Pumping in flight - you have questions I have answers

Pumping in flight – you have questions I have answers

I pumped and traveled for about 4 months with my first son and luckily made it the whole time without ever having to pump while in flight.  However this time . . . I have had to work it in while in flight a few times now due to longer flights and running late to the airport.  I’ve noticed a few posts on various message boards on this topic so wanted to share any tips that I have and that I have read to make it as easy as possible in case you ever have to do it.  I can’t say it was the most enjoyable thing I have ever done . . . so anything I can share to help others will pay it forward.

• Make sure you have a battery pack to use.  Airplane bathrooms typically do not have outlets.  If you have the space and desire to pump while in your seat, some larger airplanes and upgraded sections have outlets at the seat.  I have read many group posts of individuals who have pumped while in their seat.  I wasn’t that brave to be honest and usually was seated next to multiple males so I chose to use the restroom.  Whichever is most convenient and comfortable for you. 

Pay it forward - a little kindness towards airline employees goes a long way

I have said more times than I can count . . . be nice to airline and airport employees and it will go a long way when you need something.  Today my thoughts on this topic were validated and it came from the employee’s mouth herself.

My flight was delayed (usual day, right?).  Knowing how the east coast airports operate and start to domino delay in the afternoon, I waited in a long line at the airline club service desk to see if I could be added to the stand-by list for another flight.  I mentioned my flight was delayed and said I wanted to see if she could please add me to the stand-by list for an earlier flight.  As she was looking in her computer, she commented on “how nicely I presented that”, in that I was open to the fact she may not be able to help me, I said please, and was friendly.  She mentioned that the gentleman she had waited on before me told her what she “better do" for him. 

Do we expect more from toddlers than road warriors??

I have a just-turned 4 year old at home . . . and we talk alllllll the time about “not listening”.  I decided today though, sometimes adults and road warriors are not much better.  Our flight today was delayed (as usual),  and everyone was lined up impatiently in their boarding zone rows as they had been since waaay before boarding time.  The arriving flight was delayed (hence the cause for ours) and the flight attendant asked everyone already lined up to please move to the side so those deplaning had enough room to do so.  She made the first announcement . . . some people moved.  She made the second announcement . . . no one moved.  The man in front of me actually said “if she says it a third time we’ll know she’s serious.”  Are we all that important we don’t listen to requests anymore?  Is whatever we are looking at on our smart phone that much more important?  Everyone criticizes airline employees, yet  they deal with these types of things every day.  Now I will admit, I enjoy every perk of having “status” and “priority” while on the road as I put in all the miles and hours and trips to do it.  However, are we as business travelers even above listening to requests?  Things we expect of our toddlers such as “please”, “thank you”, being kind to others, and yes listening go a long way when traveling.  Let's go treat others as we would want to be treated and have some safe travels this week!

Pumping while traveling . . . . all the tips & tricks I have to offer

I’m baaaaaaack!!  5 weeks ago I returned to work after my maternity leave with my second son.  I was blessed to be able to stay home 13 weeks after he was born, and to work from home my first 3 weeks back to work.  I had a nice long hiatus from work and travel.  But . . . now it is back to the grind and back to the road.  And boy did I get a wake-up call these past 2 weeks on my return back.

For those of you who have children who breastfeed and pumped with any of them, you know the effort you put into pumping.  Whether you are traveling work mama or are just a mama heading out on a trip . . . when you are faced with the thought of pumping while trying to get through the airport, in a hotel, during a day-long work meeting, in an 8 hour car ride, in a group setting, etc. the panic hits.  I’ll be quite transparent, I forgot how hard it was to pump and travel for work but it all came back to me during my first work trip last week.  Have no fear . . . I hit the road and pumped for 6 months with my first son, and am trudging knee deep again with this one so I have gathered below a few tips and recommendations and experiences to make this as easy as possible for you.  You CAN do it.  Here’s how.

My Favorite Spring Accessories for Business Travel!

My Favorite Spring Accessories for Business Travel!

In honor of the fact spring may ACTUALLY almost be here for good and of some of the great online sales various websites have been hosting, I have picked out some of my favorite new spring accessories for work travel.  Spring in my mind means bright colors and fun spring shoes.  Below are some of my faves I have seen and I could see working with my business travel attire.  Enjoy!

MARC by MARC JACOBS Lynne Scarf