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Breastfeeding on a plane

misswhit85misswhit85
in Breastfeeding

LO and I will be taking our first trip on a plane together (DH is staying home for work) and I'm wondering if you guys can give me tips. I haven't flown since 1998 so I have no idea what to expect.

I breast feed almost exclusively (occasionally lo gets a formula bottle when she goes to the sitter because I have a hard time pumping) and LO usually nurses to fall asleep so I know she'll need to nurse on the flight to fall asleep.

Do you think the flight attendants would be ok with me asking for a seat away from other passengers? Or at least next to a woman? I'll bring my udder cover but my worst fear is that I'll get stuck sitting next to a man who has a phobia of breastfeeding mothers.

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Re: Breastfeeding on a plane

  • pekingduckpekingduck

    I know what you mean! I'm flying in 2 weeks and my flight is 7 hours long! I have the same fear as you. I'm thinking that they will be more accomodating to us, as we are travelling alone with a LO. At least that's what I'm hoping! I'm going to ask for a seat that has a neighbouring empty seat ot next to a female. Otherwise, if this isn't possible....whomever sits next to me will have to deal! :)

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  • misswhit85misswhit85

    "whomever sits next to me will have to deal! :)"

    Thats a good way of looking at it. I have very strong opinions about breastfeeding in public so if someone actually had the nerve to complain I would be more than happy to enlighten them to my opinion.

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  • bubbs147bubbs147

    You should start asking when you get to the ticket counter.  Then if you don't get help, ask again at the gate counter.  And then ask the flight attendants.  I've breastfed lots on planes, but usually I am traveling with DH and he sits next to me.  Hopefully there are some empty seats on your flight!

    Is DH coming to the airport to drop you off?  If so, I would recommend he gets a gate pass to help you get out to the gate.  (He can get it at the ticket counter.)  Getting through security with a little one, stroller, baggage is tough!  When DD#1 and I flew alone (while I was pregnant) DH got a pass to come out to the gate with me, and my sister got a pass on the other end to come help me with DD.  Definitely recommend that! 

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  • ncbellencbelle member

    Just nurse ;-)  If someone has an issue, it's their problem not yours.  I've nursed kiddo as a 5 month old and as a 17 month old without a cover on planes and never had an issue (aside from the cramped quarters!) - and that was with men sitting beside or near me.

    It will be ok ;-)



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  • RuggerkittyRuggerkitty
    I just flew with my LO (a 5 hour flight) and I sat next to the window. With a couple extra little pillows that they hand out, plus a blanket and my cover up, no one could tell at all. DS just fell right asleep each time I nursed. An aisle seat would be easier for diaper changes and going to the bathroom, but the window is easier for BFing privacy. The flight attendants were so great, I think they would have given me anything I'd asked for. Good luck! 
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  • melrrrmelrrr

    I agree with others. Just let them deal. I have only flown alone with her four times and only once was I moved to an empty row. I hadn't even asked for it. T has been on 14-16 flights since she was 5 months old and has nursed on all of them. We fly in a few weeks and it will be our first since weaning, so we'll see how it goes!

    I always have window seats and nursed her on the window side. With the cover people never even noticed, and a lot of time I just had a muslin blanket draped over her. I only had one woman who looked slightly uncomfortable, but thats' probably because T was about 13 months at the time. She may ave had more issues with her age than the actual breastfeeding, but she obviously dealt with it just fine.  

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  • dusk42dusk42

    I use a nursing cover and just go for it.  I have used a handpump under a cover as well.  However, we use DD's carseat on the plane, so I try not to take her out unless absolutely necessary.  Our flights are generally short, so I nurse her before we board, while everyone else is boarding, and then I have a backup bottle if she needs it during the flight.  Then I nurse right after we get off the plane.  
     
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