Day Made

in All Posts

photo (21)

When my alarm went off at 5:45 AM, I was a little grumpy.  I jumped in the shower, dried off, and pumped.  When your baby is exclusively breastfed and you travel a lot for work, it’s a little stressful to count the frozen bags of milk in the freezer and realize that, give or take a bottle or two, he’s got just enough to make it through your trip.  Every ounce counts, right?

 

I was disassembling my pump when I knocked over the pumped bottles and spilled over 10 ounces of milk all over floor (that is a lot of milk).  Not only did I spill it, but I dumped it all over the outfit I was planning on wearing to the airport.  Whoever said, “There’s no use crying over spilled milk,” was not a pumping momma.  I let a loud four letter word escape my lips and then took a deep breath.  I reminded myself that Henry has enough milk; those bottles were just extra. 

 

A quick glance at my phone told me that I was getting late.  I started flipping through my closet like a mad woman, trying to find something that was clean and matched.  I was getting all worked up over being late.  Again – I took a deep breath and thought, “Maybe I spilled that milk because  I would’ve been in a horrific car accident on the way to the airport if I had left on time.”  Everything happens for a reason.  I suddenly felt a lot better.

 

I made it to the airport – safely – and got to my gate.  When I walked up, they announced a mechanical error and said the flight was delayed an hour and ten minutes.  I thought, “Uggggh, great. I woke up early for nothing.”  I was pissed.  I was doubly pissed because I had a layover; I’d still make my connection, but I really hate layovers.  I had only booked a connection because a direct flight was an extra $200 more.  The delay was the icing on the cake.  I sent a whiny text to Kristien.  Then I took a deep breath and decided it didn’t really matter that my flight was late.

 

Over the loudspeaker, I heard an announcement – “Caitlin Boyle, can you please come to the podium?”  I walked up, nervous that I was about to get screwed, and I’d miss the presentation that I’m giving at the ZOOMA expo tonight.  The US Airways rep said, “Hey, I thought I’d move you to a direct flight so you don’t have to worry about making your connection.”  I was so happy and thanked him profusely.  He clicked around on the computer for a bit and said, “Wow, your connection home tomorrow totally blows. Do you want me to move you to a direct flight for tomorrow, too?  I’ll do it free of charge.” I couldn’t believe it!  He was so proactively nice to me.  It completely made my morning.  You can bet that I’ll be writing US Airways an e-mail telling them all about the wonderful Christopher Gossner.  Flying is usually such a headache, but the experience made my morning.

 

I guess this is my way of saying… Positivity pays off.  If your day seems to be going horribly, it can really all turn around on a dime.  That’s the nice thing about life, huh?  Even when you’ve got pumped milk all over your shoes, great things can happen.

{ 72 comments }

 

  • michelle January 18, 2013, 8:39 am

    That’s awesome! Good customer service goes a long way

  • Anne Marie January 18, 2013, 8:40 am

    This is such a great story, thanks for the positivity on this Friday morning! Have fun and good luck in the half marathon, you’re going to kill it!

  • Presley @ Run Pretty January 18, 2013, 8:40 am

    I literally sat in my kitchen and sobbed the day I spilled FOUR bottles worth of milk on the counter. Suffice to say, I do not miss pumping. I was a hot mess the whole time. I was always stressed. SO glad your day got better!

  • Katie @ Talk Less, Say More January 18, 2013, 8:43 am

    Love this! Love people who really understand and appreciate good customer service (whether they’re receiving it or giving it)! Also happy to hear your day turned around. 🙂

  • Shelby January 18, 2013, 8:44 am

    Awesome story, good luck!!!!

  • Eileen January 18, 2013, 8:48 am

    That is a great ending to your story. A little kindness can go such a long way and that often gets lost in the hustle and bustle of life. Aside, I was wondering did you pump all 10 ounces in one sitting? I work full time and pump while I am at work and struggle to pump enough for my guy. I seriously probably pump like 7-8 times to get enough for like 3 bottles and then at day care they sometimes give him an extra bottle with frozen milk. I feel like I can’t keep up and it’s so frustrating. I know you’ve mentioned you have an ‘over supply’ of milk in the past, but otherwise how do you manage to pump that much? Any tips?

