Captain Nowhere Breast-Feeding

Depending on your views, nursing a baby during a flight can be an uneasy
situation. There are those stories we hear about women nursing next to strange
guys with wandering eyes who watch as they try to discreetly feed their child.
Then, if it's not some creep, the flight attendants are taking offense and kicking
mother and child from the flight. That's what happened on a Freedom Airlines
flight to Emily Gillette back in 2006. She was ejected from the flight for
breast-feeding her child. Airlines typically do not endorse these types of
behaviors from there employees and usually will come done in favor of the mother
and child. Delta Airlines, the company for whom Freedom was operating the
flight, released a statement saying that it would investigate this circumstance as
it does not believe that such behavoir is in line with it's standards for customer
service.

To prepare for a flight when you know you will be nursing your child only few small
items will be needed. First, bring a sling, if that works for you, and a blanket.
Anything else you might need for your baby or self should be stored in diaper bag
nearby for easy access. If you don't want to use one of the airline's blankets,
which I strongly suggest against, then your own blanket is essential not only for
covering up but to keep your child warm as flights can become quite chilly.

It's also a good idea to try and book a window seat, this offers you privacy on at
least one side. If you don't seem to get one at the time of reservation, ask a gate
agent or flight attendant if it is possible to switch around.

Bring a large empty water bottle. Healthcare professionals strongly suggest that
you stay hydrated when breast-feeding and water helps fight fatigue during flight.
You won't be able to take liquids through security but, with an empty water bottle
you will be able to ask a vendor past security to fill it with water or do so yourself
at a water fountain. The amount they serve in flight is simply not enough for
nursing mothers.

You should try to nurse your child during take off and landing. This has dual
benefits, first these times are more private for you and your baby. No one will be
up walking around the cabin to leer at you while you feed your child. The
secondary benefit is that the sucking helps keep the baby's ears from "popping".
Infants don't handle the change in pressure much better than we do and this can
cause for a very fussy child. If none of these work for you, you can always try the
restroom. However, it stands to be said that no mother should ever feel shamed
into having to go to the restroom to nurse their baby.

Travel Safe, Travel Smart . . . Get Somewhere!