Pumping in the car

mmsweeney1

I am about to go back to teaching and my class schedule doesn't really allow breaks for pumping, so I might resort to doing it during my drive. How does this work exactly? I have a medela PISA. Do I need a car adapter or something? I assume I need a nursing cover and hands free bra too. Anyone have any tips?

becominggold

I bought a car adaptor for a few bucks on Amazon. In hubby's car though there is a plug that works. I do use my nursing cover and do both sides if I am riding w hubby, but sometimes I pump one side at a time and do it on my drive to work. I don't have a hands free bra so I just hold it w one hand and drive with the other. Probably not the safest I know, but my drive to work is on lower speed back roads.

allygirl520

Who needs a nursing cover?  

I just use an adapter and hands free bra.  I'd go ahead and make sure you are wearing the bra.  Go ahead and get setup before you start driving, then use stoplights to clean up after.  

Stephy129

I hated the bras made for hands free pumping they were awkward and I had to change in and out of them which was too many steps. I used my regular nursing bra and 4 hair ties. I will see if I can find a good explanation of how to make this work because I just tired typing it out and it made no sense.

ETA: here is a link with picture to how I used the hair ties and my regular nursing bra. My boob are pretty big so I works with many different sizes.

https://www.breastfeeding-problems.com/hands-free-pumping-bra.html

Peedy

I pump everyday on the way to and from work. I even go through the drive through to get coffee.

I don't use a cover.

I bought Freemie cups... They are amazing! I use them with my medela, and they go in your bra, so I'm not exposed. You can buy them on Amazon.. And they have little plastic tubes that you use so that you can use it with your pump.

Life changing.

mmsweeney1

Stephy129 said:

I hated the bras made for hands free pumping they were awkward and I had to change in and out of them which was too many steps. I used my regular nursing bra and 4 hair ties. I will see if I can find a good explanation of how to make this work because I just tired typing it out and it made no sense. ETA: here is a link with picture to how I used the hair ties and my regular nursing bra. My boob are pretty big so I works with many different sizes. https://www.breastfeeding-problems.com/hands-free-pumping-bra.html

Thanks! I will definitely try this.

jlynn62511

I do this when I don't have time to pump during the day. I set it up before leaving and will pull over in an empty lot to clean up. I don't always use a cover unless I'm in traffic.

mmsweeney1

I think I would be way too shy/ embarrassed to use no cover. Looks odd either way though I guess. I think I'll have to experiment and see if pumping in the car works or just getting to school early. Wouldn't want to risk a student barging in though! @-)

jlynn62511

@mmsweeney1‌ I put a do not disturb sign in the handle and locked the door. I was worried the tech guy or custodian would let themselves in. I had students ask me why I put a sign in my door during the day and I just told them I have meetings scheduled and did not want disruptions.

I always cover up at school!!

BlytheMac

I pump in the morning while I'm doing my hair and makeup.  That usually gets me through most of the morning.  I do have a battery adapter for my PISA and pump in the car sometimes.  I usually throw a cardigan on over myself or a pashmina.

dogperson11

Peedy said:

I pump everyday on the way to and from work. I even go through the drive through to get coffee.

I don't use a cover.

I bought Freemie cups... They are amazing! I use them with my medela, and they go in your bra, so I'm not exposed. You can buy them on Amazon.. And they have little plastic tubes that you use so that you can use it with your pump.

Life changing.

Those Freemie cups look awesome! Wish they weren't $60 or I'd try them.

lynds002

I sometimes pump in the car.  I use a cover and a hands free thingy zoegirl posted once.  It is just a black elastic band basically.  You do need a car adapter.  I actually don't really mind it, and people can't really tell what's going on.  I think the cover just looks like you're wearing a poncho or something.  

leannerivers

Thx!
I totally just purchased the freebie cups on Amazon! I feel like this will reduce my pumping time. I'm a nurse and its a PITA to pump 4 times during my shift:/

ungraceful13

I have the car adapter. I use a nursing cover (bc I hook up at a school). Hands free bra helps.

dvmmomma

I just wanted to add once you get to the IDGAF stage, life becomes so much easier. Ain't no momma got time for modesty.

herecomesthesun

sweetpies said:

I pump everyday on the way to and from work. I even go through the drive through to get coffee. I don't use a cover

LMBO! I'm just picturing the look on my McDonald 's lady's face if I pulled through to get my coffee while pumping. Cashier: "Do you want cream" Me: "No thanks, I've got my own" @Peedy‌ seriously, more power to you. That's awesome. I'm too clumsy.

Or when another driver is stuck in traffic right along side of you... which is every day here. I'd be giving people peeks of my nips every other second if I pumped uncovered while I drove!