Eclipsepearl
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I was a Flight Attendant for 13 years and I saw it many times while working. It was never a problem. I have three breastfed children myself and we fly between Europe and California about twice a year, plus other flights and my children were weaned at 1, 2 and 3 years old respectively. I never had any issues or problems with doing it, even with toddlers.
Breastfeeding rights are protected by law in many parts of the world. One F/A got in trouble for insisting a mother cover up with a blanket. They really shouldn't comment. I used to get them extra water and pillows when I worked. I covered up but that was my choice. Not all moms do and it's not required.
Some tips say to sit by a window. I really don't think this is useful advice because it's a pain to have to crawl over other passengers with a baby in your arms. The bulkhead seats are the easiest with children and the wall gives you a bit of discretion.
I had a sling, which was super useful for travel in general. One of the purposes it served was to make a very good cover-up while flying. Don't use the airline blankets. They're usually scratchy and hot. Also, make sure your baby is used to being covered up while being fed. One of mine wasn't and he then yanked off the cover because it annoyed him in public. We worked on that one and I didn't make the same mistake with the next two.
A wrap or pouch also make a good cover-ups but other carriers, especially strappy carriers, don't do the job as well.
Don't laugh but I found it helpful to remove my bra inflight but this is definitely a personal decision! Less fiddling with hooks, etc. I just had to make sure to get it back on before landing, to avoid "wobbling" through the airport! You want to wear something dark and loose, not necessarily a nursing top but again, do what works best for you.
There is no need to feed on take-off and landing. This is a common flying myth. I always had my babies strapped into their own car seat and often they fell asleep on take-off especially. No harm was done to their ears. Babies should be safe for these two portions of the flight, especially if they are safely in a car seat, and I saw too many parents panic and wake up sleeping children to keep their ears from exploding. Let them sleep!
I took mine to the doctor's before flying to make sure they didn't have any ear infections. If a child has one of those, no amount of sucking will relieve the pain. By contrast, healthy ears can handle pressurization changes. ENT specialist recommend simply that your child be *awake* about an hour to 40 minutes before landing.
http://www.entcda.com/AAOHNSF/earsandaltitude.htm
http://www.aap.org/patiented/flyingbaby.htm
Airplane air is extremely drying and can affect your supply so keep hydrated. Also, travel is stressful and tiring, conditions which can also hurt your supply so think about building it up before leaving. Don't overdo it with the water but just keep drinking and keep a bottle with you at all times. Remember that it's not allowed through security but buy some after for the flight.
I have experience with both breast and bottle feeding on airplanes and I can confirm that it is 10 times easier breastfeeding. Definitely don't wean until at least your return! There is no way I could have travelled as much as I have with kids if I had had to carte bottles around!
One funny story came from a coworker who worked in the Middle East. She was in Frist class and a woman in full chador came on with her baby. Even her face was covered but when her baby cried, out she whipped it without a single attempt at covering up.
Americans tend to be some of the worst with this issue so don't worry if you see people of other cultures on your flight. The idea of decretion is very cultural and chances are, it doesn't bother them.
About 8 years ago, I wrote an article on flying with children for an expat newsletter. Over the years many parents have contributed. I later put it on a blog so that parents had access to non-commercial information from someone with both practical and professional experience on the web.
Feel free to visit;
http://flyingwithchildren.blogspot.com
Have a good trip! |
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meme
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Yes, I've done it many times. You should breastfeed when taking off and landing, so that the babies ears pop. They will probably fall asleep quickly. |
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honey
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it better be!! i get so sick of this bizarre world telling mothers they cannot feed their babies in public!! i found the best way to feed is to wear a t-shirt. i just popped my baby up under my shirt and no one could see anything. good luck and safe traveling. |
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NoGod
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Absolutely |
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Shaddy™
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Its a choice because once your baby gets hungry you need to feed him/her...so I think Yes! |
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AskMe!
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I sure as hell hope it would. That would be like...child abuse if they wouldnt let you nurse. You might have to go to the bathroom to do it? Check it out on the website of whoever youre flying with. |
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Bart
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yup.. there is no way in hell if your discrete anyone but a freak would have an issue with you breast feeding your baby. if they do suggest you could let the baby scream... then the rest of the passengers will subdue them and have them arrested...lol |
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rayman618
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Some planes have a separate area for parents with children. There is also an area in the back of the plane where you can get a few minutes privacy, if you ask the attendant. I would suggest a breast pump, so you don't have to deal with any uncomfortable situations. |
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misty
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i have so i am sure its ok |
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Sadie A
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fsho |
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L A
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yes |
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Iris
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yes they will let you breastfeed. you can do it in your seat or in the bathroom. but like you said make sure you have coverage |
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11pinkpopstar
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on most yes. I've been riding airplanes ever since I was 6 months even across the pacific and alantic ocean.I've seen many mothers do that on airplanes.but cover up like you say. you could do it in a bathroom or your seat. but you could pump so you don't get discomfortable.But just in case call them.I don't know why it would't be okay. |
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herpy boy
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yes it is with most airlines but just check with the airline you are flying with but it should be allowed on all air crafts the babys need food and that's your way of life |
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Jennifer S
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Sure, breastfeeding locations are up to you. |
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Dance Nikki Dance™
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no idea
But its allowed in gap hahaha |
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rickkcir
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Well.. someone got kicked off a plane for it last year.. it was in the news..
Now, had the lady been discreet.. very discreet ( covered, etc).... no doubt nothing would have happened...
Throw a nipple out there and watch the boyz go crazy... your butt is on the tarmac with the child when the plane leaves without you :( |
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shannon
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Im not sure.
You could call the airline and ask them.
If they say no, just pump before you go and feed the baby a bottle on the plane. |
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bob
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It isn't illegally as long as you don't let it become a distraction to other passengers. Just be careful and make sure you do it with decency.
Try reading this- it should clarify any questions you have- http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15720339/ |
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maxi
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only if your hot |
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Eric
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its proabably illigeal for them to make a formal rule against it, but im sure they'll try and stop you, or some uptight passenger will complain, something like that. |
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Dylan E
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u dont need to cover! I WANNA SEE |
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