{"id":428,"date":"2009-07-16T02:31:03","date_gmt":"2009-07-16T08:31:03","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/parentingzoo.com\/members\/?p=428"},"modified":"2010-06-15T10:42:56","modified_gmt":"2010-06-15T15:42:56","slug":"tips-for-traveling-with-your-breastfed-baby","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/parentingzoo.com\/members\/?p=428","title":{"rendered":"Tips for Traveling With Your Breastfed Baby"},"content":{"rendered":"
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You have spent awhile getting used to breastfeeding your child at home
\nand getting into a comfortable routine. Traveling can really mix up
\nthis routine and present new challenges, especially for a
\nbreastfeeding mother. Here are a few tips that can help ease you into
\na more enjoyable and comfortable trip with your breastfed baby.<\/p>\n

Road Trip With a Breastfed Baby:<\/p>\n

If your baby or toddler is already eating solids, this can be an
\noption for feeding him on the road. However, if he only drinks milk,
\nyou might want to pump milk ahead of time into bottles to feed him
\nalong the way. If you are the passenger, you can even pump into a
\nbottle and feed him during the drive, if need be. Some babies do not
\ntake bottles at all and only drink from the breast. In this case,
\nyou\u2019ll want to schedule in regular meals and snacks for your child by
\nvisiting rest stops to nurse him. Do not remove the baby from his car
\nseat as you travel on the road, as this is both illegal and
\npotentially dangerous.<\/p>\n

Breastfeeding On An Airplane:<\/p>\n

While it may be frowned upon by some people, it is perfectly legal to
\nbreastfeed your baby in public, and this includes during a flight. As
\na breastfeeding mother, you even have an advantage over those who use
\nbottles, due to the strict liquid regulations. While bottles of
\nformula and milk are now allowed onto planes, the milk in your breasts
\nare not subject to search and are quite portable, making traveling
\neasier for you. One tip you\u2019ll want to try is breastfeeding your baby
\nduring takeoff and landing. This can reduce his fears of flying and
\nreduces the chance of his ears popping, which can feel painful for a
\nbaby. While many people aren’t thrilled about having a baby near them
\nin flight, breastfed babies typically make wonderful flying
\ncompanions!<\/p>\n

Taking along a baby sling can be a huge help when traveling with a
\nbaby, especially when going through busy airports. You can even nurse
\ndiscreetly in the sling and noone will be the wiser. The sling also
\nhelps to comfort baby and reduce fussiness, as well as helping him nap
\nwhen he’s tired.<\/p>\n

Bottle Feeding<\/p>\n

Breastfeeding while traveling and doing activities is certainly
\ndifferent than feeding at home. For many breastfeeding mothers, bottle
\nfeeding is a new concept. If you do plan on bottle-feeding your pumped
\nmilk on outings, be sure you have a cooler that can keep milk fresh as
\nyou are traveling and be sure to abide by the guidelines of how long
\nmilk should be kept. If you are planning on being away from the baby
\nfor a period of time, such as a day at the spa, then be sure to pump
\nahead of time for baby as well. This can also be an adjustment for
\nbaby as well and should be introduced to him days before your
\ndeparture.<\/p>\n

Taking care of yourself<\/p>\n

Although vacation is designed to be fun, it can also be physically and
\nmentally exhausting. There is a lot of moving around from place to
\nplace that occurs, as well as eating at new places and experiencing
\nnew things. It is also possible you will be nursing on a different
\nschedule, which can be uncomfortable for you. To counteract this, be
\nsure you are getting plenty of rest, fluids and nutrition. If you are
\nbreastfeeding at odd hours or less than usual, you might need to carry
\nalong a small pump with you (or pump by hand) to release some milk and
\ngive you some comfort. Take along breastfeeding items you may need,
\nsuch as breast pads, lanolin or hot packs if your breast get sore.
\nVitamin B6 can also assist in tenderness. Vacations are a common time
\nfor moms to experience plugged ducts or mastitis. Baby is distracted
\nand you may be nursing less. Be sure to take care of yourself so your
\nvacation is relaxing.<\/p>\n

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