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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Breastfeeding
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