    • Caitlin January 18, 2013, 8:50 am

      I think this is just due to my oversupply. I wish I had more advice! I just create and can pump a lot of milk… I am extremely grateful because I know how hard it is for others. It does help to shower first though because of the warm water. Also, that’s 10 ounces after going all night without pumping.

      You are doing AWESOME to give him ANY breastmilk. Just remember that!!!!

      • Katy Widrick January 18, 2013, 9:47 am

        I’m dealing with oversupply, too, and it’s its own kind of special hell. But I, too, feel grateful. My lactation consultant thinks my body will adjust to the pump and regulate in a few weeks.

        Not to hijack the comment, especially because I know that Caitlin has mixed feelings about KellyMom.com (right? I think I saw you tweet that once) but I have found some great resources on the website for supply issues of all kinds, especially when it comes to pumping. Might be something to look at.

        • Caitlin January 18, 2013, 11:47 am

          It’s a good resource, it just makes me feel
          Guilty sometimes because I do not attachment parent.

      • Irene January 18, 2013, 11:41 am

        I just have to chime in because I was having the same problem and this is what I helped me:
        1. Eating oatmeal every morning (not the instant kind but rolled oats, about one cup)
        2. Drinking a bottle of G2 or Gatorade every morning (this has helped me SOOO much)
        I went from barley getting enough milk to having extra.

    • Jess January 18, 2013, 9:38 am

      Eileen,

      How long do you pump for each time? I found that when I work, I had to pump for a minimum of 20 mins to get 3-5oz. It’s not a comfortable environment and your baby isn’t around to stimulate. Looking at pics or videos of your baby may help too! Sounds strange but I swear it works. Also, when was the last time you changed your pump parts? New parts can help with the effectiveness. Also make sure you’re drinking tons of water. Almonds and oatmeal can help increase production too.

    • Lekki January 18, 2013, 1:58 pm

      Eileen – I am at work full time and 10 wk old Sam is at home. Due to being in the OR for several hours after birth I didn’t get to breastfeed for 18 hours into my son’s life. Then I couldn’t feed at night as I was having so many transfusions etc for 2 days. So, I never established a great supply. Then I went to work (part time) at 3 weeks and full time at 7 (I am the only breadwinner). It KILLED my supply. I cried and cried about it. But, I have got it back to where my son only gets ~2 oz of formula a day (and workin’ on it). I pump every 2 hours without fail 8.30-2.30, always counting the 2 hours from when I start. I breastfeed at 5 and then pump, and go onto a 3-hourly schedule until bed. I pump ONCE at night (more and I see a supply drop – ymmv). That helped, and taking 15 Fenugreek a day helped a lot (3* breakfast / lunch / dinner / bed / 2 am). So… it can be done for some, but it is hellaciously difficult, so I don’t know if you want to go through all that. I thought I would share the tips anyway. But, anyone will tell you: if you pump at all AND work, you are a superwoman. It is *hard*.

      Oh, I have one boob that doesn’t really work (previously tubular + previous surgeries). I get an average of just under 3 oz per session 🙂 I would do almost anything for 10! HTH. Hang in there, it’s tough.

  • Cate January 18, 2013, 8:50 am

    Wow! It’s always awesome when random good things happen.
    Positivity definitely pays off 🙂
    Good luck on your half this weekend!

  • Kristy @ Kristy's Health Revolution January 18, 2013, 8:50 am

    That’s awesome! Pay it forward, lady. And good luck tomorrow!!

  • Brittney January 18, 2013, 8:55 am

    Nice that the US Air gate agent hooked you up! I’m pretty sure my husband’s airline would not have done that…hah! They are not known for their customer service!

