Travelling

[Jazmyn]

So I will be travelling in a few weeks far far away by plane with my 14 month old and about 19 members of family/extended family to the Dominican Republic.

For my first two children I had issues getting support for breastfeeding, though I did end up bfing my second for 14 months. Honestly for my first child my MIL was TOTALLY against, but for my third she was supportive until the age of 6 months. She however tries to not voice too often how she disapproves of nursing after 12 months...

This is probably my last child and my hope is to breastfeed until she no longer wants. I dont want to cut it short just because my inlaws are treating us to this vacation...

So I would like to hear tips on how to deal with 7 days of vacation with a beyond one year old nurser )

[mommy_ali]

Maybe print off an article like this: http://www.kellymom.com/bf/criticism.html

Sorry, that sucks, but I think people really are just ignorant, so maybe some education would be in order here. Good luck!

[dulce_de_leche]

I know it is hard, but I would just focus on all the reasons why nursing is best for your child and you, and ignore any disapproval. BTW, we traveled to Europe and back when dd was about that age. My kids (Like me) tend to get cranky without regular snacks, but of course while traveling schedules get blown to pieces, sometimes you go longer than you realize between meals, etc. It was so, so nice to be able to nurse her anytime and anywhere--it kept her in a happy mood, and she never fussed, even on the 14 hour flight!

[Firemom]

Its actually easy nursing and traveling. My first time traveling with kids was when my son was 4 months. We went somewhere every 6 months or so and it was easy to nurse anywhere.

[KaraJ]

It is easy to nurse while flying. You might consider a nursing cover, sling, or nursing tops. It'll take the attention away from the fact that the baby is nursing.
Oh, and it doesn't have to be an actual nursing cover. A light shawl would do fine. :)

[Firemom]

Nursing does not have to be covered up. Mothers who nurse are not doing anything wrong. Not all babies like to be covered up. Discreet nursing is very doable without hiding and feeling ashamed of it.

Mothers who choose to cover up....perfectly fine.

[Jazmyn]

We are back from our trip to Punta cana. I nursed in demand in public wo issue. I used a cover on occassion to protect my toddler from the wind, sand and sun while nursing. I nursed every take off and landing to help her ears. Although my youngest dd was really too young to appreciate the trip it was a great family experience.

Somethin that I didnt think of was that when I went into the atlantic I was covered with salt water and sand /laughs/ which ensured the baby waited until later to ask for milk. You should have seen her first grimace after salty sandy milk P

[KaraJ]

Cool! I'm so glad everything worked out for you, and that there weren't any issues. That's so funny about the salty milk!:D