Traveling with a baby proves to be quite a challenge, especially when you need to breastfeed your little one during a plane ride or in a foreign country. Fret not, mama. As with everything, planning is key.
Make sure you do the following to achieve success in nursing your little one while traveling — because nothing should scare you off from enjoying a family vacation!
1. Check your destination for breastfeeding-friendly accommodations and spaces.
Before booking an accommodation, make sure that the hotel or resort you’ll be staying in is equipped to support nursing mamas like you. It’s nice if your room has a refrigerator where you can store expressed milk and a sink to wash your breast pumping gears. Check for breastfeeding-friendly locations you can add to your travel itinerary.
2. Choose a window seat.
Doing so will give you more privacy and you don’t need to worry about another passenger hitting your arm or bumping into your baby’s head while you are in a nursing session.
3. Bring a nursing cover.
Not everyone is comfortable breastfeeding in public. If you would like to nurse discreetly at the airport lounge, on the plane, or in public places in your destination country, a nursing cover can be your bestie. So don’t forget to pack one in your hand carry bag.
4. Dress accordingly.
When out and about, you would want to be able to breastfeed quicker and easier. Nursing clothes or tops are designed for that. They allow you to feed your baby without having to take off the whole outfit.
5. Drink lots of water.
Staying hydrated is one of the keys to a successful breastfeeding journey. So even when you are traveling, ensure you are drinking plenty of water so your body can make more milk. Choose bottled waters to ensure your drinking water is safe.
6. Forget not your breast pumping essentials.
For those who are expressing milk, make sure you have packed everything you’ll be needing for your pumping sessions. It’s also a must to educate yourself about how to properly store and handle breast milk.
7. Nurse during takeoff and landing.
Time your baby’s feeding during the plane’s takeoff and landing as these are the moments when your baby can experience ear pain due to changes in cabin pressure.
8. As much as possible, mimic your home schedule of breastfeeding.
The changes in nursing schedule can be stressful for your baby, so continue to breastfeed as often as your little one wants. Follow the nursing schedule you have back at home.
Have a fun trip with your little one, mama!
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