Vacations are a time for relaxation and connection. For parents who are breastfeeding, vacation might come with a bit of anxiety. As a Certified Breastfeeding Counselor (CBC) you can provide tips for breastfeeding on vacation to help alleviate client anxieties.
Even anxiety aside, practical tips can help make for a more enjoyable vacation. While vacation with baby looks different than vacation before baby, parents can still have a great time with a little bit of preparation.
Plan Ahead
Before parents head out on vacation, taking a bit of time to plan ahead can help. It is important that US parents know they have the legal right to breastfeed anywhere they and baby are allowed to be. That said, even if they have the legal right, some parents might find it more comfortable to seek out family friendly locations with breastfeeding accommodations.
These accommodations could look like a room with a mini fridge if they also pump milk. It could also look like family bathrooms or baby care rooms at amusement parks. For outdoor spaces, like the beach, choosing beaches which rent furniture and umbrellas can make it easier to have a comfortable spot to feed baby without having to lug as much along.
For those traveling by air, it is important to familiarize themselves with TSA breast milk regulations if they are transporting milk.
Parents Should Remember to Stay Hydrated and Nourished
Traveling and spending times outdoors can take a physical toll. This is in addition to the typical toll feeding can take. It is important to stay well hydrated and well-nourished. While a parent’s diet and hydration is not likely to impact milk supply on vacation, not being well hydrated or nourished can make a parent feel incredibly rundown.
No one wants to feel extra sluggish on vacation. Encourage clients to have a plan to stay well hydrated, especially if they are spending time outdoors. Packing healthy snacks like nuts, fruits, and granola bars to keep energy levels up can also keep extra travel fatigue at bay.
Wear and Pack Breastfeeding Friendly Clothes
Choosing clothing which is comfortable and breastfeeding friendly can make vacation just a bit easier. It’s fun to dress up if you are headed to an upscale destination. Or perhaps you are hitting the trails for the first time since baby arrived and pack pre-baby clothes. Either way, be sure to check that the clothes make it easy for breastfeeding.
If a parent packs clothes that can make feeding difficult, it can add unnecessary stress to feeding times.
Breastfeeding on Vacation, Try Babywearing!
Babywearing can be a lifesaver while traveling. It allows parents to keep baby close while having both hands free. This is also great for easy feeding and helps encourage a healthy milk supply through extra oxytocin.
Encourage parents to trial some different baby carriers and see if there’s one they can comfortably feed in. Being able to feed baby on the go can make vacation a little less stressful.
Even if the pair can’t comfortably feed in a carrier, the extra time spent close can help keep baby content between feeds.
Tips For Breastfeeding on Vacation – Remind Parents to Be Flexible
Some parents value a strict feeding routine, sleep routine, etc. If there is one in place, it can be ideal to not change it too much. However, remind parents it is important to be flexible. Trying to maintain a routine in a new environment can rob the vacation of some of the relaxation and joy.
When baby is in a new place with new people, they might also become overstimulated or uncomfortable. Breastfeeding is more than simply nourishment, it can help a baby calm and regulate. Be sure parents are aware that it can be completely normal for baby to want to feed more often in new places and it is often best to let baby take the lead.
Overall, remind your clients that most babies are incredibly adaptable and often travel well with a bit of preparation. Patience, flexibility, and letting baby take the lead in frequency of feeding can often make for a relaxing trip.