Is there a discreate way to pump in your car...

kochmcdiarts

Is there a discrete way to pump in your car if the car does not have tinted windows and you are in a busy parking lot (college campus)? Any tips? Once I get the right adapters I will be doing this about three days a week for school since I have classes from 8 am to 2:40 pm with two hour breaks thrown in there.

rmj3059

Try using a nursing cover.  This may help.

sugarland726

Put a receiving blanket in the window (like roll the window down and then roll it back up with the blanket in between). That will block people from the sides from looking in. I did that once in a grocery store parking lot.

annibes

sugarland726:

Put a receiving blanket in the window (like roll the window down and then roll it back up with the blanket in between). That will block people from the sides from looking in. I did that once in a grocery store parking lot.

This is a great idea!

Also, check with your school. Mine has a women's resource center with a pumping area for nursing moms. I started grad school when O was 4 weeks old and I was so fortunate that the center was 1 building over from where I had classes and where I worked. If they don't have a center, there should be a student advocacy office or something, and they would probably help you find a clean place to pump that is more private than your car.

snicksnack

I tried car pumping but never really got comfortable with it and can?t get as much milk as I do in a private area.  What I do is use a nursing cover and bring a book so if people wonder why I am sitting in the car they will think I am reading, in your case studying. I think I may try the receiving blanket idea next time.   Another option is if you know any of your teachers maybe they will let you use their office.  Also, if you can find a place that does not have an outlet the Medela Harmony is a great manual pump.  I use it when I am feeding LO and in situations where an electric pump will not work.  In the  mornings I get about 5 oz in 20 mins using that pump.  If I need to use it during the day I will pump each side for about 10 mins and if I have more time I will repeat.

Mrs.B6302007

I've had to pump a few times in the parking lot at stores.  I DO have tinted windows so I put the sun shield up in the dashboard to block the view from the front.  If I didn't have tinted windows, I would probably throw on the nursing cover although the blanket idea is really good.

ella.mabel

I've pumped in my car before.  I usually just find a parking spot on the edge of the lot.  I try to wear a cardigan and just turn it around backwards to cover everything.  People have walked right by me car and not noticed a thing.  I figure, who cares if they know what i'm doing.

dulcinea03

Especially if you're on a large campus, call your student services department. My guess is they have a room for nursing/pumping moms. You may be more comfortable there than in a parking lot. Another option would be to contact your department and see if they have a spare office or conference room you could use.

Otherwise, I would just use a receiving blanket or nursing cover in the car.

KateMarlin

dulcinea03:

Especially if you're on a large campus, call your student services department. My guess is they have a room for nursing/pumping moms. You may be more comfortable there than in a parking lot. Another option would be to contact your department and see if they have a spare office or conference room you could use.

Otherwise, I would just use a receiving blanket or nursing cover in the car.

 THIS, exactly 

missnewjersey

I pump in my car on the days I work because we have no open offices or other areas for me to do it. I have tinted windows but people are still really nosey there. I just wear my nursing cover and sit in the backseat. You might try checking if there are any student organizations for people with kids. They may be able to assist you in finding a place indoors, or if you are friendly with any professors they may have an office near class that you could borrow. Otherwise, get one of those folding sun shades and tell people to mind their own business! Oh and good for you! A school schedule in addition to a baby is tough enough, its great that you have chosen to continue breastfeeding even if you have to pump in your car!!!

kochmcdiarts

Thanks for the ideas! I never would have thought about asking womens services department.