Advice on Traveling Alone with a 12 Week Old

A.:

I read something from a mom who traveled with her infant while breastfeeding. she used a baby blanket with safety pins and pinned it between her seat and the person next to her (used the back of the seat in front of her and the side of her seat). This allowed for privacy to breast feed.

Hope that helps,
N.

Hey A.-
I traveled with my baby when he was 13wks or so too. I found that it was really helpful to bring my boppy (nursing pillow) on the plane and a blanket that wasn't slippery- flannel or something. It was easiest for me to nurse on the plane when I was sitting in a window seat, so you could always request that at the gate. I did get stuck b/t my hubby and a random guy on one flight, but he was pretty cool (said he had kids too)... I just made sure we were nice and covered up.
I doubt that they would be able to warm up the breastmilk for you, and it might just be most comforting for your son to nurse. (But a bottle would totally be convenient! I know!)
Good luck and safe travels! :)

Hi, I traveled with my daughter when she was 16 weeks by myself to Denver (4 hours). I nursed her when we took off and when we landed. I found it hard to judge at exactly what point to start nursing and when to stop, but I just guessed b/c I didn't want to start too soon and then she would be done before we even landed, but I just used my best judgement. I actually got my breast ready to nurse a little at a time, so by the time it was time to feed her I wasn't just whipping it out. I wore a button down shirt with a tank top under. I will say it isn't hard to actually nurse on the plane, but it is a little tough to get yourself all ready to nurse. When we were landing all the lights were off so I got ready to nurse before they turned the lights on and that was easy b/c I wasn't worried about anyone seeing what I was doing. Don't worry. People have to understand, it's a natural thing. If you think you will be more comfortable with the bottle then just do that, as long as he is sucking at take off and landing b/c of his ears. I don't see why the flight attendant couldn't heat up the bottle, they serve hot water for tea, so you could always soak it in hot water. Don't forget, you can board the plane first and that was a huge help. Right when you get on the plane just ask to have the bottle heated. Good luck-I know it can seem nerve racking, but I'm sure you will do fine. Any other questions feel free to ask me.
M.

I've nursed discreetly on planes a few times. First of all, if there are any free seats, the flight attendants will generally offer them up to you. I also bring a "nursing cover" to cover myself while I nurse, also allows the baby to nap. Nobody has ever minded. You'll do great. The flight attendants can be very helpful as well as other travelers.

I too travelled with my son when he was about 3 months. I did have a bit of trouble breastfeeding on the plane just because the seats are so cramped these days. The flight attendants, however, were great - they were willing to help w/ whatever we needed. To heat the milk they just gave me a cup of water that I put the bottle in. Good luck!

K.

I traveled alone with my DD when she was 5 months old.
Go ahead and nurse him ALL the way up and ALL the way down, and his ears won't hurt, and he'll sleep that way too!
Bring a nursing shawl - a 'hooter hider' - they sell them online and at Isis Maternity and it is a life saver. I recommed a window seat as it is more private and you can lean against it for nursing.
You can pump and bring milk, but call your airline to make sure on the number of ounces you can bring with you. They change it all the time.
The stewardess helped me out when I had to use the bathroom - she held my baby for me so I could pee! But other than that, I am not sure how much of a help they'll be. Call the airlines on that one too.
Good luck. The motion and the hum of the plane will probably make him sleep most of the time anyways!

You can do it!!! I know you can!!! I highly recommend a sling---it is great to carry him through the airport hands free and it helps you to breastfeed. I have traveled alone with with my son, now 11 mo old, several times and do not know how I would have done it without my sling. I have a hotsling (sold at hotslings.com, Bellani Maternity in Warwick, RI or Target). They do have different sizes so be aware of that. When you get to the gate, ask the ticket agent if there is extra seating available---I've been pretty lucky and they will block the seat next to you so that you have plenty of room (if the flight is not full). The only time I have given my son a bottle on the plane, I mixed formula with room temperature water that I bought at the airport. Feel free to contact me if you have any other questions. It definitely can be overwhelming. I was so scared the first time I flew with my son and without my husband; now, I just go without any concern. If you plan on taking your pump and do not have to pump on the plane, I recommend checking it with your checked luggage. I packed mine with my clothes. Good Luck!!!!

I will tell you--when I brought my daughter on the plane, she NEEDED to nurse for her comfort, for her ears. You can put a blanket over him and if they are uncomfortable, they can take a walk for a bit. I think the most the flight attendant will do is to give you some hot water. I also requested to change seats when I saw there was a place to sit alone with my daughter. Good luck--but I would plan to nurse for both of your sanity!

Hi A.,
I have always traveled with my kids when they were different ages. I traveled by myself as well, especially when I flew to meet my husband somewhere (he would go on a business trip). It is always somewhat stressful to travel with a baby, because you do worry about how they will be. I always found that my baby did well if I nursed him on the flight when he was ready to. When you notice that your ears are popping and you need to swallow, that is a good time to feed the baby. Swallowing will help their ears adjust. Sometimes babies cry during that time because they don't know what it is. Most people don't choose to sit near someone with a baby if they don't like babies. Most people do like to look at and be near a baby. Also, someone who has kids or a baby at home may sit near you, because they know what you are going through. You can choose a window seat, so you can look out the window while nursing. Or, you can choose an aisle seat, so you could get up and walk with the baby if you needed to. I always found that my baby was just happy to be with me, and once we settled in to the flight, he would usually fall asleep.
I don't know that the flight attendant can heat up the bottle of milk. She can't use the microwave because it destroys the immune properties. I have heard of something, although I haven't seen it recently, it's like a cold pack that goes around the bottle (like a wrap) and you do something to it, and it starts to warm up. I met someone who had one, but I haven't heard about them in a while. Maybe someone else will know about it?......
Best of luck, I'm sure you will do fine.....keep up the good work with breastfeeding!

A.,

From what I understand the flight attendants can heat a bottle but you should also check with the airline and security I have heard they will only allow so much liquid -even pumped milk. If you had a window seat you could be comfortable on one side but have to deal with a stranger on the other. I haven't tired it yet but the Moby wrap has a position to feed the baby while wrapped up. That might be an option with a blanket over you. It not hopefully you have a women you sit next to that breastfed her children. Good luck.

L.

I nursed my son next to a stranger on a plane. I think he was more embarrassed than I was. I layed my son across my lap and put one of those small airplane pillows under my elbow as a barrier. It was fine and the baby did great. I just made sure he was nursing the whole time the plane was taking off and landing for his ears. In between, he slept ( and it was a 6 hour flight to San Francisco). As far as pumping, they no longer allow liquids to be brought on a plane. I don't know if breast milk is included, but they may make you dump it.

During check in at the airport ask the crew to seat you alone because you intend to nurse if possible. I always nursed on planes during take off and landing due to the pressure changes.

I would come equipped with a light weight blanket in my carry on to cover both me and the baby. Remember to pack a change of clothes for the baby and a shirt for you in case of vommitting or any other accidents. I got caught once with no outfit for my daughter and she rode the rest of the way in a diaper wrapped in a blanket. Good luck.

I traveled with my daughter alone and was nursing as well. I bought this great wrap that goes around your neck for nursing in private (as private as a full plane can be) I also had a woman sitting next to me so she wasn't bothered at all. Maybe try to nurse right before the trip begins or cram yourself in the bathroom but I think you have a right to feed where you are comfortable! not sure about the flight attendent helping either. Good luck!