business trip next week - pump and dump

amynicole21 wrote: I made it nearly 6 months without Nora having a single drop of formula. But, I have very little freezer stash and am going to Reno next week for a 4 day convention... she'll have to have mostly formula while I'm gone I'm getting over it, but it still irks me that work is ONCE AGAIN coming between me and my children in such an important way.

I'll also have to dump all of the milk I pump while there. I'm not sure when I'm even going to be able to find time to pump... will probably be able to first thing in the morning, then not again until 5 or so! It won't be pretty. It's either that or lug the huge pump with me everywhere I go, and I already have to carry a heavy brief case thingy. Ugh. I just can't imagine dumping that much milk.

Sorry, just had to vent a little.

DansMom replied: Amy, I would feel the same way! To dump all that precious milk---very hard to do, especially knowing there's not enough at home. Nora will be okay, but I bet she'll be really happy to see you when you return. I hope you can get a mid-day pump in---otherwise, ouch. Wow, is Shaun going to watch both girls then? Too bad they can't come with you on your trip.

MomToMany replied:
Ditto what Tracy said!

coasterqueen replied: Amy. I'm so sorry about your trip.

I have a 3 day business trip in December and I'm taking the girls with me. I don't know how since DH was supposed to be the one to go and can't obviously now, but I WILL find someone to go because I can't leave Megan for that long.

Is this your first time away from Nora at night? I'd be a mess leaving Megan at night wondering how she'll do not nursing at night.

Can you bring them with you? Can Shawn take off and go too? Ryan usually schedules a "vacation" the same time every year that I have this business trip so it helps.

You are a great mom and doing the very best. I'd be upset to pump and dump too .

jcc64 replied: Amy, BTDT. Did a business trip at about the same time in Corey's babyhood. The whole pump and dump thing. As far as the pumping in a business setting- do you have an Advent Isis? By your description, I'm thinking you use a PIS- a great pump but kinda like dragging a piano around with you. The Isis is a manual pump, as you probably know, but it'll fit in a large pocketbook. It's super light and you can just disappear into a bathroom stall for a few minutes. I found it to be as good if not better than the PIS in terms of the amount of milk I was able to pump.
Good luck. I know it's stressful, but it IS doable. Don't stress.

moped replied: How much can you pump before you leave?

amynicole21 replied: Thanks guys. Yes, Shawn will be home with them alone. He's a little worried about it, but is putting on a brave face I think the most difficult part will be having to get up and give Nora bottles at night... he's never had to do this. This will be my first time away from Nora at night.


I wish I could bring them with me, but we couldn't afford the plane tickets

amynicole21 replied:
I had been *just* meeting Nora's intake each day before AF struck last week, now I'm only getting about half of what I was... I'm sure this trip will have an even worse effect on my supply

Jeanne - yep, it's a PIS. Maybe I will look into an Isis... great idea!

jcc64 replied: The Isis is also super cheap- I got mine for $40 right at the supermarket. Check it out, I'm telling you- I actually gave my PIS away after my business trip with the Isis. Way more convenient when you can't count on an office or private bathroom. Totally silent, too- a good thing in airport or convention ctr bathrooms.

coasterqueen replied: Amy, just make sure you try out the ISIS before your trip. I say this because I bought one and I do keep it around for quick trip type stuff but I've found I get MUCH LESS w/the Isis than I do with the PIS. I've heard others do as well, but then I've heard others say they get more with the Isis.

Debra replied: I am so sorry! I don't know what I'd do in that situation! That is awful that your job is not being more accomodating to you & babies needs!

I hope the trip goes by quickly! And that your little one adjusts to the bottles ok, temporarily!

kit_kats_mom replied: hey amy, I have an Isis. no tubing so you (or I) can steralize it. wanna meet me halfway? I'll give it to you. I've got company this weekend but if you can do it one day this week I'd be up for it.

Maddie&EthansMom replied: Amy that really sucks. I'm so sorry. I bet Nora will be fine. Try to get that Isis from Cary and pump as much as you can to keep your supply up. Drink a beer or two as well. It will be okay.

I had an Isis with Ethan and LOVED It. It took me awhile to figure out how to use it properly, but it was great. I had a PIS with Maddie and liked the Isis much more.

amynicole21 replied:
Thanks, Cary! I actually went and bought one last night (15% off at Kmart - Woo hoo!). Boiled up the parts last night and will try it out tonight. Great ideas guys!

coasterqueen replied:
Good luck Amy! I hope it works out well for you.