Breastfeeding can be a wonderful experience for both mother and baby, but when it comes to breastfeeding on the go, there are some extra challenges that need to be considered. From understanding your baby's cues and learning what to pack before leaving the house, to creating a comfortable space and finding places that accommodate breastfeeding, this post will provide helpful tips and advice for making breastfeeding easier while on the move.
Preparing to Leave the House: What to Pack
Traveling while breastfeeding doesn't have to be difficult. Preparation is the key to making things easy. Make sure you have everything you need to breastfeed with you before you leave the house. This includes items such as diapers, wipes, breast pads, and extra clothes for both you and your baby.
If you’re traveling, you can also bring freshly expressed breast milk that can be kept cold for up to 24 hours in an insulated cooler bag with frozen ice packs. When you get to your destination, use the milk immediately, refrigerate it, or freeze it for later use.
Healthy snacks are key when it comes to breastfeeding while out and about. Not only do they provide nourishment for you while providing milk to your baby but they will also keep your energy levels up so that you can remain focused and attentive to their needs.
Having a nursing cover or other type of blanket or poncho handy is important too; not only does this help create a more discreet environment, but it can also provide comfort and security for both mother and child.
Finally, using a hands-free breast pump like Bub's Wearable Breast Pump can make expressing milk much easier while on the move. This device allows moms to express milk without having to hold onto anything – which is especially useful when traveling by car or bus – making it possible to multitask.
Other breastfeeding essentials that you might need include:
- Nipple cream
- Refillable water bottle
- A manual pump (just in case you need it)
- Milk storage bags
Understanding Your Baby's Cues: When and How Often Do They Need to Eat?
New moms quickly realize that interpreting their infant's cues can be challenging. As babies are unable to communicate verbally, we must observe how they behave to figure out what they need. All babies, whether breastfed or bottle-fed, should be fed when they are hungry. Don't try to force them into regular patterns.
Recognizing your baby's hunger signals will help you anticipate when it's time to feed, while also understanding their feeding patterns will give you an idea of how often they need to eat. The key is to watch out for cues. These cues include sucking, searching for the breast, smacking, and sticking out their tongue. When they cry, they’re usually very hungry by that time and you might need to calm them down before you can feed them.
Preparing in advance by packing snacks for yourself and your little one (if they’re already eating solid food) is another way to ensure that feeding times are stress-free, so that you can enjoy the journey together!
How to Choose a Place That Accommodates Breastfeeding
When it comes to breastfeeding on the go, selecting a place that accommodates you and your baby’s needs is essential.
- Choose a comfortable spot with adequate seating or space where both yourself and your baby can sit down comfortably. If possible, opt for a private area where you won’t be disturbed by onlookers or passersby. It’s also important to select an easily accessible spot with clean surfaces and other amenities that may be necessary while feeding your baby.
- Additionally, some breastfeeding mothers prefer to bring their own chair or cushion when traveling so they have something more familiar than the available seating options. This extra comfort can make all the difference in making breastfeeding easier on the go and ensuring a pleasant experience for both mother and child.
- Schedule your stops around feedings or pumping sessions. Make good use of these pit stops by relaxing and recharging as well. Find a booth in the food court that is out of the way, or if the weather is fine, sit in the shade outside.
Common Breastfeeding On The Go Challenges
When it comes to making breastfeeding easier on the go, there are a few common challenges that mothers may face. The most important thing is to be prepared and know what obstacles you may encounter while traveling with your baby.
- One of the biggest challenges many mothers face when breastfeeding on the go is having access to the necessary items they need for a successful feeding session. When packing before leaving the house, always make sure to bring along the necessities like diapers, wipes, extra clothes, snacks, a nursing cover, breast pads, and a hands-free pump as mentioned above. But do not overpack, especially if you’ll be traveling by plane. Packing light means you can avoid checking your bag. Backpacks are some of the most convenient bags that can be used as a personal bag and baby’s bag.
- Another challenge that many mothers face when breastfeeding outside of their homes is finding comfortable clothing that allows easy access for their babies. It can be helpful to wear garments designed specifically for nursing such as button down shirts or wrap tops that open up easily in front so that you don’t have to worry about removing your top each time your baby needs nourishment. Also try wearing layers so you can easily adjust if needed due to temperature changes or other factors.
- It’s also important to remember that breastfeeding on the go can take some time to get used to for both mother and baby. Having patience is key! You will likely experience moments where it feels difficult or uncomfortable but remember that with more practice it will get easier - both for you and your little one! So, don’t be too hard on yourself if it doesn’t go smoothly as well.
Medical disclaimer: The information provided is not meant to be a substitute for expert medical advice, diagnosis, or care. Always ask your doctor or another qualified health provider for advice if you have any concerns about a medical issue. Never dismiss or put off getting expert medical advice because of something you read on Bub’s Blog. babybub does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on this site.