Please tell me I'm being ridiculous

Susan2685

So tomorrow dh, ds and I are off to Jamaica. The only problem is I'm super scared of flying. I'm worried bout crashing so much that I'm even picturing it, I'm even worried about being so scared I can't bf. I've never flown in the winter before or to someplace warm so I'm worried about storm, ice etc. can someone please tell me I'm being silly.....p.s. I'm super worried about diapering and dropping lo in the washroom because mod turbulence or something

azdcpa0912

You're being silly.  You'll be fine!!!  Have you ever flown before?  Or, are you scared each time?  Where are you flying from?  Most likely your flight is going to be pretty short (takes me from DC less than four hours I believe), so you may not even need to change a diaper!  If you do, you can easily do it while sitting down on the toilet, and diapering LO on your lap.  Just bring an extra change of clothes for both of you in your carry on just in case!  My mom took me and my sister on a 20 hour flight from ATL to South Africa when I was 4 and my little sister was only 5 months - and my sister did throw up on her but she had an extra shirt.  And, just BF in privacy in the bathroom if you're uncomfortable.  Or, ask for a blanket to drape over you both, and you'll be just fine.

I promise that your vacation in Jamaica will be worth it!

Susan2685

I'm scared each time....( but I've only flown a few times....last time when my dad passed away so I was a wreck and before that I was in high school (10 years ago).) My  fears seem to be worse now that I have ds. Do they have change tables...or would people look at me weird if I change in the seat....the flight is only 4 hours but ds is super fussy with wet diapers so I know he'll need to be changed. Hopefully ds ill keep me occupied enough that it will go by fast. 

skooz

Don't worry, everything will be fine! And about dropping LO, just change him ( or her, sorry I don't know which) in your lap. That's what we did because I didn't want to deal with a diaper change in the tiny bathroom. Ask your DH for help on the plane if you need it. I was getting frustrated until I realized I had to tell him exactly what I needed for him to do.

AutumnLeaves2

Breathe. You'll be fine. Think about it...they report every plane crash on the news. Every. Single. One. If they reported every single car crash, all the news would be 24/7 would be car crashes. Do you get terrified to go in the car? I sure hope not.

When's the last plane crash you heard about? Planes are very safe. Don't worry yourself sick.

azdcpa0912

Hmmm, I don't believe they have changing tables, but then again I've never flown with a baby.  I don't think anyone would look at you funny for changing LO on your lap though.  Another option depending on the size of the plan is to ask the flight attendants to use their space in the back of the plane (where they hang out when not serving drinks etc).  I haven't flown with LO yet but my friends who have said that their small babies slept the whole time.  Maybe you can sleep too, with LO in your arms and when you wake up you'll be in Jamaica!

Susan2685

Thanks everyone.....of course I'm googling things too and I read statistically its more likely to get in an accident driving to the airport then actually flying...and I'm sure ill have a great trip ( we've never been to n all- inclusive before). I just hope 4 hours goes by quickly

MPJR91910

Having already been on 8 airplanes with DS, I highly recommend changing on your lap.  DH held up a blanket for privacy and handed me the necessary supplies, and I was able to change him lightening fast.  I recommend having a second blanket on your lap so that the seat belt buckle doesn't scratch him, and orient him with feet towards your stomach, head towards the tray table (careful not to let him bang his head if he kicks you/uses your stomach as a launching pad). 

With regard to being scared, I once got so worked up about flying to Germany for a business trip that I gave myself Shingles.  Ok, I must have been exposed by some other source, but when I went to the doctor to have him look at my "really bad poison ivy," he said, "This is Shingles.  You have none of the risk factors for Shingles...have you been really stressed out lately?"  I explained that I had worked myself up into a frenzy about flying, which is bizarre because I've always flown, and have done many overseas trips before.  Anyways, I stressed and obsessed over this flight up until I was on the plane, and then it turned out to be the smoothest, most enjoyable flight I've ever had.  I worried myself sick for no reason at all.

 I hope you have a great trip!

 ETA:  I also recommend bringing at least two changes of clothing for LO, in case of a blowout or two, at least two burp cloths, a toy, and if you're a germ freak like me you'll want lots of hand sanitizer and wipes (I used Babyganics, hoping that maybe those aren't quite as harsh as Lysol/Purell since LO would touch a lot of what I wiped w/ it).

rp-chicago-mom

You'll be fine! Make sure to hydrate yourself to protect your supply. I'm a little skittish about flying and I found dealing with Howell to be good. You can't flip out with a LO to deal with; your brain takes over with other thoughts about caring for LO.