Reel Talk's Alison Bailes – For the love of the pump

by Alison Bailes of TV’s Lyons and Bailes Reel Talk 

This is my 6th time covering the Sundance Film Festival but my first time here with REEL TALK.  Much here is as I remember although it’s colder than in previous years. 

Three years ago I attended as a 7-month pregnant reporter, which proved a good conversation starter with the celebs, especially the women. However this year brings its new challenges — specifically being a lactating mother who is trying to do a great job and keep her milk supply going.

My pump accompanies me everywhere. I’ve already experienced pumping in an airplane bathroom (not to be recommended) and am hoping I don’t have any more drafty restrooms ahead of me.

My producer, a lovely guy called Mike, has no experience with women who miss their kids, and certainly no experience with someone whose breasts dictate the shooting schedule.  I’ve decided not to be embarrassed about the whole thing (why should I be?) and just be very open. 

So every four hours or so, we stop what we’re doing so I can shuffle off and relieve the building pressure. I will be happy when our four days here are over and I’m back with my three-month-old son.  I love Sundance and I’m looking forward to next year when I can cruise the streets of Park City without my trusty pump!

Alison recently gave birth to her second child, son Frederick, on October 18, 2007. She also has a daughter named Agatha Violet. 

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FYI The TSA recently came to their senses and exempted breastmilk from the ban on bringing liquids past airport security checkpoints. For more resources for pumping moms, visit Kellymom.com, WorkandPump.com, and LLLI.org.

What unusual places have you pumped in while you traveled without your children? Do you have any funny anecdotes or horror stories?

Comments

I have 11 kids and the oddest places I have had to pump my milk is in the bathroom of a shopping mall and at an exhibition; it’s a 2 hour drive each way and I was there 12 hours,so every 3 hours I had to break and go into the bathroom stall and pump.I’ve also had to do it in hotel rooms when I’m gone overnight or over the w/e.

- Pogue Mahone on January 18th, 2008

I have a 5 month old son and due to his latching issues, pretty much exclusively pump for him. Really the only place I’ve had to pump other than at home is in the backseat of the car while my husband is driving. Thank God for tinted windows! Otherwise the truckers might get an eyefull! I pumped in the car in the parking lot at a wedding we went to when my son was 6 weeks old, and my hubby had to stand guard outside to make sure nobody was coming. He thinks the whole thing is pretty hilarious. I wish for one day men could be the ones with their boobs out to feed the kids!!! Having this baby and deciding to breastfeed/pump has definitely given me new respect to all mothers out there. What a commitment!

- Michelle on January 18th, 2008

i’ve had to pump in a broom closet at a wedding reception!

- danielle on January 18th, 2008

I pumped in one of the bathroom stalls at Wrigley Field. Most likely, I was the only woman in there who wasn’t drunk!

- Adrienne on January 19th, 2008