Travelling has become second nature for millennial with everyone invoking the explorer in them. Continuing to breastfeed when you resume travelling whether for work or leisure strengthens the important bond between the mother and baby.
With over 40% millennials entering parenthood, a constant doubt looms over the head whether to give priority to motherhood or to pursue self-interests. With adequate support, a balance can be attained between the two.
As a healthy lifestyle consultant, Vidhi Beri lists down quick and easy hacks for a millennial family on how to parent and pursue travelling bucket list simultaneously.
Breast Milk with all the nutritional benefits it entails, is liquid gold for the baby’s development. It is instant and a safe source of food while travelling. With the world progressing towards acceptance of breastfeeding in public, it is a good practice for mothers to provide food to the baby as and when they need it. Fathers need to ensure a suitable environment for the mother.
It is advised to discuss vaccinations for the baby with the lactation consultant and doctors before going for the trip. Ensure all the baby medication is with you. Make sure the baby’s skin is well-covered always.
Carry sachets of an oral re-hydration product (to treat fluid and electrolyte loss) in case the mother gets diarrhea. If the baby gets diarrhea when travelling, keep breastfeeding to provide uninterrupted supply of nutrition. Ensure you carry batteries for portable electric pumps. The easiest travel-friendly containers are pre-sterilized, seal-able bags. A sling or backpack designed baby carrier can make it easier to get around in places like airports, train stations and bus terminals.
One can always consult their manager on work travel by providing feasible alternatives such as a teleconference. A discussion with the HR team is advisable for improved time and feeding management during travel. Travel preferably at the end of the week for re-establishing milk supply over the weekend. One can enquire about child care services at hotels.
In the modern era, one can breastfeed in a more uninhibited manner and use feeding and maternity covers in flights and public places. While travelling by plane, try to time baby’s feeds so they are eating during take-off and landing. This will help keep the ear pain at bay caused by changes in cabin pressure.
Dehydration and traveler’s diarrhea may temporarily reduce the milk supply.  This could also happen due to fewer chances to breastfeed but with effective support from the father, the mother can manage that. It is advised to drink plenty of non-alcoholic and non-caffeinated fluids, especially on long-distance flights. Avoid smoky environments and drink plenty of water if you get traveler's’ diarrhea.
In all, mother requires empathy and compassion from fellow colleagues and family to ensure she can maintain an adequate balance between work and personal life. What is needed is ideal planning and right resources, for the new mother to get back to her routine without any guilt. It is important to have confidence in your ability because you are doing a wonderful thing for you and your baby
Vidhi Beri is a renowned Healthy Lifestyle and Lactation Consultant in Kolkata. She provides a highly specific and personalized maternity wellness programme for pregnant women which covers prenatal and postnatal care for the mothers.
As a Lactation Consultant in Kolkata, Vidhi Beri tends to provide her clients with accurate help needed in the various aspects of Lactation. To know more about her programmes visit- http://www.vidhiberi.com/programmes