Moms Can Relate With Iya Villania About The 'Chore, Challenge, And Hassle' Of Pumping Milk

When celebrities like Iya Villania share not only the joys but also the struggles of motherhood, parents feel seen and validated.

That's why when the host and mom of four expressed her sentiments about the "chore, challenge, and hassle" of being a breastfeeding mom who pumps her milk while away on a trip, many parents could relate.

In an Instagram post, Iya shared a photo holding containers of her pumped breast milk.

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A post shared by Iya Villania-Arellano (@iyavillania)

"The mamas that pump milk while away on a trip know how much of a chore/challenge/hassle it is."

She added, "The logistics of it all is just [crazy emojis]. From the uncomfortable spaces/places, to figuring out pump times (would it be better to pump now in the train/bus or later when I'm at the resto?), how to store the milk (how many hours will I not have access to a chiller? Do I need to bring ice packs?) and where to clean pump parts."

Iya continued, "Not to mention, not all hotels are accommodating in storing milk and ice packs in their staff freezer when the rooms don’t have a mini ref (let alone one with a temp that’s right to keep milk fresh)."

Her fourth child Astro Phoenix just turned one, and her post signals that she is about to wean him. She said, "So I just had to take a picture of this moment as I believe this is that last time I’ll have to go thru this chaos on a trip. Yahoooooo!!! Can u see the joy in my eyes???"

She concluded with a message to other pumping mamas, "To the mamas currently experiencing this or have yet to... Laban! It'll be over before you know it."

READ ALSO: How To Gently Wean Your Child From Breastfeeding: Tips, Timelines And What To Watch Out For

Pumping moms share their experiences

In the comment section, moms empathized with Iya, saying, they get her.

Pumping and dumping

One mom shared, she used to "pump and dump" her breastmilk to save her from the hassle of storing it.

She explained, "The rationale behind this: is to continue pumping, thus continuing the demand so that by the time I’ll get home, I’m still producing milk for my baby."

According to Very Well Family, breast milk can remain at room temperature for approximately 4 to 8 hours, with a longer duration in cooler rooms and a shorter duration in warmer rooms. Therefore, if you anticipate that you won't be able to deliver the milk to your baby or store it properly within that time frame, it is recommended to discard it.

"I need to remind myself that it’s only for the meantime and not forever. It helps me push through even when it can be a headache." --Iya Villania

Iya then shared why she wants to keep her milk as much as possible, even though it's such a hassle. "I donated so much of my milk that when this trip came up, [Astro] didn’t have so much left for himself so I wanted to be able to bring back my milk to replenish the stash he was going to use up. It’s always a best effort thing though."

She then revealed what helps her overcome the struggles of pumping milk. "Because our trips aren’t always for leisure and mostly for work, I just work around my circumstances if I get to bring back the milk, it’s milk either for my baby or for other babies that need it, so that makes the effort worthwhile. That’s why I need to remind myself that it’s only for the meantime and not forever it helps me push through even when it can be a headache."

READ ALSO: 'Strike Anywhere!' Padede Moms Laud Angelica Panganiban For Dedication To Breastfeed Bean

No breastfeeding breaks, area

Another mom who shared her experience with Iya said she is a teacher. She said they don't have breaks to breastfeed or pump at work. She also doesn't have access to a lactation room, or a freezer where she store her milk. However, she pumps before her class starts, during recess and lunch breaks, inside the faculty room every day.

Iya assured the mom, "One day you’ll look back and wonder how you even did it!"

A flight attendant meanwhile shared the pumping struggles of other moms. "I remember seeing my colleagues pump in the aircraft lavatory during breaks, then they will store their milks in the chiller with dry ice then they will pack it to send it to wherever country their child lives in. Sometimes, they might have to choose between eating during breaks or pump," she said. To which Iya replied, "Wild!!!"

READ ALSO: This Military Nurse Mom And Breastfeeding Advocate Stopped Nursing Her Child To Answer The Call of Duty

It's worth it

Like Iya, a mom meanwhile shared that she would pump her milk wherever she goes: at work, in planes, while at conferences. She said, "It was stressful but all worth it!"

READ ALSO: Coleen Garcia On Powering Through Breastfeeding: 'It Does Get Easier, But It's Not Easy'

She even shared, "The longest time I was away from my baby was 2 weeks. I froze all my breastmilk and I was able to bring home a carry-on luggage full of breastmilk. I used Haakaa and used to hand express milk so I don't have to carry my pump all the time."

Iya then agreed with her that the best feeling was when you successfully bring your milk home.

Moms shared their worst experiences about breastfeeding in public. Read here.