Reckless Driving
Mom's attempt to pump while driving leads to encounter with police by Tonya Bowles How many moms are faced with the difficult challenge of wanting to breastfeed, but having a job that just didn't work in their favor? I know I faced the same problem, but I was determined to give my daughter the best - regardless of the cost. I am an account executive with a large newspaper in North Carolina and I am always pressed for time, so when I found a breast pump that had a cigarette lighter adapter, I was in heaven. My first week back to work was great. I took three breaks during the day and I would run out to the car and pump (there is no where private in such a busy office). I couldn't believe how great I was doing! I was getting about 6-8 ounces at every pumping, more than enough to keep Courtney happy.  The first part of the second week was a challenge. Being gone three
months meant that I had to play catch up with all my clients. I spent
Monday through Thursday visiting everyone, talking about Courtney, and
just having a great time in general.Then Friday rolled around. I had scheduled two appointments too close together and I was engorged. When I say engorged, I mean these melons were ripe, and ouch, they hurt. Here's where the dilemma starts; do I be a good employee and scurry to my next appointment or do I be a good mother and pump for my daughter? This is a no-brainer, of course I'm going to pump, but I couldn't leave a customer waiting when I've been gone for three months. Okay, I figure, they put the cigarette lighter on this thing for a reason and I did the only thing a mother would do. I brought the cow into the barn (as my aunt affectionately calls it) and hooked myself up to the pump, then put the car in drive. I head down the highway being very careful not to pass any truckers or get next to any vehicles that may have passengers who could see into my car. The gentle whoosh whoosh of the pump was playing along with the radio and I was doing just fine until the rig I was behind started to slow down as we headed up a hill. I knew I was going to have to pass him, so I put the pedal to the metal and did it as fast as I could. After I got over in the lane in front of him, I saw a car come flying up behind me and I started hoping that he wouldn't pass me and see what I was doing. Well, I got my wish. The next thing I knew there were flashing blue lights in my rearview mirror. You want to talk about your heart stopping and your milk freezing up! This couldn't be happening! I started trying to unhook while I was pulling off the road and I set the bottles in the passenger seat. I didn't have time to adjust myself, so I know I must have looked awfully interesting as the officer approached the car. He looked over my shoulder, asked for my license and registration, and started on his, "do you know why..." speech. I tried to collect myself and think of a good story, but I decided the truth would be the best approach. Besides, maybe he would think I was crazy and let me go on my way. As I began my story I could tell that I wasn't impressing him. I bet he had heard the "I'm late" excuse a million times, but when I added the breastfeeding part I thought he was going to die. I saw a little smirk on his face, then a full grin that led right into a foot-stomping laugh. He then told me that his wife breastfed his son and how great he thought it was that I love my daughter so much. To make a long story short - I didn't get off easy because he said I was reckless driving and he gave me a good scolding (plus a warning), but no ticket. This is a story that my family loves to this day. Just to let all of you know, I haven't attempted to pump and drive since that one time. This is a classic example of "Don't try this at home!" |
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