Breastfeeding and Travel
Breast milk is the most complete form of nourishment for infants. It has the right amount of nutrition required for an infant’s growth and development. Further more, what else could be more convenient for traveling than this ideal baby food? It is not just readily available but is also always in the right temperature with absolutely no sterilization hassle. Above everything, it is completely anti-infective.
Tips for a breastfeeding mother while traveling
- While on an airplane, infants are predominantly vulnerable to pain due to collapse of the eustachian tube in the ears. Breastfeeding during take-offs and lands help relieve the discomfort
- For infants the duration of feeding is fairly inconsistent. Regardless of this, it is important for the breastfeeding mother to be relaxed. Choose a comfortable posture; preferably keep your legs raised off the ground/floor and not hanging
- The milk flow could be affected by overtiredness. Try not to tire yourself out before the journey
- Eat well-balanced meals during the travel. Carrying a stock of fruits, whole grain breads and cereals with cheese and butter cubes always comes handy
- Increase your fluid intake although out the journey; fluids such as water, milk, juice, or soup are very good. However, avoid caffeine and alcohol, as it could make the agitate the baby and make it difficult for it to sleep
- While waiting at a station or an airport, the bustle around can upset your baby and you too. If you feel the need for some privacy, look for the remote seats in a waiting lounge
- Inside the plane, train, or bus choose to sit beside a window. This would keep you away from the passing crowd and would not disturb the baby while sleeping or nursing
- Breastfeeding helps lower the occurrence of traveler's diarrhea in infants. However, if you develop it then increase your fluid intake and continue to nurse your infant
- Wear clothes that allows you to latch the baby with least exposure
- A baby blanket, your dupatta, scarf or a shawl can provide some privacy while keeping your baby warm
- Breastfeeding shirts and gowns available nowadays have hidden openings and don’t revel anything while the baby is being fed
- If traveling with a companion, he/she with a newspaper or magazine could offer cover while you are feeding
- Breastfeed the baby in good time, as a cranky and crying could make heads turn
- Turn away from the crowd as much as possible
- Be comfortable and don’t fidget. This could draw unnecessary attention
- Breastfeeding the baby frequently does not leave much to leak out
- Use nursing pads or a feeding bra with pads
- Wear loose clothes with a print design
- Carry a shawl or an extra dupatta with you so you can wrap it around
- To stop the flow of milk momentarily, put your palm over the nipple and press it into the chest wall
Breastfeeding is always the right choice. Let it never stop you from traveling and enjoying yourself!