Japan, Here I Come
6 Dec 06 – 9.00pm. On Thai Airways Singapore-Bangkok flight7 Dec 06 – 4.00am. On Thai Airways Bangkok-Osaka flight
- 7.30am. Kansai Airport
- 11.30am. Kyoto Station
- 4.00pm. Gojo Guesthouse, Kyoto
- 9.30pm. Gojo Guesthouse, Kyoto
8 Dec 06 – 5.00am. Gojo Guesthouse, Kyoto
- 8.00am. Gojo Guesthouse, Kyoto
- 1.30pm. Garden of Fine Arts, Kyoto
- 5.30pm. Gojo Guesthouse, Kyoto
- 9.30pm. Gojo Guesthouse, Kyoto
If the above looks like some travel itinerary, it is not. It is record of pumping sessions that I had so far and I must say it takes a supportive hubby to make this possible. By now I’m relived to say that so far I am still maintaining my milk supply. The first day before we reached our guesthouse was a series of panic and worried sessions. I felt claustrophobic pumping inside the plane’s tight cubicle, I had to pumped at my seat instead.
Tip #1: Ask hubby to read newspaper, those big size one. Look over his arm like you’re reading what he’s reading while you pump.
I was quite relieved when I finally felt a let down as the air steward hovered around our area offering drinks. Of course there was some surprises, I was struggling with the tight space of the seat when the passenger in front called out to me through side of her seat asking me to help pick up her glasses that she dropped to my side! I had newspapers on my left and right and a tray full of food in front of me and juggling my half filled pump, I couldn’t move so I told her I’ll pick it up after the tray is cleared. She didn’t suspect anything
And then there was this middle of the night pumping session on the plane. It helped that it was lights out and everyone was sleeping, but my manual pump made loud squeaky sound! I couldn’t care less and continued…but I found out what I could have done.
Tip #2: Wet rubber parts of pump to avoid squeaky sound, which will especially sound if its cold and dry.
My pumping sessions got more worrying because I had to do it outside as it took a long time to find our way and travel to our guesthouse. Sometimes I couldn’t get a flow, sometimes couldn’t find a conducive place until we went to Kyoto Tourist Information on the 9th floor of Isetan at Kyoto Station. There, I found a handicap toilet and I was in there for 45 minutes!
Tip #3: Look for a handicap toilet. You’ll be glad for the extra space.
Tip #4: If it takes 45 minute, then let it take 45 minutes. As long as you can get it out
Tip #5: Find something to occupy your hubby while he waits, it takes away the stress.
Gojo Guesthouse, our little cozy japanese abode in Kyoto with tatami and tea table in bedroom. Just like Doraemon's room, very charming...
Pumping milk outdoors at 9 degrees at Tadao Ando's Garden of Fine Arts, Kyoto. I've a different view of the architecture while looking for space that's conducive to pump milk. Not easy to find, as almost every angle of the space can be observed from above, below and all sides, which is the intention of the architect.
posted by Fi @ 7:58 AM
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