Breastfeeding while travelling
Essential tips for breastfeeding for mothers on the go.
NEW BORNSNIPPETS
Dr Praful Gowda
4 मिनट पढ़ें
Traveling with a baby can be an exciting adventure, but it can also be a challenge, especially for breastfeeding mothers. Expressing your breast milk ensures your baby has a steady supply of nourishment while you're away, and it allows you to enjoy some time away from breastfeeding without worry.
Why express breast milk?
Expressing breast milk offers several benefits:
Maintain your milk supply: Regularly expressing your milk helps maintain your milk production, especially when you're unable to breastfeed directly.
Provide breast milk for your baby: Pumping offers flexibility and allows you to schedule feedings while traveling or busy.
Relieve engorgement: Expressing can help relieve breast engorgement, which occurs when your breasts become full and uncomfortable due to excess milk production.
Create a milk stash: Having a stash of expressed breast milk allows others to feed your baby while you're away or need a break.
How to express breast milk?
There are two main ways to express breast milk:
Manually: Massage your breasts in a circular motion to stimulate milk flow and then express the milk by gently squeezing your breasts.
Using a breast pump: A breast pump is a mechanical device that sucks the milk from your nipples. There are two types of breast pumps: manual and electric.
Choosing the right breast pump :
The best type of breast pump for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. Here's a breakdown of each type:
Manual breast pumps: Affordable, portable, and quiet, but require more effort to use.
Electric breast pumps: More expensive, but easier to use and can be more efficient at expressing milk.
How to store expressed breast milk?
Freshly expressed milk: Can be stored at room temperature for up to 4 hours.
Refrigerated milk: Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Frozen milk: Can be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Tips for expressing breast milk while traveling :
Pack a cooler bag with ice packs: This will keep your expressed milk cool during travel.
Bring cleaning supplies: You'll need to clean your breast pump parts after each use.
Find a private space to pump: This will help you relax and express milk more effectively.
Pump regularly: Aim to pump every 3-4 hours to maintain your milk supply.
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to help your body produce more milk.
Don't stress: Stress can affect your milk supply. Relax and enjoy the process of expressing breast milk.
Cleaning expressing equipment
Clean all breast pump parts and storage containers used to collect and store breastmilk before use. But you don’t need to clean sterile expressed breastmilk bags or new plastic bags before use.
If you’re expressing once a day or more, you should thoroughly clean your expressing equipment at least once every 24 hours. Here’s how:
If your water supply is different for drinking and washing, use drinking water to clean your expressing equipment.
Check the manufacturer’s instructions to find out how to pull apart your breast pump.
Wash your hands well, and dry them with a clean cloth or paper towel.
Take apart your breast pump and rinse with cold water to remove any milk.
Wash all equipment well in hot water and detergent. Scrub with a brush that you use only for cleaning this equipment.
Rinse equipment at least twice in hot water.
Place equipment upside down on a clean cloth or paper towel, and cover it with another clean towel while it dries.
If there’s any water left on the equipment, dry the equipment with a clean cloth.
Store the dry equipment in a clean, closed container or plastic bag until next use.
In between cleans, here’s what to do if you have access to a fridge:
Store expressing equipment in a clean, closed container or plastic bag in the fridge until next use.
Make sure that you place the equipment in the fridge immediately after use.
And here’s what to do if you don’t have access to a fridge:
Thoroughly rinse expressing equipment in cold water after each use.
Store equipment in a clean, closed container or plastic bag until next use.
If you and your baby are well, you don’t need to sterilise expressing equipment after cleaning.
Planning and Preparation before travel :
Research lactation facilities: Check if your airports, train stations, and other travel stops have designated lactation rooms or nursing-friendly areas.
Plan your pumping schedule: Consider your travel itinerary and plan pumping breaks accordingly.
Pack smart: Pack enough breastmilk storage bags, a cooler bag with ice packs, cleaning supplies for your pump parts, and comfortable nursing clothes.
Bring a scarf or blanket: This can provide privacy and comfort while breastfeeding in public spaces.
Download breastfeeding apps: Apps like "Mamava" can help you locate lactation rooms nearby.
During Travel :
Hydrate regularly: Drinking plenty of fluids helps maintain your milk supply.
Snack on healthy foods: Eating nutritious snacks keeps your energy levels up and helps with milk production.
Wear comfortable clothes: Loose-fitting clothing makes breastfeeding easier and more comfortable.
Relax and take breaks: Traveling can be stressful, so find time to relax and de-stress.
Ask for help: Don't hesitate to ask flight attendants, train conductors, or restaurant staff for assistance with finding a suitable location to breastfeed or pump.
Specific Situations :
Flying: Breastfeeding or giving your baby a bottle during takeoff and landing can help with ear pressure. Check with the airline regarding pumping policies and available facilities.
Driving: Plan regular stops to breastfeed or pump every 2-3 hours. Utilize rest stops or nursing-friendly businesses along your route.
Sightseeing: Carry a comfortable baby carrier or wrap to keep your hands free and easily nurse your baby on the go.
Additional Tips :
Consider using a hands-free pumping bra: This allows you to express milk while multitasking, like reading or eating.
Use a portable breast pump: This option is convenient for pumping on the go and doesn't require an outlet.
Practice pumping beforehand: Familiarize yourself with your pump and practice using it before your trip to avoid stress during travel.
Don't be afraid to ask for support: Reach out to your healthcare provider, lactation consultant, or breastfeeding support group for advice and encouragement.
Additional Resources :
La Leche League International: https://llli.org/breastfeeding-info/
Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine: https://www.bfmed.org/
KellyMom: https://kellymom.com/
World Health Organization: https://www.who.int/health-topics/breastfeeding
References :
American Academy of Pediatrics. (2022, May). Breastfeeding and the use of human milk. https://www.aap.org/en/news-room/news-releases/aap/2022/american-academy-of-pediatrics-calls-for-more-support-for-breastfeeding-mothers-within-updated-policy-recommendations/
World Health Organization. (2023). Breastfeeding. https://www.who.int/health-topics/breastfeeding