Breastfeeding Travel Tips: On the Road

Traveling while breastfeeding this holiday season? Here are some expert tips from a Certified Lactation Counselor!

Plan Your Route:

Use a program like google maps to chart the best course and find rest areas along the way
Build extra time into your plans: Trips will take longer than usual with millions on the road. You will need to stop and nurse your baby on average every 2-3 hours while traveling
Be patient: Mentally prepare yourself for it to be a long trip. Warn eager grandparents or relatives that you will be arriving later than usual
Don’t forget your road trips snacks: Nursing moms need extra calories, so pack water bottles and healthy snacks to keep your energy – and patience- up
Pack the right equipment: In addition to diapers, wipes and a change for clothes for baby (and you!), you will want to make sure you have everything you need to breastfeed your baby while en route.

Breastfeeding & Pumping Checklist:

If your electric pump is also battery operated, pack extra batteries
Pack an extra set of pump parts in case you can’t clean yours while on the road
Bring a nursing cover or blanket in case you feel uncomfortable with strangers being able to see in your car
Pack a cooler with ice packs, as well as storage bottles or storage bags
If you’re using bottles and nipples to feed your expressed breastmilk, it’s always helpful to pack 1-2 more than you think you need

Breastfeeding While Flying Travel Tips:

Dress for Success: Wear a nursing bra and shirt that makes breastfeeding as easy as possible
Carry-on “Must Have” Items: You’ll want to pack a change of clothes for baby but don’t forget about you! Pack an extra shirt for yourself in your carry-on bag. Also take nursing “must have” items, like your HPA lanolin, or an extra set of disposable nursing pads, and slip them into a carry-on as well
Want a Nursing Cover? Pack a cover or blanket in your carry-on if you are uncomfortable nursing in public
Breastfeed at Take-Off and Landing: Swallowing helps babies adjust to the change in air pressure. If you can’t nurse then, consider using a soother or pacifier
Bringing Breastmilk Through Security: TSA doesn’t restrict size of containers for breastmilk but you need to let security know you’re traveling with it. Here’s some TSA tips!

Molly Petersen is Certified Lactation Counselor at expert with Lansinoh. Learn more at lansinoh.com.

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Give Your Child A Lifetime of Memories At A Beautiful Summer Oasis 25 AMAZING SUMMERS, LIFELONG FRIENDS! Unparalleled quality summer camp at the ICONIC Central Park in the heart of New York City. Over 90 activities for kids 3-16 Sports, Swim, Enrichment, + Teen Travel.&nbsp; Warm Social and Emotional Environment. As part of the Oasis family, kids gain confidence, compassion, self-esteem &amp; individuality. Oasis Day Camp offers specialized programming for campers 3 &ndash; 15 years old. A traditional day camp in every way, Oasis prides itself on quality programming at parent-friendly prices. Oasis has swim, sports, art, music, dance, nature, and enrichment programming as well as air-conditioned indoor facilities, and the great outdoor green shady fields and athletic facilities! There are trips for teens and, the most well trained, caring staff in the industry. Daily hot lunch and snacks and transportation options. Oasis gives campers the opportunity to be active, think creatively, and discover new friendships that will last a lifetime. Truly a summer to experience the outdoors and a traditional camp right in your neighborhood.

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