Pumping While Flying W/my 8 Mo Old Son

I had the same pump. I just gave the baby to my boyfriend and went into the bathroom, but the cover thing down on the toilet and pumped. The first trip, I informed the flight attendants that I would be in there pumping--they were SO GREAT about it--they told everyone who walked up to not bother waiting and to go to the back of the plane. I think they have seen it a lot so should be helpful--I would suggest trying to sit closer to the back or middle of the plane so you can go to where there are two bathrooms (usually in the back). That way you aren't making people mad by being in there for so long. And remember: you are doing something GREAT for your child--if people get annoyed--LET 'EM! Just ignore it. Oh--and pumping in the bathroom will eliminate the noise issue.
The suggestion about the hand pump is good too: one came with my Pump In Sytle: it works pretty well, and gives you a great little workout for your arms!! It is VERY compact and doesn't require a whole extra bag--since the flight is only 4.5 hours, you only have to use it once or maybe twice.

D.:

how long is the flight?

try taking the handpump with you... that would be wasier to travel with and easier to use.

P., RLC, IBCLC
Pres. Lactation Support Group, Inc
www.lactationsupportgroup.com

I also have a Medela Pump in Style (although it's the advanced model). Just as an FYI - it takes a ton of batteries, and the batteries don't even last through 2 pumping sessions. If possible, I would try and see if he'll breastfeed again before you go - that will make it easiest for everyone. They may have some type of adapter in the bathroom for you to use - but you may want to time it earlier in the flight before the lines get long. I think it may be a little loud and distracting to other passengers while pumping in your seat but so is a crying baby so do what you have to do. Just as a handy FYI - the barf bags make great cooling systems for your milk - have the flight attendant fill it up with ice, put the bottle in and seal it up. Good luck

I've pumped on airplanes a number of times. If I am sitting next to someone I know (e.g., husband), then I have a cape that I wear while pumping. The pump noise is totally blocked by the noise of the airplane (airplane noise is extremely loud). I also have a medela pump in style. You don't need to have a cape necessarily, a large coat can work too, especially if you turn it around and drape it over you with the back facing forward. A very loose shirt may work as well. Alternatively, I have also pumped in the bathrooms of an airplane a number of times as well when traveling by myself. It is a little cramped, but not impossible. I try to keep it short (under 5-10 minutes) in case there is a line for the bathroom. One last suggestion is that you can pump in your car before getting on the plane. Fresh breast milk lasts at least 4 hours if I remember correctly, so you can feed him the bottle mid flight. Good luck!

Why don't you just nurse him on the plane? It's so much easier.
We went just went to FLorida with our 10 month old and she nursed for take off and landing and was great.
Good Luck