For breastfeeding mothers, long trips such as going home for Eid can be a challenge in itself, so Moms need to know breastfeeding tips while going home so that it remains comfortable and smooth.Going home for Eid is a moment that many families look forward to, especially when Eid arrives.
However, breastfeeding during a long and busy trip is certainly not as easy as doing it at home.
Breastfeeding Tips During Eid Homecoming
Therefore, it is important for Moms to know various breastfeeding tips while going home to stay comfortable and calm while traveling with your little one.
1. Wear Comfortable and Easy-to-Wear Clothes for Breastfeeding
Choose special nursing clothes that are designed with hidden openings such as zippers on the chest, front openings, or cuts that can be opened to the side.
Avoid clothes that are too tight, jumpsuits without breastfeeding access, or hot materials because they can make Moms and Little One uncomfortable.
In addition to making the breastfeeding process easier, clothing like this also gives Moms freedom of movement, and helps maintain privacy when breastfeeding in public.
2. Bring Necessary Breastfeeding Equipment
According to the What to Expect page , equipment such as portable breast pumps , cooler bags , and nursing covers are highly recommended for breastfeeding mothers who travel long distances.
In addition, Moms can also bring a travel-sized nursing pillow , nursing pad , wet wipes, bottle washing soap, and hand sanitizer to complement the cleanliness of breastfeeding equipment.
By bringing all of these, Moms not only maintain their breast milk supply, but can also breastfeed or pump breast milk practically and hygienically.
Complete breastfeeding equipment will also help Moms to be more prepared to face various situations ranging from limited space to a fussy baby in the middle of the trip.
3. Prepare expressed breast milk and storage equipment
Long journeys, limited space, or busy schedules can make direct breastfeeding difficult, making expressed breast milk a practical and healthy solution for your baby.
Therefore, make sure that Moms have prepared sufficient stock of ASIP during long trips using milk storage such as bottles or special bags for storing breast milk.
Then, arrange and store the ASIP in a cooler bag with ice gel or frozen ice packs .
This tool is important to keep the temperature of breast milk cool during the trip.
Don’t forget to use a label to mark the date and time the breast milk was expressed so that it doesn’t get mixed up and can be used according to the storage order ( first in , first out ).
4. Stay Hydrated and Eat Nutritious Foods
The next breastfeeding tip while going home is to make sure that you stay hydrated and eat a balanced nutritious diet.
This is because breast milk production is greatly influenced by the mother’s physical condition, so adequate fluid and nutritional intake is important to pay attention to.
So, Moms should drink water regularly, even before you feel thirsty.
Bring a personal water bottle to make it easier to remember to drink, especially during long journeys.
Avoid caffeinated or carbonated drinks which can actually cause dehydration.
In addition, prepare healthy provisions from home for long trips, such as cut fruit, whole wheat bread filled with eggs, or high-fiber biscuits.
If you eat out, choose a menu that contains complex carbohydrates, protein and fresh vegetables.
For snacks, Moms can consume healthy snacks such as dates, nuts, and lactation cookies that support breast milk production.
5. Find Out About Breastfeeding Facilities Along Your Travel Route
Nowadays, breastfeeding facilities such as nursery rooms or lactation rooms are increasingly available in public places, such as airports, stations, terminals, rest areas , malls and large restaurants.
By finding out about breastfeeding facilities along long-distance travel routes, it will certainly help Moms to be able to continue breastfeeding comfortably and safely while traveling home.
Breastfeeding facilities usually provide comfortable chairs, a place to change diapers, and sometimes a sink or outlet for a breast pump .
So, Moms can breastfeed or pump breast milk more calmly and privately, away from crowds and distractions.
In this case, Moms can check the official website of the airport, station, or rest area to find out whether they provide a lactation room.
6. Maintain cleanliness during the trip
Another breastfeeding tip that is no less important to do while going home is to make sure that Moms maintain cleanliness during the long journey.
Breast milk is very susceptible to contamination if the bottle, pump, or hands are not clean.
Babies, especially newborns or those under 6 months old, have an immune system that is not yet perfect.
Unclean hands can also cause breast infections such as mastitis or other skin infections.
So, make sure to maintain hand hygiene regularly, Moms.
If there is no access to water and soap for hand washing, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60%) before breastfeeding or pumping breast milk.
Also bring special baby liquid soap and a bottle brush to wash the equipment after use.
Additionally, have antibacterial wipes or sterilizer wipes on hand to clean surfaces if clean water is not available.
If breastfeeding in a public place, cover the baby’s body with a clean cloth or use a nursing cover so that the baby does not come into direct contact with non-sterile surfaces.
7. Stay Calm During the Journey
Long and busy journeys during homecoming can trigger stress, fatigue, and anxiety, especially if the baby suddenly cries or the road conditions are uncertain.
When Moms are tense or anxious, the body produces the stress hormone (cortisol) which can inhibit the release of the hormone oxytocin, which is the hormone that helps the release of breast milk.
Babies can sense stress or anxiety from their mothers. If the mother remains calm, the baby also tends to be calmer and less fussy.
Therefore, make sure that Moms remain calm during the trip to create a more comfortable atmosphere, both for herself and for the baby.
These are some breastfeeding tips while going home that are important for breastfeeding mothers to know.
Hopefully this information can help Moms in taking long trips with their little ones
