The first time when you plan to travel with your little baby, you are bound to get stressed. The biggest stress factor is of how to breastfeed. Being a mom, I completely understand how a mother feels but this should not be much of a concern. There are some simple things which can help the mom stay relaxed and this will also keep the baby calm.
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It Is Your Right
If you have been breastfeeding your baby anytime, do not worry you can still do so. There are some people who might give you the looks or someone in a mall in Kolkata might think it is your’ household’ chore’ but ignore them. Don’t worry about carrying a pump, bottles and other things and then passing security with all this. You have the thing that the baby needs to be comfortable and content, so do not deny the baby their right to be fed. It is not a crime you are committing, so just relax. You will unnecessarily pass on the anxiety to your baby.
Check the Facilities
If you are travelling by air, it is always advisable to check with the airline about the facilities available at the airport. All major airports have changing and feeding rooms. If not, they have meditation rooms or lounges where they let moms feed the baby. Ask them for alternatives apart from the bathroom. Like you would not like to drink your coffee in the bathroom, you would not like to feed the baby there too.
Clothes
Always choose your clothes carefully. They should be easy to feed in and should have proper coverage. There are many nursing covers available now so choose a one which you like and pack it. It is not because I feel you should cover yourself but I think it just makes you more comfortable. Personally, I like the one which can be worn as a scarf. Click here to see and buy it. You should be prepared for all kinds of co passengers and thus, being well equipped is a good thing.
Read our post: Tips on Travelling with a Baby
Have a Change Ready
You should have a change for yourself and the baby in your bag. There can be leaks and accidents and thus, you should be able into change in cleaner clothes. Have enough burp cloths and other napkins for the baby to clean up.
Try and Feed at the Airport
As I said it is easier to feed at the airport if there is a lounge or a feeding room. If possible, try to feed the baby at the airport so that they can stay calm on the flight. Babies will nurse when they want to but sometimes mothers can plan it. It is difficult to time a feed with a toddler but it is also easier to distract them with toys.
Carry Soothers
When I travelled for the first time with Little Miss A, I was told her to nurse or feed her during landing and takeoff. Now it is advised that the child should not be fed at such times. Also, sometimes the position you have to keep the baby in can also not help you feed them. For such times or when there is turbulence have soothers for the baby. These help to keep the baby calm and also depressurize the ears. I always carried a bottle for her but it totally depends on what the baby is used to.
Location
On a flight some mothers prefer the window seat as it helps them feed quietly and discreetly whereas there are some who prefer the aisle seat as they can stretch their hand and also walk the baby to burp, if needed. You can also ask the attendant and feed the baby in the gallery using the chairs of the crew; but this depends on the airline policy. if you are travelling with someone, my suggestion is to take the window seat. One thing I always did was, I would check in and book the window and aisle seat when I had someone accompanying me. Sometimes, there will be no one in the middle seat and most times he would change to another vacant one. In the worst case, all you need to do is to offer the aisle or the window and they will be happy.
It is your right to feed your baby so do not be ashamed of it. There are various kinds of nursing covers available which can help you cover and keep your hands free. Be confident and feed the baby you do at home and you will do well. Do not delay travel plans because travel is the best gift you can give yourself and the baby.
You may also like: Why I Love to Travel With My Family
Have a great flight with your baby and enjoy the journey of motherhood!! Remember, “Motherhood is the most exhausting, emotional, rewarding and life enhancing journey a woman can take”.
Travelling with a baby is indeed a challenge, especially for breastfeeding mothers. I too personally think feeding during landing and takeoff does no help to soothe the little. I flew twice in six months with my one year old and can totally understand how stressful flying with a baby can be.
[…] even on flights, it is not a very difficult task with some basic panning. You can head to our post, Tips for Travelling while Breastfeeding if you need help with […]