  • kelsey January 18, 2013, 8:57 am

    What a great story! I hope the rest of your trip goes smoothly and have a great run!

  • Jen January 18, 2013, 9:05 am

    Glad your morning worked out for the best, even if you did have stressful moments leading up to the good. I also have spilled baby’s milk after pumping…and it is definitely not fun, especially because you have to work hard for each ounce. Thankfully I have a small freezer stash, but I always keep 6 bottles full for use. When you’re pumping it is constantly on your mind…when do I need to pump? can I go out for a bit? how long can I go out? will I run out of bottles? is my milk dropping?….I love being able to feed lo but it can be stressful.

  • kathleen January 18, 2013, 9:10 am

    i loved reading this this morning!
    happy friday 🙂

  • Kendall January 18, 2013, 9:14 am

    Yes!!! I love this story! I’m so happy everything worked out for you 🙂 have a great race!!

  • Dee January 18, 2013, 9:17 am

    Sometimes those things happen just when you really need them. 🙂
    As a former exclusive pumper I totally hear you on pilling 10 oz of milk!! Ackkk, that hurts!

    BTW been meaning to comment and tell you that your haircut looks awesome. Its a great look for you and though I’m sure it feels like a big change, its gorgeous!

  • Kelly January 18, 2013, 9:24 am

    This is awesome. Like you said, flying is usually a headache, so it is so good to hear of some kindness being spread!!

  • Kaitlyn January 18, 2013, 9:25 am

    Travelling always stresses me out. Glad it turned into a positive experience for you.

  • Sara @ fitcupcaker January 18, 2013, 9:27 am

    haha too funny…but thats awesome that being positive leads to something great!

  • Bethany January 18, 2013, 9:28 am

    Have fun on Amelia Island! My parents have lived there for about 10 years now so it’s my “home base” and I think it’s great that they’re hosting the Zooma run. If you need carbs before the race I suggest Op’s Pizza on 8th Street (there’s a Great Harvest in that same plaza too). Downtown Fernandina Beach is nice too – I LOOOOVE Cafe Karibo on 3rd Street for lunch or dinner. They have a nice patio area for outdoor dining and there are usually some cats hanging around if you’re missing Pippa 🙂
    Best of luck in the race – I’ll be jealous of you running on the beach while I’m pounding the pavement in Orlando!

  • Natalie @ Free Range Human January 18, 2013, 9:31 am

    That’s a great story. I love when people surprise you!

  • Jess January 18, 2013, 9:35 am

    I travel a lot for work…like at least once every other month for up to a week at a time. You’re very lucky you’ve only had to travel a few times for a short period. You know that you can have you milk packed in dry ice and shipped home? On my long trips, I pack up my bags of milk, and overnight or two day them to my husband. Luckily I had a ridiculous freezer stash (like 1500+ ounces) so I never worried, but it was nice to have fresh milk for my daughter.

    I have cried over split breastmilk. Pumping sucks and ugh, some of the places I’ve pumped, it makes me so sad to think about my milk going to waste.

  • Susan January 18, 2013, 9:42 am

    I left the milk I had pumped all day at work on the counter one night. Discovered it the next morning after sitting at room temperature for hours. It was heart-breaking to dump it all out. Not necessarily because I thought there wouldn’t be enough for my son, but because I loathed pumping and it made it feel like such a waste!

  • JL January 18, 2013, 9:52 am

    What a story! Good luck tomorrow!

  • Erin January 18, 2013, 9:58 am

    I nearly cried Wednesday and I only spilled an ounce of milk.
    And holy crap does breast milk stain! I pump at work and frequently walk around with milk stains on my shirt and pants all day. Luckily I’ve yet to get it on my shoes 🙂

  • Sara January 18, 2013, 10:01 am

    I love when things like that happen!

  • sara January 18, 2013, 10:08 am

    i’m all for positivity but the us airways agent said “blows”? 😉

    • Caitlin January 18, 2013, 11:46 am

      Hahah I may have been paraphrasing.

