Life has changed! I went back to work as an on call flight attendant on April 1st, 2011. Hectic is probably the best word to describe how it’s going. I appreciate working moms more than ever. Before, I went back to work I felt like I was scrambling for “enough” time to get stuff done and have a little fun. Now, it’s scrambling times 10.
If you ask my husband how it’s going he’ll tell you it’s tough but we’re surviving. If you ask me how it’s going, I’ll say where are those Maui layovers? I’ve had a few 4 day trips to Alaska, a few red eye flights and a few turns. The most interesting part for me is the pumping. So far, so good. I’m pumping 4 times a day and stashing my milk in ice buckets at hotel rooms. Keeping my pumped milk cold and lugging it around on my 4 day trip keeps me on my toes. Fortunately, I’ve only had to pump on the plane once. It was a San Jose turn last week and I was able to pump on the ground before boarding our flight home.
Tip: If you have to pump on an airplane, do it in the first class bathroom. Less traffic usually means cleaner and doesn’t smell as bad. (Of course, smell on an airplane is all relative)
On a bright note, Kai seems a little more keen toward the bottle these days. However, his new pediatrician (who I love) said at his one year appointment, forget the bottle! It’s over, move to the sippy cup. We’re still using the bottle when I’m working, but offer the sippy cup regularly. I haven’t had a Maui layover or a good trip for that matter. My fantasy of laying on the beach in Maui and sleeping in on a layover hasn’t happened yet. Maybe, this weekend?
10 Comments
I love hearing stories of how women in different professions have managed to continue breastfeeding and pumping after their return to work.
Personally, if I needed to pump on an airplane as a passenger, I think I would just opt for a window seat and cover myself up with a scarf or sweater while pumping. I don’t know that the other passengers would appreciate having the bathroom held up for more than 20 minutes and I don’t think it is a very sanitary place to pump (not that any part of a plane necessarily is, but I would think the bathroom would be worse!).
I like your style! Pumping in your window seat on an airplane sounds like an adventurous task. As a fellow babymama and working flight attendant I would definitely buy you lunch. I agree that the airplane bathroom is less than perfect for pumping. However, I used alcohol wipes and a ton of paper towels so nothing touched anything. On the bright side, I’ve been working as an on call flight attendant for over 6 weeks and have only had to pump in the airplane bathroom once so far. I feel lucky!
Great article and I love the picture. So happy you got a new Pedi that you love and do keep in mind mothers intuition & family/friends advice is awesome. Good job Brans. Love you
Hi brandy! Wow u are amazing! How you manage is beyond me! Haha can’t believe u posted that pic I dont even let bob look! I just had to comment as I feel ya pumpings a pain!!
Kai is so cute!! Xxoo
Hi lady, thanks for commenting! Sometimes, I think it’s just my husband and my mom reading it. I know the picture is a little over the top! But, it is what it is and pumping while working as a flight attendant is nutz.
Hope you’re having fun with Jimmy-he’s adorable!
Thanks Ma! Love u!
Thank you for your posts! I return to work the end of next month as a flight attendant and it helps to read about someone else doing it. My little one will be 8 months when I return too. I am so tempted to quit, but with my husband in the Army, we need the flight benefits!
I’m with Stephanie in her remark – mothers intuition. Can’t imagine why!
And I’ll add “your” intuition and knowledge of Kai and both your and his comfort level.
Good advice! Thx for your comment. Hope you’re soaking up the sunshine in Santa Rosa!
Congratulations on your 8month old! Have you seen Nemo? My mom wanted me to watch it forever and I finally saw it last year and loved it! Do you remember the part where they were in the net and Nemo was shouting “Keep Swimming!” -I like to chant “Keep Going” in my head from time to time.
All the best to you and your team!