Got Milk? Will Travel: How To Pump on the Go

Just when you’ve figured out how to breastfeed and cook breakfast at the same time, a tarmac comes into play and a whole new challenge presents itself. Fear not, breastfeeding mommies! I have summoned the experts, from a Medela exec to a newly-minted expert like myself, to bring you a complete guide to pumping on-the-go. “Your first travel experience is going to be overwhelming, no doubt about it,” says Susan Rappin, a director of consumer products for Medela. “It is best to try and figure out what might stress you out beforehand, then eliminate it through careful planning and preparation.”

BEFORE YOU GO

Get the right gear and prepare for everything.

Invest

Invest in multiple shields and holding bottles, so you don’t have to scrub your goods in a public restroom or on the plane (that airplane tap water isn’t safe for baby either). Better yet, say good-bye to soap and water altogether with Quick Clean Breastpump & Accessory Wipes from Medela �" pure genius.

Pack extras

If you will be gone for more than a couple days without baby, you will need an extra ice pack and cooler to transport your milk home. My favorite is the Built NY Cooler - easy to pack and cute to boot.

Wear the right clothes

Make sure you are comfortable and have easy access to “the ladies”. One of my favorites is this comfy top by Japanese Weekend paired with leggings, a pashmina scarf, and flats--a scarf is good for just about anything!

Be germ free

Pack hand sanitizer and something to sit on (disposable diaper pads are perfect) in your carry-on. You might end up pumping in a public restroom, so you want to be prepared.

Hands free

If you don’t have a hands-free pump, like the Medela Freestyle, get yourself a hands-free helper.

Don't Forget

Charge your pump and/or bring extra batteries. Outlets can be harder to find than you would think. Call ahead and request that a refrigerator be brought to your room. If the place you are staying can’t accommodate, you can keep milk chilled in an ice bucket. All hotels have them. If you are heading out of the country, don’t forget to pack your adapters. Give yourself a break ahead of time. No matter how prepared you are, the time will come when you find yourself sitting on a disposable diaper pad in some germ-infested bathroom wondering what ever possessed you to breastfeed in the first place. When this happens, remind yourself it won’t always be like this and travel on. Pack a refillable water bottle, and then fill up once you get through security. You need to stay hydrated, and this is a great way to save money and travel green. Book a window seat; it will be more private for pumping.

About the author

Erica Dublin is a brand-spankin’ new mom and the founder and CEO of See Jane Fly, a new travel website for savvy moms looking to simplify their next travel experience. Before the arrival of her little boy and the launch of See Jane Fly, she circled the globe as a marketing executive, overseeing interactive entertainment product launches for the likes of Lucasfilm, Electronic Arts, Yahoo! Games, and Turner Home Entertainment. She also managed the Star Wars and Indiana Jones brands in Europe and Asia Pacific for LucasArts (yes, she also owns a Lightsaber). Whew. And in her spare time, she co-founded a non-profit organization for animal welfare called Saving Tails™. Between running See Jane Fly and navigating her way through the chaos of being a first-time mom, Erica writes for See Jane Fly’s Travel Smart blog and Momality, her own personal blog, where she chronicles her new reality as a mom. Erica continues to provide her fresh, upbeat and insider travel wisdom in See Jane Fly's customized travel guides and is often sought out as a travel expert in popular magazines like Fitness and PINK for all things on-the-go.