  • Brittnie (A Joy Renewed) January 18, 2013, 10:11 am

    I exclusively pump as well so I know how precious those extra 10 oz can be! Thanks for the reminder that it is all about perspective and in the grand scheme of life, spilled milk and a delayed flight is not the end of the world. B/c if that is the worst that happens to us I’d say we are pretty darn lucky. Thanks for sharing!

  • Katrina January 18, 2013, 10:13 am

    I’m thrilled to hear of a positive traveling story! I’m even more relieved to hear one centering on US Airways. The last time I dealt with them and a connecting flight, it left me crying on the airport floor (it had been a really long day…) Long story short, I experienced the worse customer service of my life.

    Goes to show it’s less about the company and more about the people you encounter. It’s amazing how much one person can do to change someone’s day for the better!

  • Amber @ Busy, Bold, Blessed January 18, 2013, 10:16 am

    Wow, looks like somebody was looking out for you! Yay 🙂

  • Katie @ Soulshine and Sassafras January 18, 2013, 10:19 am

    Aw, I love random acts of kindness! I hope your day goes much better now 🙂

  • Gwen January 18, 2013, 10:23 am

    An EXCELLENT story. Glad that you had a good experience afterall. Safe travels!

  • Verna January 18, 2013, 10:24 am

    Our big freezer died and I had to dump over 3 gallons of pumped milk. I cried. And was crabby about it for at least a week. It still kind of hurts to think about. Glad your flight went so well! Yay!

  • Sarah @ Yogi in Action January 18, 2013, 10:25 am

    What a great turn around- from a frustrating day to a great one, all due to the act of kindness from a stranger. You should try and pay it forward to another stranger- if you drive through a drive-through coffee shop, you could always buy the coffee from the person in line behind you. I’ve had it happen to me and it’s the best 🙂

    Good luck on your half tomorrow.

  • Ashley January 18, 2013, 10:27 am

    What a great guy! I love this story!!!!

  • Rachel January 18, 2013, 10:44 am

    Spilling 10 oz of milk would definitely ruin my day! Every drop counts, and that is a LOT! Good for you for trying to stay positive through all of that. I probably wouldn’t have been able to.

  • Katie January 18, 2013, 10:47 am

    This made me smile. 🙂 So glad your morning turned around!

  • Reenie January 18, 2013, 11:07 am

    Yea for Chris… and you!! Good luck 🙂

  • lauren January 18, 2013, 11:10 am

    That’s such an awesome ending to a bad morning! Positivity does pay off 🙂 Pretty quickly in your case! Keep it up, good luck tomorrow!

  • Casey January 18, 2013, 11:28 am

    What a great post for a Friday morning. 🙂 Thanks for sharing! Enjoy your trip!

  • Hanna January 18, 2013, 11:35 am

    aww, I love hearing about random acts of kindness! glad to hear your day turned around 🙂

  • Katie January 18, 2013, 11:37 am

    Great post for a Friday. Now everyone that reads this post should be inspired to do something positive for themselves or someone else. Thanks for sharing!

  • Rebekah at Another World is Probable. January 18, 2013, 11:38 am

    Awww. I love this! Thanks so much for sharing. =)

  • Joy January 18, 2013, 11:39 am

    Holy moly is that an amazing story. I’m so glad you got to have such a positive experience while flying. That is customer service like none other!

    Have a great race!

  • Melissa Q January 18, 2013, 11:40 am

    I am so glad your day got a a little brighter – and thank you for giving me a swift, positive kick in the butt! What a great story and amazing start to your weekend. Good luck at the race – you’re going to be fantastic!

  • maria January 18, 2013, 12:05 pm

    So true! Your positivity made my day =) Good luck, have fun and safe travels.

  • Katie @ Peace Love & Oats January 18, 2013, 12:05 pm

    oh WOW! That’s such a nice airline worker! I flew yesterday too and my first flight was delayed. My 50 minute layover turned into a 10 minute one! Luckily it was a very small airport and the gates were right next to each other, so both I and my bag made it!

