Special thanks for this article go to Sharon, an American expat mother in France and a former flight attendant for two carriers in five countries over thirteen years.


30. Exclusive Pumping Tips

I have been contacted by a couple of "exclusive pumpers". If you do not know what that means, you do not need to. Skip to the next section.

I actually do have some experience with this as I did pump on board, but only while working. I continued breastfeeding for four months after returning to work. I relate to the motivation behind deciding on this option. I had latching issues with two of my three children. I commend women who still want their babies to get their own milk, usually because of lack of support, information and help at the very beginning.

If you have a big flight in front of you and if it is at all possible, try to get your little one, once again, to latch and take his nourishment directly from the source. It is possible that a baby who couldn't initially is able to master this later on. This will make your life in general, easier. But most of the time, the inability to manage this was what resulted in the mother to opt for pumping in the first place.

One "EP'er" who did a transatlantic flight wanted me to urge mothers to buy an extra seat for the baby and/or travel with someone else. The most difficult problem she encountered was placing her daughter down while she pumped. It was hard to hold the baby in her lap while she did the deed.

Pumping onboard can be tricky, especially if you are flying alone with your baby a long way and/or with multiple stopovers. Most exclusive pumpers do have supply issues because pumping is not as precisely biologically regulated. It's normal for any breastfeeding mother to have supply issues after flying but it shouldn't be a reason to wean before both of you are ready. You may want to build up your supply with extra pumping before leaving. Security in the U.S. allows breast milk, even without the baby, and you should never be required to taste it, as has been reported. Print this up and take it with you if you prefer:
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/children/formula.shtm

I recommend back-up formula, just in case. If you are not already using some. Make sure you try it at home first to avoid any allergic reactions in air, or even if the baby's rejection of it. I went through numerous brands with my first baby just to find one he could keep down, let alone accept. Hopefully you will not have to use it but be prepared.

Just like other breastfeeding mothers, try to stay hydrated. Airplane air is very dry and traveling tiring so it's easy to forget to drink enough.

Make your peace with the fact that you may have to pump in your seat for practical reasons. There are some very quiet battery pumps and the airplane noise usually covers it and you will not disturb either your child or others. In fact, some EP'ers told me they managed it very discretely. You will not have anywhere to plug in your double-action electric pump anyway. Pack it very carefully in your checked bags or consider using the portable one for your whole trip.

My concern is not the pumping, or even managing the bottles but keeping the pump itself clean. Bring your own container (less than 3 oz.) of dishwashing soap. Use the paper towels and do not place any parts on the counters.

If you must pump in a lavatory, try to go during the quiet times of the flight, like during the movie. Avoid the after-meal rush. If you leave your baby asleep in his car seat, for example, tell someone nearby where you are. Do not leave the baby un-strapped. I actually do not recommend leaving your baby to pump if you are flying alone but do what you need to.

For future updates to Sharon's information, or to contact Sharon directly, please visit her Blog: http://flyingwithchildren.blogspot.com/

Sharon's Disclaimer: This article is not a legal document and cannot be used as proof of any of the laws or rules that I refer to throughout. Check the FAA websites, or other relevant agencies to confirm any statements that are made. I try to provide links where I can. Be aware, also, that airlines often have their own policies which might be stricter than their own government's laws. Most of the employees that you encounter do not have the power to change or make exceptions to any rule. They simply must follow them, even in cases where logic or safety is questionable.