Pumping while on work travel question

preissless1 · October 2011

As my monster trip gets closer, I imagine I'll have more questions about this. But one thing that I'm wondering is, since I am pumping/dumping, and I will be going to multiple events/meetings each day, should I get myself a hand pump so I don't have to lug my pump bag around with me? I assume I can toss a hand pump in a larger bag/tote and that way I wouldn't have to count my pump as 1 carry-on bag.

MrsPhilDunphy · October 2011

The hand pump I started out with (some kind of Medela) was NOTHING compared to my dual pump. I have no idea what kind of pump you have, but can you take it out of the bag it comes in? I have an Ameda Purely Yours and was able to put it and some other stuff (lunch tote with bottles, etc.) in my larger work bag. I didn't do it for work days, but was able to pull it off for conferences but trimming down everything else that I would usually put in there.

DCtoLowcountry · October 2011

Don't do it. The double electric will be worth its weight to keep up your supply.

tomandcourt · October 2011

DCtoLowcountry:
Don't do it. The double electric will be worth its weight to keep up your supply.

Ditto this. I think the hand pumps are more for keeping you from getting too engorged/leaking rather than actually pumping the full amount you usually get.

Is there some common area where you can store the pump during the day (a booth, break room, etc.) so you're not lugging it around the whole time?

ch ch ch chia · October 2011

I wouldn't do it. Bring the pump along.

Call the airline to double check - but, I don't think they'll count a breast pump as a carry on.

preissless1 · October 2011

tomandcourt:

Is there some common area where you can store the pump during the day (a booth, break room, etc.) so you're not lugging it around the whole time?

Not really. We are going to be in multiple locations every day. The big boss's scheduler did tell me that there will be a point of contact at each location, and she is doing what she can to indicate to them that I will need some sort of private room available to do my business. So that is a big plus. But as for storage, I will just have to see once we are there.

WinesNot Whines · October 2011

What kind of pump do you have? You may be able to remove it from the bag. I was able to remove my Medela PISA from the bag. It's stuck on with very strong velcro, but you can remove it and put it back.

Sofka · October 2011

no, take your regular double pump; the hand pump will take longer and you'd have to do one side at a time

amh_navyblue · October 2011

How has your supply been generally? I think I told you before that I took a similar length trip when my first daughter was 7 months old. I took the hand pump instead of the medela to avoid lugging around the heavier pump and I was fine. Yes, it takes longer to pump and it can a be a PITA (your hand will get tired!), but it worked for me and I didn't experience any loss of supply. Maybe you bring both and you use the hand pump while you're out during the day and then use the electric pump at night before bed and in the morning before you go out?

2vthokies · October 2011

Definitely bring your electric pump. A manual pump will take longer (one side at a time). Will you have access to a car? While not ideal, you could always pump in the car if you have a car charger.

Want a personalized experience?

Pumping while on work travel question

Re: Pumping while on work travel question

Choose Another Board

Search Boards