  • Elisabeth January 18, 2013, 12:07 pm

    Wow! That’s some great customer service 🙂

  • Allie January 18, 2013, 12:18 pm

    Yay USAirways! My dad is a pilot for them, so I feel like it’s “my” airline 🙂 So glad they hooked you up!

  • Kelley January 18, 2013, 12:40 pm

    I have totally cried over spilled pumped milk. It’s soooo sad. I’m sorry! But I’m super impressed you’re still getting 10oz in a session almost 8 months later! That is seriously impressive. i’m only pumping a total of 3-4oz a day now.

    And I’m also impressed that US Airways was so nice. I’ve had nothing but bad experiences with them, but I’m happy to hear they are changing their tune. =) All it takes is one nice person to make a company look good. The world needs more Christopher Gossners! haha

  • Clare @ Fitting It All In January 18, 2013, 1:00 pm

    That is SO awesome. Good service like that (especially with airlines) doesn’t happen very often! Glad your frustrating morning got better!

  • Sarah T. January 18, 2013, 1:05 pm

    Awesome – love when people in customer service go out of their way to do something nice!
    I had a similar morning. Was feeling pregnant and dumpy (didn’t help that my 3-year old told me my hair was messy after I had styled it…) when I ran in to my boss at work and she presented me with an award that came with $200! One of my project partners had nominated me without me even knowing and I got it! I almost started crying! Totally turned my day around!

  • Katie January 18, 2013, 1:13 pm

    I loved this post. I know it was rather simple and not a huge event, but I love how you said “Maybe I spilled that milk because I would’ve been in a horrific car accident on the way to the airport if I had left on time.” I always think of these types of things when I’m running late. Good luck this weekend 🙂 I”ll be thinking of you & jealous of you running! I’m 8 months pregnant, so running has taken the back seat!

  • Lara January 18, 2013, 1:23 pm

    Wow thats awesome! I need good reminders like this – i can be a bit of a negative nelly and am working on being more positive. Good luck in your race!

  • Michelle @ Lifewithacrazypup January 18, 2013, 1:32 pm

    That’s amazing!!! I love when people do little random acts of kindness! It makes the world so much better 🙂

  • Mary January 18, 2013, 1:51 pm

    What a great start to your trip…I hope it is a sign everything else will go a s smoothly from that point on!

  • kyla January 18, 2013, 2:02 pm

    Love this story!

  • Lauren @ Sassy Molassy January 18, 2013, 2:52 pm

    Ah, I love when things like that happen! It just makes the day so much better, especially when it’s going crummy to begin with. Thank goodness for great airport staff!

  • Erica January 18, 2013, 3:51 pm

    That is totally awesome! I so feel for you on the spilled milk! I did that once and cursed the world 😉

  • Marie January 18, 2013, 4:23 pm

    Great post, great reminder. I seriously love hearing when people are so kind. It totally makes your day! 😉 Have a great trip!

  • Angela January 18, 2013, 5:04 pm

    What a great day!! Way to be positive!

  • Hilary @ PeanutButterSpoonfuls January 18, 2013, 6:36 pm

    I for sure would have cried! That is a lot of milk. Pretty sure I cried over a 6 oz spill of pumped milk at some point.

  • Josephine January 18, 2013, 7:28 pm

    Awww love this. Thanks for sharing!

  • Amber K January 18, 2013, 9:01 pm

    That is such an awesome story. It makes me so glad that there are amazing people out there!

  • Ali January 19, 2013, 6:33 pm

    Wow… you got lucky! That never happens with airline companies:)

  • Emily @ Hungry Delights January 20, 2013, 6:26 am

    Wow what a wonderful staff member of the airline – imagine how much stress would be alleviated it all people were like that 🙂 I am super glad your positivity paid off! xo Emily

  • Julie January 21, 2013, 1:37 pm

    Love this!

Previous post:

Next post:

Healthy Tipping Point