I'll be traveling across the country for a business trip before long. I've never been away from my kids overnight while they were nursing, so I'm trying to figure out some logistics. I know I'll have to pump on the plane, but it seems so daunting! Have you done it?
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definitely do it in my seat.
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I didn't end up having to, but I was prepared to pump at my seat on a trip we took last summer. I would definitely hope people in general would not feel like they are obligated to sit in an airplane bathroom to pump. You could use a nursing cover if you want.
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I've done it twice-in my seat both times. I used a hand pump and a nursing cover. Luckily it was a late-night flight for the first flight and I didn't have anyone next to me. On the second flight I was just discreet about it under a nursing cover and it ended up not being a huge deal. The flight attendants were really sweet about it, and offered to bring me as much ice as I needed to keep the milk cold until I got home. Definitely bring/use a nursing cover and hand pump!
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I mostly tried to time my pumping so that I did it in the family bathroom at the airport, but on a couple flights to Europe I had to pump on the plane. In that case, I just pumped in the bathroom so that I could use my electric double pump and be done faster. I also am not a germaphobe (I just washed my hands thoroughly and avoided touching anything but my pump/parts until I was finished pumping) AND was not saving the milk, though.
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I have pumped in my seat using the battery adapter for my pump and my nursing cover.
There were 2x when the plane was not full and I asked to sit near the back, in the empty rows, and pump there.
I wouldn't be comfortable pumping in a bathroom. -
I've never done this, but if I had to I would do it in my seat with a hand pump and blanket/nursing cover.
I would also explain this when I checked in to see if I could get a seat by myself or away from others. Just easier to have some space on the seat next to me. -
I've done it both ways (and I've also had a nice flight attendant let me sit in their section with the curtain pulled) and neither were a big deal. I pumped in the bathroom because I had forgotten my battery pack and needed to plug in my pump!
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Thanks for the tips! I'm surprised that there's such a strong preference for the seat, but it's empowering to know so many women have done it. I've never seen anyone pump on a plane, but perhaps I never noticed! It sounds like communicating with the flight attendants in advance is a good idea. It would be nice if they could hook me up so I don't have to pump while sitting practically in a stranger's lap...
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@sometimesshesings: I have pumped on the plane a few times, once when I was seated between 2 men that I didn't know! Lol, I just put on my nursing cover and did what I needed to do. I also regularly pump on the commuter train in the morning. Mamma's got to do whatever it takes to get the milk!
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I'd pump in my seat. I pumped in my seat on the train once!
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I would pump in the seat. I had a 5.5-hour plane ride when my DS was 9 months old, and thankfully it worked out that I could just pump immediately before and after. But, I was prepared to pump in my seat if I got too uncomfortable. I didn't want to hold the line up for the bathroom. Definitely bring a manual pump - it's always great to have in emergency situations!
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Never have but if I had to I would definitely want privacy so I'd pump in the bathroom but then I would worry someone might need the bathroom. If you can do it in your seat discreetly than go for it but if there's a dude in the seat next to you, I would def go to the bathroom.
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I'm going to need to pump on this flight. Sitting next to a guy. Oh well!!!
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i pumped in the bathroom. i told the flight attendant ahead of time that i would be in there for about 20 minutes, and she was totally cool with it (maybe not the other passengers so much). i pulled down the changing table that's above the toilet, wiped it with an antibacterial wipe, laid down a potty pad (the kind that dogs use), and got busy. god, the things we have to do!
good luck!
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Please pump where and when you need to, without apology. It's not your fault if there are insufficient facilities available to you when you need to pump.
I avoided air travel when I was nursing due to the inconvenience of being away overnight. But I have always thought that, if faced with an airport with no pumping facility, I might possibly have the balls to pump without a cover in the waiting area at the gate. I really really really have no desire to ever pump in a bathroom. Gross.
If every mom did that, I bet there would quickly be better pumping facilities in airports!
Before I became a mom, I had no idea I would become such a lactivist!
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I was always lucky enough to get around it and just pumped right before and after flights. I never had supply issues though and thus didn't have to worry about output just my own comfort.
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I did it!! Pumped in my seat next to a man like a boss!! Then the flight was delayed, with a layover in Dallas. They have a mother's room with sink, outlets, and it was really nice! All I had to do was call the help line to get the access code. There was a chalkboard in there, hopscotch, diapers, wipes, etc... The flight attendants gave me plenty of ice. I almost didn't come because of pumping fears. We are celebrating our 4 year anniversary in San Diego for the weekend! First time away from LO!
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@sometimesshesings: At the seat. Have you see the freemie collection cups? I would use those (attached to your usual pump) for pumping on the plane from your seat.
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@dc yoga bee: You are pretty badass!
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@dc yoga bee: good for you!! You guys are giving me courage! Thank you! That mother's room looks really nice. I can't believe they even provide diapers!
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@pastemoo: ooohhh, great tip! Way less fussing around with parts! Thanks!
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@ElbieKay: word. Thanks for the reminder to own it and let everyone else just deal!
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It doesn't gross me out toooo much to pump in the bathroom. At least those get cleaned constantly and you know to wipe them down first. I would guess the seats are just as unsanitary! BUT I would definitely worry about hogging the bathroom for so long. And I hate to be out of my seat too long because turbulence freaks me out. So I'm thinking about doing it at my seat with a cover.
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