The Traveling Mom’s Guide to Breastfeeding

From visiting the doctor for a wellness checkup to taking a drive to visit your parents out of town, it doesn’t take long to learn that traveling with kids is no walk in the park. Whether it’s a quick errand or a few days on vacation, without a plan, you won’t be able to enjoy yourself, let alone get anything done. When venturing outside of the home with small children, you must account for all their needs. For women that are breastfeeding while traveling, planning requires more thought.

If this is your first time traveling while nursing and you’re worried about how to get around, this guide is sure to provide some relief.

You’re Protected

Some people support breastfeeding in public and those that frown against it. Nursing women don’t have to worry as it is legal to breastfeed your newborn anywhere in the United States. Though you may want to shield yourself with a blanket, anytime your baby is scheduled to eat, you can pull over and nurse without consequences.

Getting through TSA checkpoints with stored breastmilk won’t be a problem for nursing mothers. However, keep in mind that you may be asked to provide a small amount of milk for testing purposes. Bringing a small amount of stored brestmilk is advised to reduce your time at the checkpoint. Also, be sure to inform the TSA agent that you’re breastfeeding before they search your belongings.

The same protections may not apply for women traveling internationally. Therefore, you should do some research to find out what the laws are regarding breastfeeding in public.

Modern Airports Provide Support

Breastfeeding in large public spaces like airports used to be quite the struggle. These days, however, airports have made advancements to support the needs of traveling mothers. You’ll be pleased to find that there are airports that offer nursing pods and lactation rooms for women to breastfeed in a more private and comfortable space. Take advantage of these resources by booking your flight through airports that offer these solutions.

Breastfeeding in Public

How can you safely and comfortably breastfeed your baby when you’re out and about? After researching the laws where you’re traveling and considering your needs for privacy and comfort, there are a few tips that might come in handy. For starters, try to find a designated area for nursing like a pod or lactation room. If that isn’t available, find a spot with the least traffic to set up shop like a library, hotel lobby, or women’s restroom with a waiting area. You can use a blanket to provide additional privacy. For moms that support babywearing, breastfeeding while carrying your baby is a talent that can come in handy.

What to Pack

Packing is another obstacle that nursing mothers must plan for. While you don’t want to weigh yourself down by taking more than you need, not having the adequate tools to breastfeed your baby would prove disastrous. Along with diapers, clothes, car seats, and carriers, be sure to pack the following.

• Snacks – You’ll need your strength if you’re going to nurse your newborn. Therefore, make sure you’ve packed snacks and plenty of water for hydration. Women who struggle to produce milk may want to look into how do lactation cookies work and bring those along for the trip.

• Security Blankets – When you’re nursing in public, a security blanket can provide you and your baby with additional privacy.

• Pumps and Supplies – A portable breast pump and any supplies will be essential to your trip. Having a hand pump with you just if you don’t have access to electricity is also advised.

• Sanitizing Bags – Keeping your breast pump and accessories sanitized is imperative to your baby’s health and wellness. Though you may not be able to throw them in a pot and boil them as you would at home, sanitizing bags allow you to utilize a microwave.

• Bottles – Be sure to pack a few bottles and nipples to store milk and feed your baby.

Traveling with kids, mainly while breastfeeding, does require more planning to accomplish. Fortunately, nursing women have a plethora of solutions to make their travels more manageable. With laws that support breastfeeding in public, transportation centers providing safe environments for nursing women, and efficient packing, breastfeeding while traveling can be accomplished more efficiently.