This is my first real work trip away from Owen. I'm headed out to California until Thursday and I'm hoping the week goes by fast because I miss the little nugget already. Leaving him and Brian this morning was not easy. :(
In preparation for the trip, I scoured the working and breast feeding mom blogs to devise a plan since I am going to be pumping and taking all of the milk home with me. I also went onto ATL and LAX airport websites to see if they had a place for nursing moms to pump. It's going to be A LOT of milk...probably about 30-35 ounces each day, so I wanted to make sure I was ready.
I ended up bringing a collapsible cooler with about 7 ice packs. It consumes about one third of my giant suitcase, leaving just enough room for my clothes and other essentials. This is the first time I've checked a suitcase for a business trip in years. Last time I did that they lost my bag and the airline gave me a toothbrush and oversized t-shirt to hold me over until I was reunited with my belongings. Thanks Delta.
Going through security wasn't too bad. The TSA screener was a woman and when the pump went through the x-ray machine, she very discreetly asked me if it was a breast pump. No hassle. Much appreciated.
It wasn't until this morning that I realized I was going to have to pump on the airplane. I have two friends who have done this. One pumped right in her seat. I'm not that talented yet. And the other used the bathroom. There doesn't appear to be another option, so I went with option B. About two hours into the flight, after my mid-morning nap, I tapped the sleeping guy next to me on the shoulder to request my freedom from the window seat. He was not thrilled to be woken and I don't think he brushed his teeth this morning. Note to self - no more window seats. I like to come and go as I please.
There are 3 bathrooms in the back for 156 people and I would need one for 20 minutes. I thought about informing the flight attendants of my intentions so they wouldn't worry, but one of them was a guy and they just get all awkward, so I decided not to.
As I was scrunched up in that teeny tiny bathroom and about 5 minutes into pumping, I thought "I hope the flight attendants don't think I'm rigging up a bomb or something in here. Dang. Should have told them I was going to be in here for awhile." I have no idea how long I was in there, but it felt like an eternity and I'm sure the guys in my row think I was stinking up the place. But that's not possible because girls don't poop.
Once I was done, I packed everything up and opened the door to see the unsuspicious flight attendant eating a bowl of cheerios. I still think I might tell them next time...
Now that that's over, I'm equipped to face any pumping challenge. I am not however excited to wake up stinky sleeping beauty again because I just drank a liter of water. Ugh. Maybe I can make it one more hour....
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