Nursing on the plane (breastfeeding, infant, daughter, natural) - Parenting -Children, problems, school, daycare, behavior, age, teenagers, infants - City-Data Forum

crisan · 09-11-2009, 06:17 AM

I try hard to nurse her only at home or in the car. I also know of locations around town where I can do it behind doors. However, I am taking a long flight to Europe and will be nursing my LO. Another poster said that I have to be discreet so that others won't be angered by NIP.

What would you do in this situation?

And YES, I am going to cover up.

NCyank · 09-11-2009, 06:23 AM

Considering that nothing has even happened yet I'm not at all sure what you are complaining about. Hypothetical harassment?? Predetermined drama?? They are trying to starve your baby...may be a bit over dramatic since you are sitting at home right now and only going on the word of another poster.

Call the airline and ask what their rules are regarding BFing on the flight, at the gate, etc. It seems that you are already somewhat discreet...I'd think a little blanket would more than suffice, providing for your comfort, that of your baby and those around you.

I have never, ever, heard of, seen or experienced anyone getting upset with a mother who was breast feeding and covered up. Not to say it doesn't happen, just saying you are worrying about nothing right now.

crisan · 09-11-2009, 06:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NCyank

Considering that nothing has even happened yet I'm not at all sure what you are complaining about. Hypothetical harassment?? Predetermined drama?? They are trying to starve your baby...may be a bit over dramatic since you are sitting at home right now and only going on the word of another poster.

Call the airline and ask what their rules are regarding BFing on the flight, at the gate, etc. It seems that you are already somewhat discreet...I'd think a little blanket would more than suffice, providing for your comfort, that of your baby and those around you.

Okay, I agree with the drama part. I changed my OP. But I am nervous about flying so I am trying to avoid the drama on the plane

So I just called the airline and they suggested that I speak to the flight attendants to give them a heads up. They may allow me to use the galley when they are done with food preparation. I am sure my LO will be more than happy to go back there. Thanks for the smack in the head.

andthentherewere3 · 09-11-2009, 06:58 AM

I think we are in a bad place in society if we have to worry about doing something as natural as feeding our baby. If you are discreet, I can't imagine other passengers minding. But then again, we've all heard the horror stories. Good luck!

christina0001 · 09-11-2009, 07:04 AM

I don't blame you for worrying. I'd personally be fine with it (might be a little awkward to sit next to someone breastfeeding but I'd deal with it) but you never know. Good call to talk to the flight attendents about it, so they can be prepared if some jerk does whine. oooh, a breast! OMG!!!

andthentherewere3 · 09-11-2009, 07:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by christina0001

I don't blame you for worrying. I'd personally be fine with it (might be a little awkward to sit next to someone breastfeeding but I'd deal with it) but you never know. Good call to talk to the flight attendents about it, so they can be prepared if some jerk does whine. oooh, a breast! OMG!!!

LOL, and babies can make loud slurping noises when bf, too. I imagine that might disturb some people who aren't used to being around nursing babies.

*Danielle* · 09-11-2009, 07:14 AM

I would talk to the attendents. Maybe they will seat you in a different place?? Maybe they can inform the people sitting next to you and offer them another seat if they can't deal with the god awful site of a woman nursing her babe (sarcasm here!)... Other then that, I would just bring a small blanket to cover up. Not that I agree with that but if you want to avoid any 'problems' from closed minded people...

Granny Sue · 09-11-2009, 07:28 AM

Personally?? I don't see a problem with it...on both sides of the issue the problems usually start with a neanderthal acting offended or the nursing mother making a big production out of it.

I say go for it.

crisan · 09-11-2009, 07:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andthentherewere3

LOL, and babies can make loud slurping noises when bf, too. I imagine that might disturb some people who aren't used to being around nursing babies.

Too true. My LO used to do that.

plaidmom · 09-11-2009, 07:41 AM

Wow, your post took me back, waaaay back (my daughter is an adult).

I always always nursed during take-off and landing. I was told (by my pediatrician? MIL?) that it would help clear her ears. You know how babies will cry during those ascents and descents? One theory is that they don't know how to "pop" their ears. Not sure if that's still the advice being given.

I think most sane passengers, given the choice, would choose to sit next to a nursing baby, rather than a crying infant.