I seriously think I need to write a book or an article or something about pumping on the go. Another city, another public restroom that I've visited with my pump. Let's see...this week I've pumped in the backseat of my Jeep; in the back seat of a sporty little red two-door compact rental car; in the public restrooms at Boston Logan Airport, St. Louis Lambert Airport, and Northwest Regional Arkansas Airport; in the public restroom at my office; in the parking lot of a Chick-Fil-A restaurant, and in two different hotel rooms in different states. (Last week I also pumped in an the bathroom on an American Airlines jet -- yuck.) I've gone through security at three different aiports, having to explain to each of them why I was carrying a little cooler with icepacks and hearing three totally different protocols for dealing with 35+ oz. of breastmilk in a carry-on bag when you're not actually allowed to bring liquids through security anymore (if it's more than 3 oz.). I got a little bit flip with the TSA agent who said to me, "Well, it's because you don't have the baby with you, and if you did... " To which I responded, "Yeah, well if I had the baby with me I wouldn't need all of this gear -- I'd just be feeding her!" Oh well, at least I'm home. I got stuck overnight in St. Louis due to weather, but at least my bags made it home with me this time.
Complaining aside, I'm debating about whether I should take on the task of writing some letters on this topic to government agencies. I really think there needs to be a way to be a little bit more supportive of working, traveling moms trying to manage breastfeeding. It seems that with all the fancy security equipment that exists, they should be able to find a way to screen you (without damaging the milk) so that you can bring it on board -- even without the baby -- without having to go through the trauma of being told you're going to have to get rid of it. (Note: this is when I nearly start to hyperventilate at security...I told the TSA agency yesterday that I was seriously going to have a breakdown if he didn't let me through; did he know how much energy, time and love I had put into this effort for my baby??? I could not possibly throw out liquid gold...). In any event, I'd be happy to go through a hand search or whatever they need to do, I'd just like some sort of a written policy that can be implemented across the various airports so I don't have to worry about totally different practices in every different one. And the policy really needs to allow moms to bring their milk on board, regardless of whether the baby is with them.
On a happier note... I'm SO glad to see my kids. Maddie gave me a huge warm welcome with big bear hugs, and Lyla was all smiles. Sienna was napping, but she'll be up soon. I really missed them. Off to play for a while.
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