I love to nurse my baby. It’s a special time just for her and me. I always try to retreat to a private more intimate space when it comes time to feed my baby, away from others. It’s not that I’m ashamed or think it’s weird when others choose to breastfeed their baby in public- I just understand that it can (unfortunately) make other’s feel uncomfortable and when other people feel uncomfortable I reciprocate those feelings. The last thing I want to do is associate my special bond with my baby is uncomfortable awkwardness. So imagine my horror as I am preparing for my first flight with my baby and realizing I am going to have to nurse her on the airplane. The smallest most cramped quarters where you are practically sitting on your neighbors lap. And me being the ultra modest person that I am- I cringed thinking about it. Now looking back where I have taken more than 35 flights with my daughter (to date)- in which I have nursed her on every single one of those flights, I don’t even think twice about it.
I also want to mention that I love seeing other mom’s nurse in public. The more it happens the more it becomes “normal”. I wrote this post in 2010 and honestly seven years later I see more and more nursing mamas out in the open and it makes my heart so happy. I still like to be private with my babies (now that I’ve had four!!!) when I nurse just for bonding sakes. –edited to add 1/23/2018
My goal is to offer you all of my nursing tips that I have accumulated to make it a more enjoyable flight for your little one and you- making sure that your baby is fed and you feel comfortable.
First off if possible, book your seat next to a window with your significant other sitting in the middle seat. This will offer you the most buffer and privacy during the flight. Also try to get a seat towards the front- but not the bulkhead. People tend to travel towards the back of the plane where the lavatories are- so being near the front you will have less passer-bys and it will be more quiet.
If you are not traveling with a partner and are alone on the flight- let your neighbor know you are a nursing mother right when you sit down. It will allow them time to either adjust to the situation or find another seat if they are uncomfortable with it. This is totally not necessary to do but I always do it as a courtesy plus I feel more at ease if I get it out right away to avoid a potentially awkward situation later.
If you prefer to be covered up while nursing, invest in a nursing cover. This thing has saved my life. The first five flights I went on- I tried using a blanket with disastrous results. With a nursing cover (or Hooter Hider as some refer to it) you have your hands free, you feel more secure, and you can peek in on your baby as she nurses. It’s a win/win situation. You can either purchase one at online or if you are cheap like me you can make one for about $6. Here is a great tutorial I used.
Some people suggest you should nurse your baby during take off and landing to help him or her pop her ears so they aren’t uncomfortable. I did always try to time it that way but let’s face it, babies are unpredictable and you can’t always time things right. If it wasn’t possible or if she was sleeping I didn’t bother to force it on her and found that a pacifier did the trick just as well and we never (knock on wood) had any problems.
If you are still really uncomfortable you can always nurse your baby in the lav. I don’t recommend it personally because they tend to be cramped and smelly and there is usually a line- but your baby’s well-being comes first.
My last advice is to take things in stride, relax and do the best you can. There will always be people who snicker (although it is rare), but just follow your instincts and do what’s best for your baby. Eventually the flight will end and most likely you will never see them again anyhow.
