Breastfeeding or Pumping in an Airport

Airports can be a very intimidating place for breastfeeding your baby or pumping your milk but it can be done without having to sit next to a stranger. Just a little preparation and supplies and you'll get the hang of it in no time.

BREASTFEEDING

• Nursing Cover - A must have for any breast-feeding mom. With an adjustable strap that goes around your neck, the large fabric square covers you and baby nicely so nobody can see a thing but you can see your baby. Most nursing covers even have a burp cloth sewn right in!

• Pillow - Forget the large Boppy pillow, they are quite large and difficult to carry around so get yourself a small pillow that will easily fit into your carry-on to use under baby's head.

• Burp cloth - To clean up the dribbles on baby's face and your arm.

• Water - Traveling and breastfeeding are dehydrating. make sure you have water with you at all times because once you've found a good spot, you won't want to move. Even on the plane, you may be able to get water, but most flights won't give you more than one.

WHERE?

• Nursing Room - The ideal place because that's what it's there for! More and more airports are recognizing the need for nursing moms, which is fantastic. Find a nursing room at your destination.

• Restroom - I know, not the most ideal spot because of sanitary reasons but if you're desperate, most of the time it's quiet and a great confined space so if you have a toddler with you, they can't escape.

• Internet Cafe - Quite a few are available in airports and are set up like cubicles in an office. Purchase yourself some time, get comfortable in your little private area and surf away!

• Business Class Lounges - And you thought they were only for the elite. Some offer day passes and are quiet, have very comfortable seating and private washrooms.

• Check-in Area - Find a check-in area that isn't being used. Tons of empty seats, you'll be able to find one that's facing away from the crowds.

PUMPING

SUPPLIES

• Batteries - Most run on batteries so you can express anywhere and don't have to rely on an outlet. Make sure you keep extras with you, it would be awful to have them run out when you're not done.

• Pumping Bra or Bustier - Yes there is such a thing! Most of these are made to be used with any breast pump. A great thing if you want to do both breasts at the same time and be hands-free or to pull your shirt over so people won't even notice.

• Breast Pump Backpack - Some breast pumps are sold all packed up in one convenient case to take anywhere! Most are available in black nylon backpacks so it's not obvious to everyone except you what you're carrying!

• Quiet Breast Pump - Do your research (or wait until I get mine done and up!). There are quiet breast pumps out there. Read reviews from other parents to find what they have thought of the product they bought or go to a message board and ask!

• Nursing Cover - Keep a nursing cover (like you would use when breastfeeding in public) or a large scarf or poncho (which you can wear when you're done and not worry about carrying) to cover yourself when you're not able to find a private area.

WHERE?

Why, everywhere you can breastfeed, of course!

• Nursing Room - The ideal place because that's what it's there for! More and more airports are recognizing the need for breastfeeding moms, which is fantastic. Find a nursing room at your destination.

• Restroom - I know, not the most ideal spot because of sanitary reasons but if you're desperate, most of the time it's quiet and private spot.

• Internet Cafe - Quite a few are available in airports and are set up like cubicles in an office. Purchase yourself some time, get comfortable in your little private area and surf away!

• Business Class Lounges - And you thought they were only for the elite. Some offer day passes and are quiet, have very comfortable seating and private washrooms.

• Check-in Area - Find a check-in area that isn't being used. Tons of empty seats, you'll be able to find one that's facing away from the crowds.

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