Pumping While Driving – How To Do It Right!

Pumping while driving or traveling can be a very efficient use of your time provided you are doing it safely.

Pumping on the go is like taking your multi-level skills to another level. You can run errands, pick some your older kids from school, without being constrained to your breast pump and a rocking chair.

Pumping while driving can also come in handy when you are traveling far and you need to express milk to prevent engorgement.

Whatever the reason might be, pumping in the car can be a huge time saver, if done safely.

Is It Legal to Pump and Drive?

First things first, is it even legal to pump and drive? I looked up what the law says about distracted driving in my province and it is as follows:

Before you decide to give pumping in the car a try, read what the law says in your area. I would assume that a handsfree breast pump will be treated the same as other handsfree devices like cell phones.
In my province, only experienced drives can operate handsfree cellphone; I would assume that the same rule would apply for breast pumps as well.

The key here is to be 100% focused on the road and not let pumping be a distraction to you as well as the other users.

How to Pump in the Car (Safety First):

When it comes to pumping in the car, safety should be the first and foremost thing to keep in mind. It is not worth risking your life to pump those extra few ounces. Your babies need you; please keep that in mind.

If you have doubts whether you will feel comfortable pumping in the car, then I recommend trying pumping and driving in an empty parking space or in a parked car, to get a feel of it before you start driving on the busy roads.

What You Need To Pump In The Car:

Before you get started, get the needed supplies ready. Here what you will need

1.Double Electric Breast Pump:

You can use a single pump too, but you will have to come to a complete stop, pull over safely, before changing sides. For safety reasons I don’ t recommend using a hand pump because you don’t want to be pumping with one hand and driving with one hand.

2.Hands Free Bra:

Hands Free Bra is a must have if you decide to pump on the go. Just hook up the pump to the bra and you are all set to pump. This one from Simple Wishes or Pump Strap have raving reviews online.

If you will be pumping while driving very regularly, then you might want to consider using the Freemie Hands Free Breast Pump. Freemie also has cups that can be attached to popular pumps like Medala, Ameda, etc.,

3.Nursing Cover :

To cover or not to cover is a personal opinion.Personally, I think I would not want to attract any unwanted attention on the road ( or be a distraction to anyone).

4.Car Adapter:

Find a one that works with your breast pump (like this one)if your breast pump does not have a battery charger.

5.Cooler Bag:

If you will be out for a long time or if it is a very hot day, it is advised to store the pumped milk in a cooler bag to keep it fresh.

6.A reusable wetbag to store soiled pump parts

7.Water bottle

8.A healthy snack if you feel hungry after pumping sessions.

9.Extra set of bottles if you will be pumping multiple times.

How To Pump While Driving: Step By Step:

Start Pumping :

1. Get yourself seated in the driving seat and put on the seat belt.
2. Connect the breast pump through the car adapter
3. Attach the flanges to your breasts
4. Make sure that the tubes are over the seat belt.
5. Empty the front cup holders to hold the bottle once you are done.
6. Start the pump, adjust the speed and wait until you get the desired suction.
7. Throw a nursing cover on top and get ready to leave.

Start Driving:

1. Ignore that there is anything attached to your boobs and focus on driving.
2. DO NOT look down to how much you have collected or adjust the pump while driving.

Stop Pumping:

1. Anytime on the way if you want to stop pumping (or make any adjustments), pull over and park in a safe place.
2. Adjust the pump or remove the bottles from the pump.
3. Secure the bottles tight with a lid and put them in the cooler bag or place them in the cup holder.
4. Once you have reached the destination and safely parked, remove the breast pump, unplug the car adapter.
5. Store the breast pump parts in a reusable wet bag.
6. Bravo! You are done!

Let’s Wrap Up:

Whether you are a busy mom with irregular schedules or a full time working mom who spends a lot of time on the road, Pumping in the car can be a very time-saving skill to master. Always keep safety in mind and make sure you are not distracted or pose a distraction to others.

I hope this guide will help you pump while you are on the go. Let me know if you have ever tried pumping in the car. Will you ever consider it?

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