Breastfeeding on the move is said to be way easier than battling bottles and formula. Well, it somehow helps, but not without challenges. Even though taking a baby on an airplane is never a field day by any means, we must agree that the difference is quite clear. It’s much easier to hold your baby on a plane and either breastfeed or bottle-feed on the go. Generally, breastfeeding at 5,000 feet is much easier than in a moving vehicle; at least you are free to move around and feed a fussy baby. Being on a plane basically feels like being at home. For starters, the airplane seats are cramped; this cannot be the same case when traveling by road.
Lactating mothers face many challenges during those long highway stretches; hence, it’s important to prepare and pack well for a stress-free journey. In this piece, we at Elimuzazi take you through the road trip breastfeeding hacks that can make you and your baby travel with less trauma.
- Invest in a breast pump.
This can either be manual or electric, depending on what suits you. If you’re driving, you’ll need to be hands-free, so having a car adaptor is also a requirement if you have to use your electric pump. The baby will still need the same daily supply of milk if not more and may as well sleep through some feeding hours; this means you have to continue pumping to keep up with the supply despite being on the move. If you aren’t driving, you can express manually; do this while the baby is sleeping to keep up with the frequent demand.
- Breastfeed before the journey.
You see the same way you pee before commencing a journey, well that’s the same way you need to prepare your baby before a trip. Make sure they are breastfed to the brim to avoid surprise hunger cues. This is also good if not travelling alone and hate breastfeeding in public, it allows you time to plan your next stop for another proper nursing.
- Research and plan suitable stopover places for adequate nursing.
On a serious note, no one ever wants to stop during a journey, more so if you are in the rhythm of traveling, but with a baby on board, a stop is mandatory. Not all cars have enough space for breastfeeding and quiet enough. There is a need to step outside, stretch, and have some free space and air while breastfeeding. Consider your baby’s feeding schedule while planning; if it is every two hours, schedule a break that corresponds to that, unless you are confident your baby can handle a long stretch journey. The stopovers can also be your lunch and restroom breaks.
- Carry breastfeeding essentials.
Breastfeeding time needs comfort for both you and the baby. If you are used to using a breastfeeding pillow, then you’ll need to carry it along for comfort. Also consider your nursing caps, milk bottles, storage bags, and a mini cooler or insulated baby bag to keep the milk safe through the journey. As a mom, you probably already have a solid stash of hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes on hand. Don’t forget to add masks and disposable gloves; they may come in handy while pumping gas. Pack wipes or spray designed specifically for this purpose as well.
- Wear comfortable clothes.
There is no way you can travel in a jumpsuit, an office suit, or closed jumpers and expect to breastfeed with ease. When breastfeeding, you should have direct contact with the baby. It therefore goes without saying that you need to be in a nursing gown, a hands-free nursing bra, open sweaters, or button tops. In the case of bottle feeding, you need warm and soft clothes that will not irritate the baby’s skin.
- Keep up with your lactation supplements.
Traveling does not lessen a baby’s demand; if anything, it may increase it. This means you must be able to keep up, and the best way to do that is by maintaining your daily intakes. Breastfeeding makes you both hungrier and thirstier because of all the extra calories required by your body to make milk. Take great care of yourself even though you’re on the move; pack your own stash of snacks and water to keep you hydrated. If possible, carry homemade food to ensure a clean, regular intake for a stable milk supply. Restaurant foods may not be a good option since most are not fresh or very spicy.
- Consider travelling hours
You may want to travel during the day when the sun is up, but the temperatures may be unfavorable for the baby. Try to consider weather and climate before deciding on travel hours.
- Invest in a car seat.
As much as you would want to have your baby on your laps throughout the journey, your sitting position may make the baby uncomfortable at some point. Aside from that, you’ll need to be hands-free in order to pump milk. A car seat comes in handy for both you and the baby, mostly during long stretches.
- Pack an extra bag to help separate the clean and dirty pump parts.
The truth is, you will need to pump milk more than once, and each time you’ll have to use a clean pump. To avoid reusing, have separate bags for clean and dirty pumps parts.
All in all, traveling as a nursing mother shouldn’t be a suicide story; simply put the right measures in place and all will be well.
We are Elimuzazi, your trusted parental partner.