- my iParenting
- quick clicks
- babies today articles
- babies today q&a
- toddlers today articles
- toddlers today q&a
- breastfeed.com articles
- breastfeed.com q&a
- community & groups
- research baby names
- prepare a birth plan
- content channels
- ip channel rss feeds
- read birth stories
- read parenting stories
- recommended books
- e-newsletters
- safety recalls
- ip diaries
- ip store
- mom of the month
- dad of the month
- editor's letter
- letters to the editor
From Our Sponsors
- e-newsletters
- Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters
- award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Expert Q&A
 |  |  |
| By Ann Calandro BSN, RNC, IBCLC Lactation Consultant | ||
 |
I am going on a business conference in July and will be away for four to six days. My baby will be about 6 months old. Do I need to pump while I am away or will my supply stay steady? The idea of pumping each day for that long sounds painful. Would it be better just to wean her?
The decision to continue breastfeeding or to wean before your trip is of course up to you. Many mothers travel, pump their milk and continue breastfeeding. I have known many flight attendants and sales representatives who routinely travel up to a week and continue to pump to keep their milk supply abundant.
If you choose to continue, it would be most convenient for you if you bring along a reliable double, electric breast pump that quickly and efficiently removes milk. Most moms agree that this type of pump is not painful to use and takes only 10-15 minutes for each pumping. There are many places where you can rent one of these pumps if you are going to be using it infrequently or purchase one if you are going to use it frequently.
If you want to keep your milk supply going so that you can nurse once again when you are home, you will need to pump. Not only will this help your supply, but it will keep you more comfortable and help prevent mastitis. You would need to pump in the morning, during the day when possible and more in the evening. You can bring your milk back home with you if you have a small cooler and a place to store milk after it is pumped. Many mothers look for a hotel that has a refrigerator in the room. If you cannot bring the milk back, you will need to discard it.
I would be concerned that if you are still planning to nurse but are not planning to pump while you are away that you would become very uncomfortable. Chances are high that your milk supply would be much lower upon your return.
Take care and have a safe trip!
Ann Calandro, RNC, IBCLC
Related Expert Q&A
- I stopped pumping because it hurts so much. Is there anything I can do to tough up my breasts to tolerate the pump?
- I noticed that there was blood mixed with my pumped breast milk. What could be causing this?
- Do I need to pump while I am on a business trip or will my supply stay steady?
- When is it safe to start pumping breast milk for future use?
- Are there any laws pertaining to pumping breast milk at your place of employment?
More Answers by this Expert
- My breasts are so large now, I am worried I will smother my baby if I try to breastfeed. Also, will my breasts return to their former size?
- Is it necessary to give multi-vitamin supplements to a breastfed baby? Doesn't Mother's milk provide all the nutrients a baby needs?
- Are there any laws in effect that hinder women from breastfeeding in public?
- What are an employer's legal responsibilities and duties for breastfeeding and/or pumping at work?
- I am pregnant, and my nipples are like a faucet, particularly when I'm sleeping. Is this normal?