Breastfeeding means that I am on call to my son 24/7. We’ve gotten into a good rhythm, and as much as it’s a pain in the butt sometimes…I actually do enjoy it. Most of the time I try to get home to feed him, but recently I have gotten better at being prepared while out with a bottle. Bottom line is, that so far I haven’t missed more than one feeding in a given day. If I do give a bottle, I either pump right away, or I pump with in a short amount of time as to not allow myself to get too uncomfortable. That is until this coming weekend. This weekend will be the first time that I will be away all day from the little man (that’s right…daddy and baby day!). As fun as it will be to have the day to myself…what about my boobs? I doubt they will be as pleased.
This Saturday I will be going to see my friend perform on Broadway in the show Priscilla Queen of the Desert . As a matter of fact this friend grew up across the street from me, and a bunch of the neighborhood women are taking a bus from PA to go into the city to see him. It will be fun to meet them all there. When they were planning this event I was worried because I knew we’d have a 4 month old at home, but don’t I deserve a day away? Plus how could I turn down a Broadways show? Especially one that was paid for by mom!? The answer is I couldn’t…so Saturday I will be venturing out on my own.
A day away doesn’t only mean fun…it means that my body will be confused with the lack of “eating” that will be going on. My body is used to feeding every 2 1/2 to 4 hours…what should I do? I know that I can make it through the night with out feeding. But I am sleeping then. I have a feeling that after about 4 hours I will start to get uncomfortable. So what do I do? How does a breastfeeding mom take a day off? Is it even possible?
So dear readers I am looking for help/suggestions. I have ZERO desire to carry around my large pump. Do I buy a small manual? Do I suffer through? What would you do? Ready..Discuss…
Why not have a few empty bottles,a small ice pack and hand express? Take a tote bag and no one will know. I just did it in Florida (I had the baby with me, but I was doing press events and had to spend time away).
I just bought a medela hand express one…I hope I like it!
Whatever you do, DON’T plan on suffering through! You’ll be misearable and most likely start leaking all over the audience at the Broadway show! I guess, for me, since I pump every day at work, I think it would just be easiest to take the pump. Yes, you’ll be lugging it, but you will be able to keep the milk cold and either build your freezer stash back up or use it. I’ve had several events for work and I’ve had to take mine along and I just find a quiet bathroom and it’s not a big deal.
If you’re comfortable hand expressing, that could be a “less bulky” option.
Good luck!
Ya suffering through it seems like a bad idea. I just bought a medela hand express…I hope I enjoy that! (or at least can tolerate it)
I have a small manual pump for just this reason. When there is no other option I’ll sit in my car with a blanket to pump if I need to.
I just bought a manual pump today…lets hope i like it!
couple of things….unfortunately, taking the pump seems like the best option. I know its a pain, but maybe you have a cute large ‘purse’ or tote that you could hide it in? i have had to pump during all day wedding events away from Will and days traveling away from him for work. its annoying, but better than embarassing yourself by leaking all over your shirt. ?
second thing, not only is jeff metzler in the play, but so is steve shepis – he also went to southern lehigh (i believe he was a soph or freshman when we were seniors). he was on the diving team and i used to drive him to practice. Crazy! have fun!
I did know steve was too! how fun is that. I don’t think I know him though..I know the name. I just bought a medela hand express pump. I have the pump in style and I would have to bring it in the tote it comes in..yuck…so we’ll see!
If you have a Medela hand pump, that is all you need. I am able to pump a sufficient amount with mine in little time. Just remember, your hand doesn’t have to get a workout. Just depress and hold. It will express a stream of milk until you let it go. I hope this helps. ? Enjoy your day! Every mommy needs one.
I’ve been wondering the same thing. . . we did a long weekend away from the kiddos when Lila was almost 5 months and I pump at work . . .but hotel rooms and quiet offices are different than public bathrooms. . .! We’ll have to scope out the situation together! See you Saturday!