My friend Medela

That's my breast pump. My companion for at least three hours a day...and I'm starting to hate her. She does a fine job and all that, but she wants too much of my time! Remember Donna on 90210? Sweet, of course...but in way too many scenes. That's Medela.

(Personal record: Fourteen ounces in one pumping!! I could have made creme brulee to serve six!)

Here's what would help. Making pumping more socially acceptable. I think it's pretty much okay these days to breastfeed in front of friends and family, and in lots of public places -- say, playgrounds, Starbucks, airport lounges... But pumping? Oh dear. One needs a door... There's something about it, isn't there? I have exactly two friends who don't flee when I start up the engines -- and I've known one for 10 years and the other for...oh my god, 21 years?

So, what the hell? It's not right, I tell ya. If I had more time I'd start a campaign! Public Pumpers Unite!
(Because my boycott of Tom Hanks films was ever so successful... Seriously!! What's he been in lately! huh? )

One more thing, when I was feeding Lucy-lu, I dragged my Traveller (in its stylish AND discreet black backpack) all over the country. I pumped in airport bathrooms (Welcome to Huntsville!); in my rental car, parked down the street from Eudora Welty's childhood home; in the bathroom at Mount Vernon, during a DOE press conference on NCLB; and, in more than one school parking lot...which brings me to my one piece of advice to fellow pumpers:
Avoid the school bus loop.