BF on a plane - scared!

[Messing]

Hoping someone can give me advice or reassurance:

In 2 weeks, DH and I are taking 4 month old DS to Vancouver for 3 weeks to visit his family. This was booked a while ago, and I didn't really think about the issues of taking a young baby on a long-haul flight.

Now, I'm getting more and more by the day. I'm panicking about BFing on an aeroplane, as I'm not confident doing it in public. (Not that there's anything wrong with BF in public, it's just I don't seem to be able to do it discreetly.) I have also heard stories of women being told by cabin crew to cover up/go to the loos and do it...and that makes me even more worried.

Any advice or good experiences to reassure me it won't be as horrific as I'm imagining?

Thanks pepperonipizza and Wigeon.

I'm glad that the pressure wasn't too bad for your children and I'm hoping my DD will be the same and that I will be able to feed her even with the belt. If not, the dummy is a good idea.

I know I worry too much and will try and relax about it. It's just hard sometimes and I get myself in a right state. Oh well.

Thanks again,

T

well, we did it - we were running late for the flight so boarded last and got crap seats, but never mind. ds was very good, fed a lot, slept a bit and only grizzled a bit. the flight seemed to go very quickly, and it was early too. bonus!

BFing on a plane is no problem, just carry a large scarf/ shawl if you want to do it discreetly. The problem I found with a similar age child on short-haul was getting her to sleep. Make sure you buy a comfortable sling - a Mei Tei, Beko, Ergo, etc are great and you can use them until your child is 3. You can also bf in the sling if you loosen one side strap (Beko and Ergo) and hoist your boob around.

I'm afraid I found getting DD to sleep on the plane was a nightmare...hopefully someone else will have better advice on this for you.

Oh, and make sure you drink loads on the plane as you'll need extra fluid being a bfing woman.

Haven't read the thread but I have BF on planes (including flying long haul with just me and DS at least twice - not recommeneded) and never had a problem. DS was massively indiscrete, latching off to look around, fidgeting, wriggling, the works.

No one had an issue with it, in fact it kept him nice and quiet and got him off to sleep more quickly. After one 12 hour night flight, another passenger congratulated me on my lovely, quiet, well behaved DS. This was primarily due to extensive boob access for the duration.

One flight I was sat next to a particularly portly gentleman who overspilled somewhat into my seat(much to my dismay) and I did apologise if my BFing made him uncomfortable. But he was totally fine and told me all about his fabbo nieces who he was devoted to.

I think you can ask to be seated by a woman though if that would make you feel more comfortable

don't stress, it will be no drama at all! Trust me!

Hi,
I am considering travelling from Tel-aviv to London on my own with my 10 month old and my 2.5 year old. It is a 4.5 hour flight but my hubbie is worried I won;t manage. What do you think? The flight is with EasyJet.

Hi,
I am contemplating flying on my own on a 4.5 hour Easyjet flight with my 10 month old and my 2.5 year old but my hubbie thinks it will be too hard and dangerous for the kids. What do you think? He can't join us due to work.