Pumping During Commute (I know I'm crazy!)

teachingmommy

OK, ladies. Before giving me safety advice, please hear me out first.

 I'm getting ready to go back to work in 10 days, and during my first pumping session after a long night, I get about 14 oz (I know--I'm a freakin' Guernsey!) and then I pump about 8-9 oz 3 more times throughout the day. Since this first session is rather extended (about 12-15 minutes), my DH suggested using our car adapter and pumping during my 45-minute commute. 

 At first, I thought it was a nutty idea, but then I thought "why not?!" I am driving while it's still dark outside; I take the interstate the whole way. I could just cover with my hooter hider in case there was any visibility. And, I wouldn't be distracted while driving b/c I'm hooking up before I leave and finishing up while parked at an exit. Has anyone done this before? Was it more trouble than it was worth, or were you quite proud of your efficiency?

 Now, don't even think about mentioning possible newspaper headlines that would occur if I were to get an accident. DH and I have already come up with some doozies--lol!   

AmyRI

I do it, in the daylight, twice a day. And have for the past 7+ months.

I use the nursing cover like you said to keep concealed. I find that I like to put the seatbelt over the hands-free bra but under the nursing cover. Keep extra burp cloths to catch drips. It takes a little getting used to, but it's totally doable. My pumping sessions are 20 minutes minimum of actual pumping time, not counting setup/break down, so pumping while I drive saves tons of time. I find it less distracting than changing the radio station or talking on my phone, both of which are legal in my state. Even if the airbag went off, it would shoot towards your face and not at your chest so I can't imagine it being an injury hazard even in an accident.

I wouldn't say I'm proud of pumping while driving... but it makes my life a lot easier to pump then so I don't have to take extra breaks at work. I don't get paid breaks to pump, and have to make up any break I do take to pump, so to pump at work would add 2 hours to my day. (1 hour pumping+1 hour lost productivity). It's worth it to me.  

92405bride

I've done it with no issues and know quite a few others who have too... Go for it!

jlsimon56

I do this sometimes.  In the daylight.  With no cover.  My first AM session also gives me 12-16oz, but it takes AN HOUR.  Conveniently, my commute is an hour!  I'd rather pump while driving vs. come to work an hour early! 

I am going to do it today on the drive home.  I want to leave early so I am going to skip my last session here at work and just pump on the ride home. 

I need to do compressions when I pump, otherwise nothing comes out....so I don't pump+drive too often b/c it's hard to do compressions (for me). 

BeetleLinz1125

I did this pretty frequently.  If you are comfortable with it and have enough space to maneuver everything (steering wheels, etc) then go for it.

The only problem I ran into was that I dropped DD off at daycare, then had to find a place to hook everything up...so there were days I was pulling into McDonalds PK lot, any other place to hook up.  I didn't want to do that in the daycare lot.

bikitybinx

I would absolutely do that if I commuted by car.  I don't think I'll be doing this on the train into NYC tho haha :-) 

cottonlily84

If I could manage it I would and wouldn't care about onlookers.  I pump in the car all the time (with DH driving) with no cover.  But I don't have a hands free bra and have trouble getting the breast shields to stay put right while I'm holding them.  So I just pump as soon as I get to work. 

jess!ca

I pump while driving from time to time, when my schedule necessitates it.  It's not that hard and it is convenient when I'm in a jam.  I have also pumped on Amtrak several times with a cover.  If the train is really crowded, I will do it in the restroom. 

melissajo2011

I pump on the way to work every day, and often on the way home. It means I get more time with LOs! I also use a cover over the seatbelt. It is not difficult at all.

GoldenGibson

I love that you asked this! I have a 45 min commute to and from work and the way the timing would work out I would need to pump twice at work and once on the way home. I was wondering if this was a possibility and with a cover I definitely think it's doable and I won't feel like the drive is such a waste of my day

OUKap

Do it all the time. Not a distraction and saves time. I don't do it often on the way home because I don't have many places to hook up. 

genekelly

I thought it was crazy too until it became really convenient on a few occasions.  I've pumped on the way home from work a few times.  The pumping is easy but hooking myself up in the work parking lot without having anyone walk by my car is a bit difficult!  My commute is about 30 min and I pump 15-20 min.  I turn off the pump and detach the wires and disconnect the bottles when I'm stopped or when I pull in and park.

teachingmommy

Thanks for all the helpful replies. I think we mommas all have the same mindset: less pumping time AT work means more time with LO!

 So, any particularly effective hands-free bustiers for this venture??