To use a breast pump during a flight?

[Windthebloodybobbinup]

I have a 3 month old and I'm taking a short haul flight tomorrow morning and will be away for 48 hours. I'm already nervous about leaving him but I'm increasingly realising that I will probably be faced with needing to pump in public places. He's a hungry baby and feeds every couple of hours! I'm particularly worried about the flight because, with travel the airport etc, it will be about 5 hours before I'm in a private residence. AIBU to plan to pump on the plane? Should I do it in a toilet although it will take about 15 mins or (shudder) in my seat? Should I expect any kickback from airline staff?

I did both ways on a long haul flight (7.5 hours). Expressed at the airport before boarding, once mid-way and again once getting into the terminal. Always in the loo or baby feeding room (size of boobs meant couldn't do it discretely elsewhere). My kit was in sterile microwave bags and my boobs weren't dirty so I figured it was low risk. I did have a brilliant double pump though so it only took 5-8 mins a time.

Last month i discovered heathrow had a children's area in terminal 3 with attached feeding rooms and stuff, soft play for your 3yo and you can pup there before the flight...

I read this as "to use a breast pump during a fight"😂😂😂

Mind you, one nipple did bleed while doing it. Maybe something to do with the pressure?

I don't fancy your chances of spending 15 minutes in an airplane toilet with a 3 yr old and an iPad :o

Definitely express before and after the flight rather than during - it makes much more practical sense.

I'm with you - happy to feed anywhere but expressing was purely done in private! I felt it made me look like a bloody cow rather than a breastfeeding mother :)

You should use a breast pump where ever you like.
Breasts and pumps are two amazing inventions

If you're taking the three year old anyway, wouldn't it be less stressful to just take the baby too?

You should use a breast pump where ever you like.

I disagree actually. I think you need to consider others when in close confines such as a plane or when "hogging" limited resources such as airplane toilets.

Ordinarily though, yes, although my personal feelings are that expressing in public is a step too far (and the OP doesn't want to either)

You should use a breast pump where ever you like.

No she isn't bf so no need to push that as a 'right'. This should be done privately and the op doesn't want to anyway.

Lol why can't she do it where she wants. I bet you fart on a plane and that's much worse for the people next to you

Seriously, you cannot sit in an airplane toilet for 15 mins! And in sure there won't be room for two of you in there! Just stay in your seat and use a blanket. Or ask the stewardess for a quiet corner/ back row etc

Lol why can't she do it where she wants.

Because I don't actually think that people have the right to do whatever they want wherever they want without showing some consideration for others.

For example, hogging one of only a few toilets on a plane for 15 minutes is hugely inconsiderate.

I second getting a manual medela pump. I bought mine when I was away from DC for 48 hours and wasn't sure I'd have access to electricity for my all singing all dancing expensive electric pump.

A day after getting the manual pump the electric was packed up and binned and I now only use my manual.

It's pretty much silent, has fewer pieces, is more comfortable and really efficient.

Agree if you express in airport before and after flight, and wear really good breast pads that you change mid flight, you'll be fine.

I think it would be absolutely fine, I am an expat and quite a few regular travellers I know have done/do this (on Middle Eastern airlines no less!). A hands-free pumping bra helps a lot.

lifegotintheway huh not just me then... One of those things you just assume manual ones won't be nearly as good. My manual is a Phillips Avent.

I honestly would just sit in the seat and pump if you really needed too. My BF sat pumping in a cafe yesterday while eating her lunch and honestly not one person noticed. The wrap/cardigan thing she was wearing covered the pump and she has cut a hole in a strong padded bra to hold the pump to her breast with no hands needed.

For those who missed it, the OP said: HATE pumping in front of anyone

Amelie I know the op doesn't want to pump infront of anyone but with that aside, out of curiosity why do you feel it's something that should be done privately? I still think people need to realise that breasts aren't sexual things, there to take offence from, that is what we have done to them. They are there to make milk and to me pumping in public is about as offensive as actually bf in public (which it's not)