Confidently Pumping at a Music Festival or Concert

Concerts are one of life’s greatest joys! The vibes, the clothes, the music – it’s an experience to say the least.

For a short bit of time, they’ll be off limits as you navigate the postpartum world. But, never fear, you will rock again!

…and you don’t have to wait until you’re done breastfeeding to do so!

Can I Pump During a Concert or Music Festival?

Absolutely! Breastfeeding in public is legal in all 50 states!

Pumping is no exception: you have complete freedom to feed your baby wherever you go.

The only regulations you need to worry about when pumping at a concert or music festival are the venue’s! Prior to buying your tickets, be sure to check out their rules regarding bags, pumps, and containers.

Our Tips and Tricks for Confidently Pumping at a Music Festival or Concert

Pumping in public seems impossible, right? How could you possibly set everything up and pump as comfortably as you do at home?

The first step in being able to pump while enjoying your favorite festival or concert is embracing the reality that you will need to pump in public. We know, weird!

Pumping in public, along with breastfeeding, is more common than ever! We know it can take some getting used to before you feel confident. Here are our tips for confidently pumping while having a musical blast!

Tip #1: Research the Venue

With breastfeeding and pumping being so widely accepted, venues are offering more options for pumping and nursing than ever before. Check your venue’s website to see if they offer nursing-specific spaces for quiet and private pumping or nursing.

Some venues have strict no-bag policies. However, your pump is considered medically necessary. There are ways to request permission to be allowed to bring your pump and supplies into the stadium with you. Check your venue’s website for special request forms and instructions on how to let the venue know you will be bringing a bag with you.

Tip #2: Know and Trust Your Pump

Let’s be real for a second. You should not be trying to pump at a concert or festival with a pump you are not familiar with. That just sounds stressful.

Breast pumps come with a learning curve. Every pump is different and everybody responds and adjusts differently to pumps. Prior to your night of freedom, make sure you thoroughly familiarize yourself with pump assembly and pump use!

When you are pumping in public, you are going to want to be confident that you can achieve the right latch fairly discreetly. Practicing putting your flanges on at home is the best way to prepare yourself.

You will also want to make sure that you know which settings are your “golden” settings. Like we’ve said everybody responds to pumps differently. That’s why there are options to adjust suction and modes!

If you think you may forget, or you just want to be sure you don’t, make a note on your phone of what your favorite settings are. You could even make note of how many times you have to push a button to achieve the setting without having to look!

Tip #3: Pack Your Pumping Bag With Essentials

If you don’t already have one, you may consider purchasing a pumping bag to bring along with you. Some pumping bags have space for a cooler bag, others have an attached cooler section. You will want enough space for your pump, pump accessories, and any milk you pump while you are out.

Not to brag, but our Pump Anywhere Bag does all of that and is super chic, with three different ways to wear it!

You will also want to make sure you plan ahead for milk storage. Breast milk can be left at room temperature for 4 hours and in our Portable Breast Milk Cooler for 24 hours. After that, it will need a refrigerator or freezer.

Tip #4: Bring Extras of Everything

Other than the pump itself, you will want to be sure you have an extra set of everything you need: breast pump parts, flanges, bottles or containers, milk bags, even ice packs! You don’t want to leave anything to chance.

Tip #5: Keep Hydrated

Just like if you were at home, your hydration is crucial to your pumping success! The last thing you need is to become even more dehydrated after pumping! Make sure you plan ahead and see what your hydration options are.

Can you bring a water bottle? Will you need to purchase water? All of this can be found on your venue’s website!

Tip #6: Dress for the Occasion

Picking a concert or festival outfit is a big deal! While you want to look your best, make sure you are thinking about accessibility! To successfully pump during your event, you are going to need clothes that make this easy.

Now, this doesn’t mean that you need to find nursing-specific clothing. Try to find fabrics that are stretchy and able to be moved as easily as possible.

You will also want to be sure to wear a bra that will hold your wearable pump or breast flange! Our pumping bras are designed to be worn all day and look cute, making them the perfect choice for confidently pumping!

Confidently Pump in Public with Willow Pump

Pumping in public doesn’t have to be scary or obvious! Both Willow pumps are designed to be used while doing other things. No one said they have to be at home!

If you are going to be able to sit upright or ensure you don’t party too hard, check out the Willow Go! The hospital-grade pump fits perfectly in your bra while you enjoy yourself!

Now, if you are ready for headbanging and copious amounts of bouncing, the Willow 3.0 is your girl! The 360º leak-proof mobility will let you pump while jumping, dancing, whatever your heart desires.

Willow is here to support you throughout your motherhood journey! Check out our blog for resources, guidance, and answers to the questions you never thought you would have to ask!