xp: pumping and driving

cedenton

I go back to work Monday and want to take advantage of morning commute to pump. I can't figure out the logistics since I have to drop DS off at daycare first. I need some specifics of what others do. Tia

CHS2005

I used to pump while driving a lot. I never put anything in the window as I felt like the car was good enough cover  and I didn;t want to not be able to see. Basically, you need  some sort of car plug for the pump &  tubing thats long enough to reach.  I just made sure I was ready to go before I pulled out from where ever I was, and it was easy. I learned to make sure that I had drink holder space that was free to put the bottle of milk in when it was full or I was finished, otherwise you can't keep it from spilling and drive at the same time. Also, keep the bottle cap handy too, as looking for a cap while keeping the milk from spilling while also driving is likewise very hard.  Other than that, its not hard, you just get used to it. Good luck! 

SavedByLove

I put bag and all supplies in the car the night before.  Had everything hooked up even, tubes, bottles and all.  Dropped DS off at daycare, drove around the side of the building and set up (I was always "pump" conscious with my clothes haha).  I didn't always use a cover.  This time a year it's dark out during the morning commute.  Plus I am in an SUV so I'm higher up than a car.. Once at work I just made sure no-one else was immediately around and disassenbled.

it's scary and intimidating sounding until you do it the first time.  But you adapt quickly.  I pumped on my drive to work for 9 months!

good luck! :-) 

  

ETA - I  often put my coat on to use ad "side shields".  I found thus to be cover enough in the fall/winter

glinters

Once you try it you will not find it intimidating at all.  I used a bustier  with my regular nursing bra on.  I could then it zip off when I arrived at work. I never used a cover- my shirt bunched up enough that no one could see what I was doing.  Only real tip is to keep a cloth diaper on your lap in case of any dribble when removing bottles from pump.  GL

niknak7

I pumped while driving for around 8 months with DD and have been doing it for 4 months so far with DS. I use a nursing cover with arm holes (just has thin straps that you stick your arms through) and assemble everything under that. I'm very modest and never show anything that shouldn't be shown. I try to assemble/disassemble in a more deserted area if I can however frequently I have people walking by my car. I never unhook the bottles or recap while driving, way too dangerous for me, I just do it once I get there.

NY-allie

I pump and drive every morning on the way to work.  I also did it for 8 months with DS.  I drop them off at daycare then I drive to a nearby empty parking lot (right next to daycare). 

I then set up - I now use a hands free bra (simple wishes) but I've also just propped the bottles on my knees before I got the bra.  I put a towel on my lap to keep dribble off my clothes.  I start pumping and then I put a nursing cover or one of DH's sweatshirts on to make sure other drivers don't get an eyefull.  I work at a place where I have to show a badge to get in the parking lot so I pull into a nearby park to disconnect before pulling into work.  Its easy and I love the fact that it reduced the number of times I have to pump at work.  

Oh - one more thing:  I bring a ziplock bag and put the pump parts (and milk) into my lunch cooler so I can use them the rest of the day.  

chronoptomist

Score! One more reason to be glad I have a 110v outlet in my dash. Wait, unless I start carpooling....

cedenton

Thanks everyone! That's a big help. I'm trying to increase my supply so the more I can pump, the better.

stardust317

I dropped DD off at her babysitter, and I would pull out of the drive way, and pull off on a pretty quiet side street to hook my pump up.  I would then use my nursing cover to cover up while I drove.  I turned off my pump when I was finished, but unhooked in a quiet area of the parking lot at work.

anvloveskme

cedenton:

Thanks everyone! That's a big help. I'm trying to increase my supply so the more I can pump, the better.

. My supply started tanking after I retuned to work and I stated taking fenugreek and saw almost an immediate increase.  I had never thought of pumping and driving...fairly certain I'd run off the road

everam01

I used to put a cardigan on in reverse.