Gabrielle is an exclusively breastfed baby. Having to return to work caused a lot of stress for me: separation from her and a feeling of inferiority-superiority complex with a piece of plastic. Silly, isn’t it? Nevertheless, it is my truth. I worried that she would prefer the bottle and what that would mean for our bond, which I clearly needed more than her because of the guilt felt from having to return to work. Pumping was delayed until the last minute (two days before my return) because in my mind it symbolized the reality of being away from Gabrielle and the potential end of our nursing bond. Two ounces in one bottle and one ounce in the other are the results of the first pumping session; I truly thought that the pump was the enemy. All of these things caused extreme stress and a tremendous halt in my milk flow. WHAT TIME DID I HAVE TO CALM MYSELF, START FLOWING, PUMP WHAT SHE NEEDED, AND NOT SUPPLEMENT WITH FORMULA? This is why surrounding myself with a community of other BWMs—Breastfeeding Working Mothers—has been vital to my survival as a woman who wanted to continually give her child this awesome gift.

I was encouraged to press on. I was given the knowledge of formula that is very-much like breastmilk. I was given the assurance that I would have enough milk for the first day, Gabrielle would take the bottle, and we would still have our bonding time when I came home. Sure enough, I pumped exactly what she needed and came home to a remaining 2.5oz cylindrical storage bottle; it was the beginning of the stockpile.

From that afternoon up to today, I have oodles of frozen milk and bottles in the refrigerator. As a teacher, I have two “free” times a day: planning for ninety minutes (7:30-9:00 a.m.) and lunch for twenty (11:00-11:20 a.m.). We have no designated pumping room, and I am still obligated to be at conferences and duty during those “free” times. Nevertheless, time is always given to pump what Gabrielle needs and some overflow. Although I was made aware of my BWM legal right to pump every three hours, I do not concern myself with trying to leave a class during the last three hours of the day, because I rush home for my “Gabrielle-Mommy-Machine” time. Hence, my name in the middle as she is on one side and the pump on the other!

I am a proud BWM who, through a community other breastfeeding mothers and BWMs, has made it through over two months of pumping. I cannot begin to express how supported and surrounded I’ve been throughout this journey. Even in my newness, I have found myself naturally sharing my tidbits with new mothers, and swamping info’ with others. Cliché`: the support from this group—those already known, those newly met, those whose online testimonials are read—is a gift that keeps on giving.

Being a BWM is challenging. It is truly a day of performing two jobs in one, for which I have found my niche of well-fulfilling the duties of both. I am gainfully employed by Gabrielle and the benefits of her smile, her thriving, and her growth, are totally awesome!

~Carrie L. Bennett, AKA Gabrielle’s mom

For a nursing mother, traveling brings a unique set of challenges—especially at the airport. To help cut down on the stress of traveling with breastmilk, we talked to an expert on the subject. Kawika Riley, spokesman for the Transportation Security Administration and proud new papa, gave us the scoop on common problems nursing mothers face in the airport security lines. Be sure to share this insider information with the nursing mothers you know, and save them a few headaches down the road.

Can nursing mothers bring bottles of their breastmilk onboard? How much are they allowed?

Kawika Riley (KR): Yes. Breastmilk is treated the same way as liquid medications. Nursing mothers flying with or without their child are permitted to bring breastmilk in quantities greater than 3 ounces as long as it is declared for inspection at the security checkpoint.

Will the breastmilk need to be inspected?

KR: When carrying breastmilk through the checkpoint, passengers should expect them to be inspected. However, you or your infant or toddler should not be asked to test or taste breastmilk. Our officers may test liquid exemptions (exempt items more than 3 ounces) for explosives. Officers may ask you to open the container during the screening process.

If a mother is travelling with breastmilk, what steps should she take when she reaches the security checkpoint?

KR: When traveling with your infant or toddler, in the absence of suspicious activity or items, greater than 3 ounces of breastmilk are permitted through the security checkpoint in reasonable quantities for the duration of your itinerary, if you perform the following:

· Separate these items from the liquids, gels and aerosols in your quart-size and zip-top bag.

· Declare you have the items to one of our Security Officers at the security checkpoint.

· Present these items for additional inspection once reaching the X-ray. These items

are subject to additional screening and Officers may ask you to open a container.

You are encouraged to travel with only as much breastmilk in your carry-on needed to reach your destination.

Are breast pumps an acceptable carry-on?

KR: Yes. We do recommend that passengers wrap cords tightly around electronics items and pack your bag in neat layers (layer of clothes, layer of electronics, layer of clothes, layer of shoes, etc.) to help officers get a clear look at your bag.
Also, it’s important for me to note that even if an item is generally permitted, it may be subject to additional screening or not allowed through the checkpoint if it triggers an alarm during the screening process, appears to have been tampered with, or poses other security concerns. The final decision rests with TSA on whether to allow any items on the plane.

Is Advanced Imaging Technology safe for pregnant women?

KR: Yes. Advanced imaging technology screening is safe for all passengers, including children and pregnant women.

Do you have any additional tips for nursing mothers who are flying?

KR: Passengers can make their experience easier and safer by preparing for the airport before they get to the airport. TSA also operates “family lanes” at every commercial airport in the US, which can make it even easier for nursing mothers to get through airport security. Lastly, common sense steps like arriving ahead of time and packing your checked bags neatly can go a long way.

Travel Tip

Medela’s Quick Clean accessory wipes and Micro-Steam bags can help you keep your breastfeeding supplies clean while on the go.

“Breastmilk is treated the same way as liquid medications.”

Each season ZukaBaby hosts a day for expecting women to connect with doulas and learn about the amazing birth support available in our community.  Meet doulas, learn about their services, hear birth stories and more.

We’ll have swag bags for some of the early birds with rumparooz doll diapers, earth yo-yos and more!  And a raffle for some extra fun!