In a story that resonates deeply with many parents, a military mother faced heartbreak when United Airlines lost her cooler filled with 12 days’ worth of breastmilk. For those who have pumped and stored milk, the pride in filling those little bags with liquid nourishment is immense. The thought of losing that hard-earned supply can be devastating.
Jessica Collins, who was away from her 9-month-old son due to a two-week deployment, worked diligently to pump milk during her absence. Unfortunately, her plans took an unexpected turn. “I returned home after a deployment exercise that lasted 15 days. Being away from my baby was tough, and I was worried I didn’t have enough of a freezer stash,” she explained.
During her time in Honolulu, Jessica struggled to maintain her pumping schedule due to the time zone difference and her son’s feeding habits. Just three days into her deployment, she developed mastitis, which added to her challenges. “I fought through terrible fevers and intense pain while pumping,” she shared. Despite these setbacks, Jessica managed to pump an impressive supply of milk and proudly sent photos of her stash to her husband.
However, upon arriving at the baggage claim after her flight, she discovered her cooler was not as full as she had left it. “When I realized the milk was missing, I went straight to customer service. The woman at the desk threw her hands up and said, ‘What do you expect me to do about lost breastmilk? Who would want to steal THAT?’” After a long day of travel, Jessica felt the airline’s response was unacceptable.
The effort and dedication to pump breastmilk are significant; it requires meticulous planning and commitment. Losing this supply is not just a logistical issue; it’s about providing nutrition for her baby and ensuring her own well-being in case of future complications.
Jessica noted that the customer service manager at United Airlines was unhelpful, suggesting she file a claim, but that it likely wouldn’t yield results since breastmilk is considered “free.” “My time and effort aren’t free,” she stated emphatically. According to TSA regulations, coolers cannot be taped shut when checked, though mothers can bring milk on board in reasonable quantities. Many mothers opt to check their milk instead, especially when traveling with a larger supply.
Frustrated and exhausted, Jessica just wants United Airlines to acknowledge their mistake. “I’m devastated and just want them to take responsibility for what happened. Please help me share my story,” she pleaded.
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In summary, Jessica Collins’s experience with United Airlines highlights the significant emotional toll of losing a mother’s hard-earned breastmilk. The dedication involved in pumping and storing milk for a baby is often overlooked, but it represents much more than just a physical supply.