pumping while traveling

suecadence

I have to go to NYC for the day on Monday.  I likely need to pump twice while I am gone (assuming that I can pump just before getting on train).  I am dreading pumping on the train, in the train station or trying to find a bathroom somewhere clean enough to use!  Does anyone have any advice for pumping on the go?   

Artslvr

I peraonlly would try not to pump on the train - can you pump at your destination?  Is this for work?  I found that when I went to events for work, I'd ask the event organizer for ideas of where to pump and people seem really responsive to finding me a place. 

suecadence

No, not for work.  Actually, for an interview.  I could probably pump in the bathroom there after the interview, but I am not sure how I feel about bringing it up with a possible future employer.

I'm feeling really stressed about it.  I don't know anyway around pumping on the train or at the train station.  I am pretty much going to have to go directly from the train to the interview and then back to train.

This blows.

Artslvr

(wow, nice spelling of the word "personally" artslvr)

Yeah, sorry, that's a tough one.  Well, I'm sure you won't be the first person to pump in a train bathroom.  Could be worse I guess.  I can see why you wouldn't want to alert the folks at your destination.

Let us know how it goes! 

kbird

Hi there - I flew out to Oregon Labor Day weekend for a wedding.  I too was super stressed about pumping while dealing with planes and airports.  But it's totally do-able.  I pumped many times in airport bathrooms - I always tried to get the handicap stall, but sometimes I was smushed in a little stall with my luggage.  I found it worked best it there was a decent hook that I could hang my pump on - so I was able to stand and pump.  I did pump once in an airplane bathroom, but just used my hand pump for a few minutes on each side to relieve pressure. 

For me, I found that my boobs went into overgear producing milk on my first day of traveling.  Like they sensed baby was no where around, and maybe if they made more milk the baby would come.  So I was pretty engorged.  But I just aimed to pump when I could, suck up pumping in icky small bathrooms and drink lots of water. 

You'll do fine... good luck!

kbird

Oh - I just wanted to add that I don't think I would bring it up with a future employer.  I noticed when I was at my wedding, I would mention to people (only women) that I needed to step away to pump - explaining why I would be a few minutes.  Or that I was traveling with my breast pump.  you know - just conversation.  But I got a lot of blank looks.  Just me, but I wouldn't mention it during a job interview.  Karen

Artslvr

Good luck at the interview!

Re: blank stares - totally.  99% of the population look at me blankly when I say I have to go pump.  It's kind of funny.

mstavish79

Good luck at your interview!  I was in your position on Monday. I had orientation and training at a new job in Baltimore, which I took the MARC too.  Of course we had a working lunch (ugh!) so by the time I got to the train station it had been 7 hours since I last pumped in the morning on my way to union station (I typically pump in the car in the mornings).  I couldn't really wait another hour to pump since I was beyond uncomfortable, so I ended up pumping in the train with my nursing cover up. Thankfully the train was pretty empty and you couldnt hear the noise of the pump.  Not sure if I would of had the guts to do it if the train was full but now that I've done it I know I can in the future if need be.  I have also pumped in a bathroom at a hockey game- when DS was a month old- so much for having a relaxing date!