WRITTEN BY
Stefanie Werdmuller, IBCLC, CPD
Stefanie trained as a certified postpartum doula during her own pregnancy at the Sanctuary Birth & Family Wellness Center. After having her own breastfeeding challenges, she began training at Lactation Education Resources to become an IBCLC, and has now served thousands of families through the US to achieve their infant feeding goals, and has recently added herbalism to her skill set as well. She offers postpartum, lactation, and herbalist consults at Ether/Earth Postpartum & Lactation, her private practice based in Los Angeles.
Life doesn’t stop while you’re a pumping mom, and you’re ready to return to work. You’ve developed a routine and you know those pump settings like the back of your hand. You have fine-tuned your pumping schedule to make sure your baby continues to get the very best from you. Now, it’s time to prepare for work trips in the near future. In just about every scenario, all it takes is a little extra planning ahead. Let’s break down your work trip itinerary and help you set up for success.
Pumping on the Road
If you’ll be making your journey out of town in a car, you might think about a battery pack or an adapter to plug your breast pump into. Many rechargeable pumps can be used 3 to 4 times on one full charge, so get familiar with what capabilities your pump has. You can pump while you drive or you can plan your pumps during rest stops that align with your schedule.
Pumping During Air Travel
If you will be flying, the first thing you want to do is get familiar with TSA rules and regulations regarding pump and milk. Breastpumps are considered a medical device, and therefore don’t count as a carry-on. This means your pump, parts, and storage for your breastmilk can go everywhere you go. TSA agents may ask to examine or test your milk as you pass through security, so learn what the rules are and what your rights are before you head to airport security.
Hotel Pumping Setup
Get familiar with the accommodations you’ll be enjoying while you’re out of town. Find out if you will have a refrigerator in your room or, if not, where your breastmilk can be stored while you’re there. It may be helpful to speak to your employer before the trip so they can make sure to send you somewhere that meets your needs. If you’re traveling out of the country, make sure you have a correct adapter plug for your pump.
Pump Necessities
You can either bring or ship any other pump care tools you may need on your trip. This would include soap for washing your pump parts, a brush for scrubbing, and a mesh bag you can hang while it all air dries. While you’re out and about, make sure you have a high quality cooler to store your milk in. Remember to pack some pump wipes and hand sanitizer to ensure safe milk collection!
Plan Your Pumping Schedule
As much as possible, you’ll want to plan your travel days with windows of time that allow you to pump. Give some thought ahead of time to what the time zone is and how your schedule will translate. This will make it easier to give yourself a schedule that makes sense during your trip and allows you to plan meetings at optimal times. Avoid scheduling back to back meetings or outings as it may result in your missing one or more pumping sessions, which could lead to complications or drop in your milk supply.
Pumping on Event Days
You may have a very busy day, or maybe a few, while you’re away. If you will be working, add an event, which has you interacting with people all day long, it can be especially tricky to get in those pumping sessions. My number one tip: get yourself a wearable breast pump. If that’s not the right option for you, see what pumping accommodations are available where you’ll be working. Your rights are protected as a pumping mom to a safe, sanitary environment (not a bathroom), and storage for your milk. Learn about the facility you’ll be working at and what can be made available to you. This is another situation where bringing your cooler, pump wipes, and hand sanitizer along may be particularly important.
Backup Pumping Plan
If there are some things on the agenda that can’t be moved, explore how you can adjust your pumping schedule to accommodate for those windows of time. It’s a good idea to bring your pump and cooler with you if an event or meeting is expected to be on the long side, and ask for a break to pump if you need to! While it is best to maintain your pumping schedule and routine as closely as you can each day, it’s okay if things vary a little sometimes. Just get back on track as soon as you can. Show yourself grace knowing you are a powerhouse mom who is doing her very best as a career woman AND as a mom. Well done, you!
