Tips for Nursing Mother Needs to Pump

You could go low-tech with a manual pump. You could use it anywhere and not have to worry about energy conversion. Worked fine for me when I was nursing my daughter and pumping,

Regarding the electric issue, as with all things electric or electronic, check the input specification on the pump. It may be a small plate on the pump, or it may be on a folded over label on the cord, or it may be printed either in the instructions or on the box.

If it reads something like "110-120 Vac 60Hz" you are out of luck with that pump. If it says something like "100-240 Vac 50/60 Hz" you would be good to go just having to spend a dollar or two on a simple adapter to change the physical shape of the plug.

Can you let me know what the sticker/plate says?

When I was looking into breast pumps mankind was still using chisels on stone and using quills with bottles of ink, and all the pumps were plug-in wired. I'm guessing that maybe some pumps may use batteries now, or maybe use chargers? If so you will be able to step away from the pain-in-the-neck wire and be much more comfortable. It would be so much easier on the plane too.

I wonder.

I hope you have a wonderful trip, and not too many tears leaving the baby behind (yours, not hers).

You get my full support for breastfeeding your little one. It isn't always easy but is just so very good.

Congratulations on the baby!

Your pump will require a plug converter and, most importantly, a step down transformer to work in Italy. In other words, don’t bring your electric pump with you. A manual pump would be easier to transport, but they are such a pain to use. Maybe consider contacting a labor and delivery hospital in Varenna and see about renting one from them during your stay.

Regarding actually pumping when on the plane, which sounds like you may want to do, if your flight is 9 hours long (plus time in the departure lounge, time getting through airport upon arrival - could easily be 12 hours between other opportunities to pump): You may well want to research and print out your airline's policy, and have it in hand. If you have a window seat (with husband next to you), and have a pump with batteries, or a manual pump, you should be "allowed" to pump on the plane at your seat, with no issues. There is probably a federal policy that mandates that you have the right to do so. I haven't researched it that far, but shouldn't be too hard to do (in case you come up against an uneducated flight attendant). I looked on Delta's website, for example, and found this:
Breastfeeding
Delta fully supports a woman’s right to breast-feed on board Delta and Delta Connection aircraft and in Delta facilities. Breast pumps are allowed on board.
Now, I note that this states that breast pumps are allowed. It doesn't specifically state that breast PUMPING is allowed. So: you may want to email your airline and get a stated policy from them re. pumping on board, and where you can be allowed to do so without being hassled. Then print it out!

Erin, if you have a battery charger, bring that! Otherwise you'll have to buy a European charger for the pump, at least if it's Medela, because it isn't dual voltage.
I live in Italy so I bought the charger, but if you are here for a short period of time, maybe a battery charger is a better choice

Congratulations and a warm welcome to the parenting club!

While I do not know from experience, I say if you can nurse at your seat, you can pump at your seat. The only other option would be a bathroom, and that is just inappropriate, unnecessary, nasty and ties up a limited resource for others.

This I do know - with 5 months under your belt, you will be an expert at nursing and pumping, so chances are you will be able to get the job done at you seat unnoticed.

Finding the time and place to pump while out and about will just take a bit of planning. You might want to set an alarm so your body doesn't have to tell you it's time to pump - engorgment can increase your risk of mastitis 😖

There may be some helpful information to you through La Leche League International https://www.llli.org and/or your local chapter https://www.lllusa.org. These amazing women want to encourage and support you!

You've got this, Mommy! Enjoy Italy!!