel appreciated and worthy of taking some time to reflect, rejuvenate, and rediscover themselves. Personally, I struggled with my identity when I became a mother. Being a mom was what I had always wanted, and Mama is my favorite title; however, I’ve frequently needed to remind myself I’m a person outside of my motherhood as well. That’s what Lactation Vacation is all about: reconciling the past with who you’re becoming.
Speaking of which, here’s a little about me, the individual: I adored growing up in small-town Minnesota, the oldest of six kids. Little Eliza loved music, creating, and helping a loved one in need (and I still do!) Not a very independent person by nature, I took a risk and went to Utah for college. While getting my Bachelor’s in Psychology there, I met the love of my life and swept him off his feet. Now, we’ve settled down in Tucson, and I get to do my dream job every day! I’m a SAHM, but I like to call myself a curator—curator of a homey environment, good tunes, and memorable experiences.
Co-founderTerese Mayfield
Becoming a mom was something I had dreamed about for years. After an 18-month infertility journey, my husband and I welcomed our daughter. I was excited to have the bonding experience of breastfeeding her. Every time my milk let down, I felt an overwhelming wave of sadness instead of the warmth and connection many moms describe. Near the end of my breastfeeding journey with her, I finally learned it had a name: Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex (D-MER). Learning about D-MER explained a lot, but I still had to work to process a lot of emotions. When my husband sent me on the first Lactation Vacation I was really nervous to go, but I learned that showing up for myself is really worth it. I realized that I wasn’t just celebrating the end of a breastfeeding journey, but I was also celebrating everything it took to get to that point.
Now that I am nursing my son, I still struggle with D-MER but I know what it is this time and I know that at the end there is a Lactation Vacation (this time with merch!) waiting for me. I also know that breastfeeding can still be a bonding and rewarding time, even during the sad feeds.
I know my experience is not totally unique. Every mama is fighting a battle that isn’t always visible. Whether breastfeeding came easily or felt impossibly hard, I believe every mama deserves the opportunity to reflect, rejuvenate, and rediscover themselves. Eliza and I created Lactation Vacation because we want other moms to experience the same feeling of celebration, healing, and rediscovery after such a demanding season of life. My hope is that every mom who takes a Lactation Vacation leaves feeling celebrated, refreshed, and reminded that she matters, too.
Outside of Lactation Vacation, I enjoy cooking, baking, crocheting, practicing yoga, and finding simple ways to nourish my family with real foods. I also love serving in my church, spending time outdoors, and making memories with my family—whether we're at the library, baking together, swimming, or meeting friends at the park.
Your Questions, Answered. Your Concerns, Resolved.
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A Lactation Vacation is a trip designed for mamas who have pumped or fed their baby from the breast and are now finished weaning their baby. This vacation is designed to be a reset from the demands of motherhood. With the help of our guided Lactation Vacation Journal, we hope you will celebrate yourself and enjoy reflecting on your breastfeeding journey.
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Your Lactation Vacation is designed to be a three-day experience. Each day has a theme. Day one is relax. Day two is rejuvenate, and day three is rediscover. It is up to you if you want to extend your trip longer than that!
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It is normal to feel some uncertainty about leaving your child(ren). After all, moms are attached “at the hip” to their child(ren) during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It can feel unusual to finally make some space. Let yourself be comforted by the thought that when you take care of yourself, you will be able to more fully take care of your child(ren) upon returning home. Show your family that you know you are worth the trip.
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Just as there is no end to postpartum, there is also no end to post-breastfeeding. You, mama, deserve a prize for breastfeeding no matter how long you breastfed your child, if it was from the breast or from the bottle, or when you stopped. Breastfeeding is a big feat and you have earned some time to celebrate and process your feeding journey.
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Lactation Vacations are designed to be a solo experience, but sometimes a friend/partner trip is exactly what you need. We just encourage you to take the trip! If you do end up bringing a friend or a partner, however, we strongly recommend prioritizing a bit of solo time each day to write in your Lactation Vacation Journal.
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The 3-Day Experience Box has a packing list inside your Lactation Vacation Journal to ensure preparing for your trip is a smooth process. Be sure to leave a little room in your luggage for your 3-Day Experience Box, then pack anything else you would take on a normal vacation based on the Vibe and Location you choose.
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