Traveling with a baby is an exciting adventure filled with new experiences. However, it can also be tough, especially for mothers who breastfeed. Whether you’re going on a short road trip or a long flight, breastfeeding can feel challenging. You might worry about where to nurse, how to keep your milk supply steady, or how to deal with changing travel plans.
But with some good planning and a positive mindset, breastfeeding while travelling can be easy and enjoyable. Here are some helpful tips to make sure you and your baby can travel comfortably and confidently.
How To Breastfeed While Travelling?
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The World Health Organization (WHO) advises that babies should be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of their lives. After that, you can start giving them safe and nutritious foods while continuing to breastfeed for up to two years or longer. It provides essential nutrients and helps strengthen your baby's immune system.
While travelling, it can promote a strong bond between you and your little one. According to the Centre For Disease Control (CDC), here are a few practical tips that may help you navigate breastfeeding on the go.
Before You Travel
- Plan Ahead: Get ready in advance to keep breastfeeding or expressing milk while you travel.
- Express Milk: If you’re going without your baby, pump milk beforehand so they can have it while you’re apart. Make sure your baby can drink from a bottle or cup with someone else.
While Traveling
- Nurse During Takeoff and Landing: If you fly, nurse your baby during takeoff and landing to help with ear pain.
- Feed on Demand: Always feed your baby when they are hungry to keep your milk supply steady.
Also Read: What Is Hyperlactation Syndrome? Expert Shares Potential Causes Of Excessive Breast Milk Production
Expressing Milk
- Take Breaks: Pump milk as often as you would normally feed your baby.
- Use an Electric Pump: An electric pump can be more efficient. Check if you need an adapter.
- Have a Backup: Bring a manual pump or plan to hand express if needed.
- Stay Clean: Wash your hands before pumping. Use hand sanitiser if soap isn’t available.
Storing Milk
- Ask for Refrigeration: Contact your hotel ahead of time to request a small fridge if you need one.
- Use Clean Containers: Store expressed milk in clean containers or bags.
- Keep It Cold: Store milk in the back of the fridge or freezer for the best temperature.
Transporting Milk
- Know How to Transport It: Understand how to carry expressed milk depending on whether you’re flying or driving.
- Use Insulated Coolers: Keep freshly expressed milk in an insulated cooler with ice packs for up to 24 hours.
Air Travel Tips
- Check Airport Facilities: Many airports have private spaces for pumping. Look up locations on the airport’s website.
- Know Security Rules: You can bring expressed milk through security without limits. Tell the officers that you have it when you go through screening.
After Traveling
- Get Back on Track: If your milk supply drops while you're away, breastfeeding when you return will help it return to normal in a few days.
- Seek Help if Needed: If your baby has trouble breastfeeding after using a bottle, consider getting support from a lactation consultant.
Balancing Breastfeeding and Solid Foods for Babies
According to Dr Dipali Patel, Consultant - Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Manipal Hospital, Kharadi, Pune, as you keep breastfeeding, slowly introduce different types and textures of solid foods to ensure your baby gets all the nutrients they need from both milk and food. Instead of force-feeding, offer balanced meals that include iron-rich foods. Over time, your baby's diet will include more solid foods, while breast milk will continue to provide extra calories.
Also Read: Are Your Breasts Producing Milk Without Pregnancy? Here Is Why You Need To See A Doctor
Conclusion
Mothers need to take care of themselves too, as they are the source of milk for their babies. Good planning is important, and by following the tips mentioned above, they can have a smoother journey. If a mother has any trouble producing milk, it’s a good idea to talk to a professional for advice on healthy breastfeeding practices.