Airline travel tips, including pumping advice...?

LonghornNAggie

My DD is almost 6 months old, still on breast milk, but not nursing. I have a pump where I can use the battery pack...do I just go in a bathroom stall in the airport? I pump every 3-4 hrs.

Here is my schedule...first flight is from 4-5pm, layover in airport from 5-6:20, next leg is 6:20 until 10pm.... anyone ever pumped on the plane? I can't imagine doing that! What about the airport? Is there anywhere special to go?

 Should I take a few frozen bags of milk? I suppose I could just use hot water in bathroom to warm?

General travel advice is also helpful.

mrs.kapow

I would visit the travel board on The Nest and ask. There are a lot of moms over there who have traveled extensively with LOs. 

Honestly, I would think if you could avoid trying to pump in the airport or on a plane, I would. If you must, definitely try to do it at the airport. There should be either family restrooms or use the handicapped stall. I don't think there are any more private areas.

I would also try to thaw the milk and make bottles before you go. The automatic sinks don't usually have a hot/cold option so just warming the bottle isn't going to be easy unless you ask a bartender or waitress and I don't think you have quite that much time, definitely not enough to go from freezing to warm. You can ask the flight attendants on the flight, though, and they should be helpful. 

Also, print out the TSA rules on breastmilk. There have been reports of moms being treated rudely when bringing breastmilk through security even though it's perfectly legal. 

I'll be totally honest that all of this mess is why I'm weaning before my work trip in January.