do i need to bring my pump?

[milkeriffic mama]

I'm going out of town for work next week for 3 nights. I've only gone overnight once before (just a few weeks ago for one night) since DS was born. He is 21 months. I think he will be fine with DH, as he was okay the one night I was out of town before. But I'm unsure if I should actually bring my breastpump. DS nurses 3x a day on weekdays and anywhere from 2x-7x a day on weekends (yes, it really varies this much). My trip is in the middle of the week, a Tuesday through Friday. I work WOH full-time, and don't pump anymore during the day.

I'm flying on this trip (unlike the last one), so space is a little more precious (although I can definitely make room for the breastpump). Whaddya think? Can I get away with just hand expressing at night and in the morning, or am I better off just bringing the pump?

Thanks in advance for any feedback!

[beru]

Bring the pump! I ended up with plugged ducts on a similar trip when my son was 18 months old. He nursed 2 times per day at the time.

[sarahr]

When I went away for three nights, I really needed to pump in the morning for my own comfort (and to prevent embarrassing leaking). Also, I was shocked at how quickly my production declined. DD was nursing 3 times a day.

So I would bring the pump, although you probably don't need to pump as often as you would nurse.

[Ophelia]

Yes, yes, yes. Bring the pump. Better safe than sorry, you dont' want to get engorged. You may need to pump 1-2 times a day while you are away.

[TwoOllies]

Your situation was identical to mine last summer (same age, frequency of nursing and 3 nights away). I brought my pump and was very glad that I did because I could feel my breasts becoming engorged by the first morning away.

[Bensmommy]

Bring the pump!!!! You'll regret it if you don't.

[~threemoons~]

DP and I went out of town this past weekend for our anniversary, we would be gone about 24 hours, so I didn't think i would need the pump. dd is 19 mo and nurses a few times a day.

The next morning I had huge hard lumps in my breasts and they hurt! When i got home and got dd on the boob- milk was squirting everywhere!

[milkeriffic mama]

thanks, mamas! you've convinced me...I'm bringing the pump!