Pumping While Traveling

[drobinson]

I am going on a business trip in less than two weeks and will need to pump about every 3 hours in order to keep my supply up for when I return home to my daughter. As a result, I may have to pump while in an airport or on the plane. I'm hoping to not have to pump in the airport restroom, but I don't really know what else to do. Pump on the plane while wearing my nursing cover? has anyone had to do this? Any suggestions?

[Adaline'sMama]

On the plane, I would use a manual hand pump and either pump under the nursing cover or in the bathroom.

In the airport, I would use a manual hand pump and not care who saw me doing it, but thats just me. I would not, however, attempt to use my electric pump. I have a medela PIS and its pretty quiet, but I feel like everyone would be staring at me and listening to it.  How old is your baby? Having to pump every three hours is really kind of a lot.

[JulieInChicago]

I travel for work often and am in that boat frequently.  Here's what I do:
Pump in the airport bathroom, after security.  Many airports now have "family and assistive bathrooms" that are single stalls with outlets.  Yeah, they stink some times but there's privacy.  If not, you can wear a nursing cover and plug in at the bathroom counter. I use my double electric pump.  Nobody has every said a thing.

If your flight is longer than 2.5 hours bring a manual and do it under a cover.  I've done this twice and while awkward nobody actually said anything...

Remember- you're doing this for your baby. Anyone who has a problem with you pumping in a bathroom or airplane is seriously wrong. You need to be bold and know that nobody's going to get in the way of doing the best for your LO!  

DON'T FORGET... you need a little milk in one bottle to get ice packs through security. I usually pour 1 oz into a bottle just to be sure. ALSO... pressure changes with takeoff and landing make some women leak, so wear and carry breast pads!  

Edited by JulieInChicago - 3/28/11 at 2:43pm

[pacificbliss]

A lot of airports have nurseries too so you could pump in there. I have not had to pump on a plane but a colleague used her PIS on a plane once without incident. She just waited until portable electronic devices were cleared and covered up.

[Carolina Kel]

If you're a military dependent, I can't say enough about using the USO as a nice place to pump... and they usually have snacks. :)

As for pumping on the plane, I would usually pump before I got on the plane because airplane bathrooms are icky.

Depending on whether you have to travel in business attire or you can wear casual stuff, I'd dress in something that makes pumping easier. When I had to fly, I would usually wear a kimono-wrap style shirt and a nursing tank and just pump and cover myself with my top in an unused waiting area within eye-shot of my gate. I never had any problems except one guy that was determined to try to get a look that I shooed away with a threat of getting security if he's so interested in my boobs. Perv.

And as for pumping under cover, just wearing a wrap top and pull them over your flanges and pump in your seat if your pump is small enough. I had an Ameda Purely Yours that ran off of 6 AA batteries that was quiet, so it was the perfect pump for seat pumping.

I'd also make a point of sitting in the window seat of one of the back rows and making friends with the flight attendant. I'd usually let them know I was pumping and they were more than happy to be helpful.

It also helped that I honestly didn't give a flying f$#% if anyone was offended, then again, that's just me. :D

[NewBeginnings1]

A few more ideas:

Timing is everything. Have a plan, but expect contingencies. 

Pack your pump in your bag that goes at your feet. 

If you have a battery operated pump, bring batteries. (Some bathrooms or areas did not have outlets)

Another thought: If you normally feed your daughter one breast every three hours, then start on the other breast, that means that each breast is on a 6 hour rotation. You could probably keep your milk up if you pumped both breasts at the same time every 6 hours during the trip. I don't think it'd throw you out of whack, but I'm not a bf expert.

[Anna Phor]

What airport(s) will you be in? National airport in Washington, DC, has a converted disabled stall in the bathroom with no toilet, but a bench and (I think) an electrical outlet. There's a sign on the door that says "nursing room." 

I'd never nurse in there, but I would pump. You might think about calling the airports and asking if they have any facilities.