Breastfeeding While Road Tripping

Breastfeeding while road tripping felt like such a daunting undertaking when we took our first road trip with our daughter, Charleigh. She was only 3 months old at that time and I was so nervous about all the different facets of breastfeeding while traveling, as well as traveling with an infant in general. I was still relatively new to the whole endeavor and I was so nervous about struggling. Since that first trip I’ve had five successful road trips while breastfeeding our babies and have more to come! I thought I’d share some of the tips that helped me with any mamas out there who are nervous to travel while breastfeeding.

Don’t Overthink It

Chances are, if you’re having success breastfeeding already, you’ll do great while traveling as well! I got so caught up in all kinds of different worries leading up to the first trip that I forgot I’m already good at this! The thing is, you’re essentially doing the same thing, just in a different place.

Pack the Things that Make You Comfortable

Especially when the kids are/were under one I relied heavily on a nursing pillow (I use a My Brest Friend pillow – I love that it clips on!). On a short trip, I tried leaving it at home because I told myself it was just one more thing to pack. But then, I struggled the most on that trip because I simply wasn’t comfortable. Don’t do that to yourself; just bring what makes you feel good.

Don’t Forget to Eat + Drink Enough

It’s super important to take care of yourself when you’re breastfeeding in general, but especially when you’re breastfeeding while road tripping. I like to keep an extra reusable water bottle full just in case I get extra thirsty, and pack some extra snacks. Don’t skip meals just to save time, you have two people depending on being well-fed and hydrated!

Know You’re Going to Have to Stop More

Especially when you’re road tripping, and the time it takes you to your destination more in your control, it’s easy to set expectations. But when you have a little one to breastfeed, it often takes longer because stops have to potentially be more frequent and unfortunately, breastfeeding isn’t exactly the quickest endeavor.

Don’t Fret About Covering

I am a decently modest human. I dress fairly modestly in my everyday life, so getting used to people potentially seeing my breast was a big deal to me at first. But it was on my first road trip to Asheville with Charleigh that I lost that. It was hot, I was trying to use a breastfeeding cover, I couldn’t see, Charleigh was too hot and it was just a mess! We were both upset and it was in that moment that I decided, screw it! No one has to look, and it’s not like I’m ever just waving my boob around, I was just feeding my child. That was one of the most freeing moments and I’ve not looked back.
Not covering is a personal choice. If you prefer to cover, that’s fine too! I just want to empower anyone breastfeeding to know that they don’t have to cover if it makes you and your baby uncomfortable, like it did me.
This is also specific to my experience in the US, where it is legal in all 50 states to breastfeed in public. If traveling internationally, look up their laws before feeding uncovered.

You Can Also Pump and Bottle Feed

If you want to remain on the road a little longer or you don’t want to feed in public, you can always pump and bottle feed. When I pump on the road, I prefer to just take my hand pump because I don’t feel like I get the same oomph from the battery pack on my pump as I do when it’s plugged in. Plus, it’s less bulk to pack. But either option would work. If this is your plan, I highly recommend packing a little personal cooler and tote to have all those things in one convenient location.

Download a Tracking App

I use a feeding tracking app with my babies anyway, but I found it so much more useful while traveling. Because you’re so busy going from place to place or doing things, it’s so easy to lose track of time! The app I use is called BabyTracker – I just use the free version – and it tells you how much time has passed since your last feeding. This helps me so much to stay on top of when I need to feed him next especially because the car often lulls our littles one into a deep sleep.

The breastfeeding information I have provided here is for general travel advice and information only. It’s based off of my personal experience, but it is not a replacement for a personal consultation with an Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant or doctor or nurse specializing in breastfeeding who can tailor advice to your individual history and needs. Always check with a professional if you guys have specific questions.

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