Pumping
Pumping to travel or to go to work is quite the experience. I have now been pumping for 10 months and I have learned a trick or two for all my pumping and breastfeeding needs. I have been exclusively pumping after two months of failed latching but it has provided the best milk for my baby to develop. I have been pumping on the go so here are some tips I’ve learned along the way!
Pumping Tips
Pack prepared
– Always make sure to have your charger or a backup method such as a hand pump in case of emergency. There is nothing worse than needing to pump and not being able to.
-Bring clean and dirty bags for your parts after pumping – often with timing you will need to clean the parts later so it is nice to have a bag to put all your dirty things into. I usually pack a few. That way for space I can always exchange dirty bags for clean parts and not have to carry everything
-I pre-pack one set of parts per bag with bottle caps. This way when it is time to pump, I can pull out a bag and have everything I need without having to fish through my bag
-I throw extra bottle caps into my cooler pack. If you drop a cap or need an extra cap for milk it is nice to be able to find some caps right in your freezer pack ready for you.
Pumping Tips for car travel
road trip as a passenger
Traveling in the car is super easy if you are the passenger. I pack the bag just as above and can easily pump, put away milk and carry on. You have to figure out your breast pump for road trips. My first pump, I bought a car charger for it. My second pump, I just had to charge in advance and would last all day. I also had a portable cordless pump which you would just charge in advance. My biggest advice is to charge the batteries before the journey.
pumping while driving
If you are pumping and driving, it is a little different. I ideally work about 25-30 minutes from my house so it is perfect timing. What I do is put on my coverup and attach the breast pump just before taking off. I have the pump in reach so I can easily dial up the settings at traffic lights but never take my eyes off the road. If the trip takes longer, I just turn it off and keep wearing it until I get to my destination. Once parked, I remove the pump and store the milk. My advice, never adjust the pump while driving.
Pumping Tips for air travel
pumping/nursing room
Airports have dedicated nursing rooms. Some of these look like small pods while others are bigger with changing tables, sinks, recliners and little tables. Either way it is a private area to pump/nurse your child. Unfortunately, they are only really one person at a time so you might find yourself waiting for a turn or coming up with an alternative. I definitely had to pump in a stall in the bathroom one time.
pump before and after flight
If you are on a short flight and can time your pumping before and after the flight that is great. If you are on a longer flight, you may need to pump there. It is a lot easier and more spacious to pump before or after the flight if you are able.
If pumping on the plane
Make sure to have all your supplies in the bag under your seat. This way you have easy access to everything at your seat. I put my pump on and did everything in my seat with my coverup. You may feel more comfortable putting it on in the bathroom and then returning to your seat but I personally didn’t feel comfortable with the idea of pumping in the bathroom for 20 minutes. Ideally, you can use your table tray to get the milk into the cooler. This is extra fun if there is turbulence. I recommend getting everything out that you will need for the pumping and putting the milk away. Once you have the tray open and with things on it, it is challenging to get back below the seat and extra challenging with your pump on so trust me have it all out. This includes your bottle caps, dirty bag for the parts, ice cooler, pump, pump parts, and coverup. I recommend bringing several “dirty bags” that way you can put the used parts to the bottom of your bag and have the clean and ready to use parts at the top and then you don’t have to fish out the dirty bag again. Airplanes are cramped spaces so the less back and forth in your bag the happier you will be.
Pumping checklist
Make sure to have all your pumping needs packed. Double and triple check so you aren’t missing a vital piece. Make sure to charge your pump before your journey and have back up if necessary (batteries, extra pump, hand pump)
Check out my pumping checklist HERE!
Check out my pumping checklist HERE!
Pumping cleaning checklist
I bring all my cleaning supplies when going out of town, on a road trip or plane trip. I do not bring all the cleaning supplies if going for a day trip or going to work for the day. I will just bring my dirty pump parts and bottles home and clean at the end of the day. My cleaning supplies include: travel baby bottle drying rack, baby bottle cleaning brush, plastic bucket to clean parts in, paper towels, and a travel-sized dish soap.
I also bring a ton of baby food and feeding supplies when I bring the baby with me! See my feeding checklist HERE!
Pumping for travel
Pumping adds a whole new layer of complexity and baggage to your travels. My husband is going to be so thrilled when we are done with it for sure but for the time being it is providing essential nutrition to baby Cal and despite all the headaches it is so worth it. If you are pumping and traveling, I hope these tips help you on your journey-not only for travel but as a nursing mom!
