What makes a mother? Is it the sleepless nights or the unwavering dedication? For Yvon Bock, it’s both and so much more. Her journey is one of transformation and purpose, deeply rooted in her experiences as a mother. As the CEO of Hegen and a mother of four, she’s navigated the complexities and joys of breastfeeding for over a decade. Each of her children—Russell, Brandon, Lucas, and Kimberly—brought unique challenges and lessons that inspired her to help other mothers around the world.
Motherhood is like turning yourself—your body, mind, and heart—into a home for different versions of you. Like Yvon, it is an ever-evolving journey of transforming yourself to nurture and support your children and your own pursuits and passions. This journey deeply influenced her as both a mom and a business owner. Her ten years of breastfeeding, full of challenges, pushed her to create solutions for other moms.
2018 Yvon and family in Maldives
From Personal Struggles to Business Innovation
Early on, poor maternity leave policies made her go back to work quickly, leading to feelings of guilt and a strong determination to keep breastfeeding through pumping. Russell, her firstborn, introduced Yvon to the challenges of pumping at work. This showed her the need for practical, all-in-one breastfeeding solutions.
Her experiences with her sons, Brandon and Lucas, added to her understanding. Brandon’s being tongue-tied and Lucas’s early birth made breastfeeding hard, showing the need for supportive and versatile products. The problem of nipple confusion with Lucas, caused by early bottle feeding, left a lasting mark on Yvon, motivating her to design a bottle that supports breastfeeding instead of replacing it. Moreover, the traumatic birth of her daughter, Kimberly, was a life-changing moment that further motivated her to dedicate herself to creating meaningful change for mothers everywhere.
Frequent work travel required storing lots of breast milk, sparking the need for efficient, eco-friendly storage solutions. Yvon’s drive to solve these problems led to the creation of innovative products that truly help breastfeeding moms. Through these efforts, Yvon has turned her experiences into support for other mothers, capturing the true spirit of motherhood.
1500 bottles of breastmilk
Leading with Empathy and Determination
Navigating the baby industry as a mother and business leader came with its own set of challenges. Early in the development of the Hegen Feeding Bottle, Yvon worked with a predominantly male team, including her father. Communicating the complexities and intricacies of breastfeeding—from the technical aspects to the emotional experience—was challenging. Despite numerous prototype failures, her determination never wavered, resulting in groundbreaking products that address genuine pain points for mothers.
Balancing her roles as a CEO and a mother required setting clear priorities, with family always coming first. Yvon’s strategy involved meticulous planning and focusing on the quality of time spent with her family. By practising “disconnect to connect,” she made sure that she was fully present with her loved ones, fostering strong family bonds.
Yvon with her breastmilk
Words of Wisdom for New Mothers and Entrepreneurs
Yvon’s journey offers valuable lessons for new mothers and aspiring entrepreneurs. She emphasises patience and self-compassion, reminding first-time mothers that love isn’t measured by the amount of breast milk produced. She encourages them to celebrate the joys of motherhood and not let challenging moments overshadow the experience.
For mothers aspiring to start their own businesses, Yvon’s advice is to pursue their passions wholeheartedly. Her motto, “Do what you love and love what you do,” reflects her approach to business and life. She urges mothers to believe in their potential, embrace challenges, and turn them into opportunities for innovation and growth.
The Power of Multitasking
Yvon Bock’s story is a powerful testament to the resilience and strength of mothers. Her ability to balance the demands of motherhood and a successful business underscores her belief: “I’m a mom, of course, I can multitask!” Through her journey, Yvon has shown that with passion, perseverance, and innovative thinking, it’s possible to create solutions that not only improve the lives of mothers but also empower them to achieve their dreams.
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