Life, however, is seldom simple, and even a Motherhood-and-Apple-Pie topic like breastfeeding comes with complexities, most notably regarding public breastfeeding.
But first: some health concerns for the traveling breastfeeder.
Breastfeeding Tips: Health Concerns
- On airplanes, nurse your baby during takeoff and landing, to ease ear pressure
- Overtiredness can reduce your milk flow: don't get exhausted, and remember to eat well
- If you're traveling anywhere exotic, you may need vaccinations: but is this safe, when breastfeeding? The CDC (Centre for Disease Control and Prevention) in general says yes; don't assume, however, that your own immunizations-- or anti-malarial drugs-- will protect your breastfed baby too. Check the CDC web site for current info, and discuss your travel with qualified experts.
Many years ago, we visited Bali and often browsed in little shops where a young, smiling shopkeeper lay on a bamboo mat with a happy baby at her breast. Now that's a relaxed attitude about breast-feeding! But of course, not the norm.
In foreign countries, it's best to respect local customs no matter what you believe is the right attitude to breastfeeding. If you don't see women breastfeeding, then ask advice. Local women will probably give friendly help.
Most of us, however, are more likely to take babies to Animal Kingdom than Asia: so do we breastfeed freely in our own culture, or not?
Rights vs Feeling Comfortable
From a legal perspective, a woman has a right to breastfeed her baby in most US states; but feeling comfortable breastfeeding in public is another thing. The reality is that breastfeeding is not a common sight in public places. Many women prefer to slip away to the privacy of their vehicles or to a "family room".
Nonetheless, it's possible to breastfeed in a way that attracts almost no attention.
Discreet Breastfeeding Tips
The key point is whether the baby's access is from above, or from below. Stripping down a blouse bares considerable flesh; but lifting up a loose top with baby tucked on your tummy exposes nothing at all. More tips:
- drape a small baby blanket over your shoulder
- use a "baby sling" that snuggles baby at your breast (even when you're moving around-- or maybe standing in a lineup at Disney World)
- wear special tops with hidden nursing openings
Comfort Zones
Meanwhile, many airports, Disney theme parks, swimming pools, and other public places provide "family rooms" these days for comfortable nursing and diapering.
As parents, we appreciate these conveniences. And yet... doesn't the "family room" also reinforce the idea that feeding your baby isn't a sight for public view? It's perhaps a sign of our muddled attitudes that laws support public breastfeeding but "nursing rooms" are on the increase.
Supplement or Not?
No matter what your views on public breastfeeding, you may find that some circumstances just aren't convenient, period. A hungry baby's cry means "now", whether you're behind the wheel on the highway or in a line-up at the Louvre.
In such cases, "supplementing" breastmilk with an occasional bottle of formula can be a life-saver. Small packs of ready-made formula (similar to "juice packs") are a great convenience while traveling. You can also mix powdered formula with bottled water.
Alternatively, a mother can pump her own milk for later use, and use an insulated lunch pack with re-freezable icepack to keep contents cool.
Happy traveling with baby!
