pumping on the plane?

erin8606 · February 2012

We just got word that DH's uncle died of cancer. this was not unexpected as he'd been in hospice care at home since december and was battling cancer for 11yrs. we're trying to decide if it's feasible for all of us to travel for the service (houston to philly). I think we should be able to wrangle C's stuff and we can consider not even bringing the stroller and checking his packnplay. However, the one thing I am not sure what to do about is me. I'm an exclusive pumper. while we could get a convenient non-stop there (which I should be able to not pump long enough for it) there is no good flight coming back. the best we can do is a one-stop no plane change that is 6.5hrs on plane time. I've gone about 7h w/o pumping before but that is really reaching the end of my comfort limit and I've got two rock solid grapefruits for breasts up top. Do you think it's ok to pump on flight/during stopover? I've got a breastfeeding cover and the pump can run on batteries but I suspect people will be wondering what is up and if its when people are getting on and off, they'll be looking at the baby. Otherwise, I guess try to pump in bathroom right before getting on plane and then as soon as we land and hope for no delays?

Also, if you were traveling with a 3mo and above pumping timing issue and you saw 50% chance of snow on the long term forecast for your travel day, would you reconsider going and just set your H?

hollace · February 2012

If your baby is going with you why wouldn't you just breastfeed as normal? If you're going to pump, though again, I'm not certain why you would with baby in tow, then pump. Who cares if people wonder what you're doing. If they ask tell them. Frankly, I would just breastfeed and not worry about the other passengers. It's not like you're doing anything illegal. Chances are no one will care if they even notice at all.

mssaint · February 2012

I would just pump when you need to. Hopefully you can get w window seat and have dh sit between you and anyone else. With airplane noise and a nursing cover, nobody will notice. And if they do and are offended, eff them. It's not like you'll see them again.

BirdGirl01 · February 2012

hollace:
If your baby is going with you why wouldn't you just breastfeed as normal? If you're going to pump, though again, I'm not certain why you would with baby in tow, then pump. Who cares if people wonder what you're doing. If they ask tell them. Frankly, I would just breastfeed and not worry about the other passengers. It's not like you're doing anything illegal. Chances are no one will care if they even notice at all.

She said she's an exclusive pumper. I assume there's a reason why. For me DD never figured out breastfeeding even though I tried for three months and then I EPed. Each attempt involved her screaming bloody murder. That would be reason for me not to try in public.

hollace · February 2012

BirdGirl01:
hollace:
If your baby is going with you why wouldn't you just breastfeed as normal? If you're going to pump, though again, I'm not certain why you would with baby in tow, then pump. Who cares if people wonder what you're doing. If they ask tell them. Frankly, I would just breastfeed and not worry about the other passengers. It's not like you're doing anything illegal. Chances are no one will care if they even notice at all.
She said she's an exclusive pumper. I assume there's a reason why. For me DD never figured out breastfeeding even though I tried for three months and then I EPed. Each attempt involved her screaming bloody murder. That would be reason for me not to try in public.

Thank you. I misread. I read it as exclusive breastfeeding.

Still, I would just pump as needed. Dont worry about the passengers.

victoria1212 · February 2012

When I was EPing, we flww from here to Denver. I ended taking just the hand pump because of all the other stuff we were lugging with us. Honestly I have no idea how someone could pump in their seat due to space. I pumped in the restroom in the airport and on the plane.

ch ch ch chia · February 2012

I'd bring the pump and play it by ear. I think you should be able to pump on the plane... like PP said, try to sit in a window seat.

WinesNotWhines · February 2012

Get a window seat and use a cover, and you'll be fine. I haven't done it myself, but I know others who have. I think you'll have to wait until you're up in the air and "electronic devices " are permitted.

Sofka · February 2012

I pumped and it worked out very well. I sat next to the window with DH next to me. The noise of the plane muffled any noise the pump must've made. I brought my regular PIS. I'd much rather pump in the seat than in the bathroom! You'll be fine. Also bring more BM in bottles than you think you'll need, double the diapers and a change of clothes for your LO as well as you and DH. Be sure to give bottles on take off and landing to help w/ ear pressure.

I am sorry for your family's loss

ak1234 · February 2012

Just pump in the air on your normal schedule if you can - I wouldn't bother waiting until the stopover. The plane is going to be so loud that no one will hear the pump. If they do, so what.::shrug::

Just don't sit on the aisle seat and you will be fine. Your LO will have to sit in the window seat, so unless you want to sit in different rows (and have someone beside your LO and DH next to you), you will have to sit in the middle.

inthewater · February 2012

I travel from here to CA almost monthly for work. I just bring my pump, time it so that I'm mostly on schedule, but only have to pump once flying, and go to the bathroom (since I fly by myself and don't feel comfortable sitting next to a stranger pumping). If you choose to use the restroom for privacy, just tell the FAs as they will try to knock down the door because they think something happened to you (i.e., maybe you passed out). They're all really cool about it.

Just as an FYI - because you get really dehydrated in the air, don't be surprised if you pump less that day. HTH and I'm sorry for your loss.

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