Tag: camping

The last thing I want you to feel this summer is controlled by your pumping schedule. For exclusive pumpers (those who pump instead of latching directly), staying on schedule is super important, which means YES you’ve still gotta pump on vacation. If camping is in your summer plans, don’t let pumping get in the way! Become a pumping pro, using the tips below!

Following these tips will help you earn the “Pumping Pro” badge at your next campout- Scout’s honor!

Requirements to Earn the Badge:

1. A pumping scout is LOYAL: Be loyal to your pumping schedule! Stick with your pumping schedule as closely as possible. Skipping a session can result in clogged ducts, painful engorgement, and possible loss of supply. A wearable, portable, or even manual pump may give your greater flexibility.
   
2. A pumping scout is CLEAN: I realize people camp in many different ways. This advice would fit a family using a family camp ground with a bath house and a source of running water, not backpacking. You need potable water. (That means drinkable.) You can wash in a basin of hot soapy water at the bath house but it needs to be rinsed with drinkable water. I’d take a jug if you are unsure about this. You can also boil water to sterilize your parts and air dry them (Just dip the parts in using tongs, don’t melt them over the fire!)
   Bring a cooler and ice packs. Store your milk AND your pump parts in there- it will ensure that your pump is clean and keep it from getting dirty or broken! And if you’re away from a clean water source to wash longer than you expected, you can use your pump parts again without washing them (like the “fridge hack” but using a cooler!) The cooler can be hard or soft-sided, make sure it has ice packs or ice in it! The CDC says breastmilk is good on ice in cooler for 24 hours, but if you refresh the ice, it could go longer.
   
3. A pumping scout can OVERCOME a challenge: Get a manual pump and learn how to use it (I’ve got demos in my Manual Pump highlight!) YOU DON’T NEED ELECTRICITY! It’s great to have as a back-up, incase you cannot charge or plug in your electric pump. You’ll also need to find a way to keep your pump parts away from bugs and dirt- I suggest a small rubbermaid bin. Pumping in a hot tent? Bring a battery-powered fan to stay cool! With a group? Bring a light, flowy scarf if you’d prefer to cover up if you pump outdoors! (It can feel very freeing to do so!)
   
4. A pumping scout is always PREPARED: Charge your breast pump using a car adapter! They also make plug-in coolers! Use baby wipes for your breasts if you need them, Medela wipes for your flange if you’re keeping it in a cooler.

Must-haves for your camping trip:

I trust that you’ve got the usual camping equipment covered, right? You’ve got your tent, your sleeping bag, your bug spray…. but what about PUMPING stuff? Here are some must-haves that will make pumping as a camping mom so much easier!

• MANUAL PUMP: I suggest the Medela Harmony because I love it so (They don’t pay me to market it, but they should!) Here are other reasons I love manual pumps, and troubleshooting if you aren’t sure how to use yours.
• COOLER: If possible, bring a separate cooler just for your breastmilk and pump parts. Check out this electric cooler!
• ICE PACKS (and I suggest leaving your campsite to get extra ice if you’ll be gone a few days!)
• BASIN to wash your pump parts
• Breastmilk storage bags or bottles.
• WASHING UP supplies! I love a good travel set for washing pump parts. MomCozy also makes a brush with soap right in the handle!
• WIPES- I suggest baby wipes AND pump wipes!
• BIN to keep your stuff free from dirt and bugs
• CAR ADAPTER or POWER BANK for recharging your pump. (Make sure the car adapter is meant for the voltage of your specific pump!)
• CeresChill breastmilk chiller! Use code PUMPITUP to save. (I love this one AND the MomCozy one, but with the Ceres Chill you can use ice cubes, which are easily found when you are out and about. (The MomCozy one requires you to freeze the inner ice core)

Have you successfully pumped while camping? Have any wisdom to share?