Nursing mothers should not have any qualms in continuing to breastfeed even while on travel. Here are recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Traveling With A Nursing Infant Less Than 6 Months Of Age
A mother traveling with her nursing infant less than six months of age need not make provisions to supplement breastfeeding, even when traveling internationally. Breastfed infants do not require water supplementation, even in extreme heat environments. And, when accompanying their mothers, nursing infants and children may feed on demand. The most effective way to maintain a mother's milk supply while traveling is to engage in frequent and unrestricted nursing opportunities. This is also the best way to meet the physical and emotional needs of the infant or child.
The traveling mother may find it helpful to take along a sling or other soft infant carrier, which may be used to
- Ease the burden of carrying a child for extended periods of time
- Increase opportunities for unrestricted nursing, effective in maintaining an abundant milk supply
- Maintain skin-to-skin contact with the child, which helps in maintaining a milk supply
- Protect the child from some environmental hazards
When A Mother Travels Apart From Her Nursing Infant Or Child
Prior to departure
A breastfeeding mother planning to be apart from her nursing infant or child may wish to express and store a supply of breast milk for use while she is away. Building one's supply of breast milk takes time and patience, and is most successful when begun gradually over many weeks in advance of the planned separation. Infants who have never consumed milk from a bottle or cup will also need opportunities to practice this skill with another caregiver prior to the mother's departure.
The woman who is unable to nurse for an extended period of time may notice her milk supply diminishing. However, she may take steps to preserve her milk supply while separated depending upon
- The amount of time a mother has to prepare for her trip
- The duration and destination of her travel
- Her flexibility in the use of her time while traveling
Even if a woman's milk begins to diminish, she may resume breastfeeding upon her return. Separation from the infant or child need not be a reason to stop breastfeeding. In many cases, after reuniting mother and baby, the suckling child will help return a mother's milk supply to its prior level. Occasionally during prolonged separations, infants or children who have grown accustomed to using a bottle or cup may have difficulty transitioning back to the breast.
Source: CDC.gov