Traveling without baby?

Sareclark

I'll be traveling for work and am trying to figure out the details. I'll leave noon on the 9th, and be back about 9 on the 11th. 

DH is excited for time alone with DS, but I'm nervous about pumping while traveling for work. I have a private office with a minifridge, and feel nervous when I think about pumping elsewhere. I feel comfy and relaxed and very private in my office. My boss has been so accommodating I hate to ask about making arrangements at the office we'll be visiting, and I think it'd be awkward to pump in another person's office. I was thinking about stretching out my pumping sessions at work, so I'll pump when I first get in, at lunch, and just before I leave. Then, while traveling, there will only be one session during the work day and I wouldn't have to worry about breaks. Would that be bad?

I was also thinking about bringing a handpump for during the day. It seems more compact than my electric pump (which I'll bring for use at the hotel). I know that it sounds gross, but I'd handpump in a bathroom stall probably (I think I'll pump and dump at the lunch pumping session... I just don't want to be too loaded down in a strange office- laptop and purse and pump and papers and cooler). 

Has anyone used a handpump? Would it be bad to use for a two days to relieve pressure/pump one session? Let me know about any holes in my plan, or any advice you have about traveling with breastmilk through airport security. I want to bring home as much as possible.

Mrs.Teddy

I wish I could be of more help to you!

I don't think you will have too much trouble gettign through security I have heard they are good about BM.

I woudl be alittle considered about the effect of spacing out your sessions and using a handpump on your supply. You may be fine, you may need some time after to build it back up. I personally never had very much like with a hand pump, maybe try it at work before you go one day and see how it compares to your regular pump? I hope you get it all worked out smoothly!

luckybride1128

I'm actually at the airport right now returning from a four night vacay with my husband sans baby. While I was away I just made sure to pump every 3-4 hours during the day and then once overnight. I got a fridge in our hotel room at no charge bc it was a medical reason, and BM will be good in a cooler with blue ice packs for 12 hours, so that's where the milk is now in my carry on. Don't freeze the milk because if it defrosts on the way home, you have to use it within 24 hours. Airport security was a breeze, I kept the milk in 3 oz increments in my lansinoh baggies, and they didn't even test them because the amounts are so small. I have no experience with a handpump or pumping in a work environment, but I will say my pumps battery pack, my nursing cover, hands free bra, and dressing in layers worked wonders. While we traveled to and explored San Francisco I pumped on the plane, on a ferry, on a bench at Alcatraz, and sitting at a table in several restaurants! good luck and sorry for the lack of paragraphs - on my phone.

DucatiLeah

For just two days, you'll probably be fine and rebound quickly when you get home. We were just gone for 5 days and my erratic pumping schedule didn't hurt things too badly. My biggest problem was that I couldn't get completely empty with the pump like I normally do with a BFing/pumping mix and I think I might have had clogged duct issues if I was gone longer. Take a nursing cover so it's easier to pump in random places if you need to. I would add an extra session in the evening if you cut one midday to help keep your supply up. Good luck and enjoy some extra sleep!!