Any tips for breastfeeding on an airplane?

I will be travelling with my infant daughter and I wonder whether I will be able to comfortably breastfeed her. Do aircrafts have special nursing rooms (I doubt)? Can I breastfeed in my seat? It will be an international flight, so does that depend on airline policy? Can some passengers get offended by this?
If you had any experience with this, please share.

I'm a former Flight Attendant and in my 13 years working, I never EVER had any problems with a breastfeeding mother. I also breastfed all three of my children for a totaly of six years and we fly between Europe and California about twice a year, plus many, many other flights, in N. America, Europe and the Middle East.

I never EVER had any problems either!

A Flight Attendant not so long ago got into very serious trouble when she insisted that a breastfeeding mother cover up. By all means, if you're like I am, you will do so but it is NOT required. So not only was the breastfeeding allowed, but mothers are free to feed their babies in any fashion they please.

I used a ring sling on the plane. This covered the baby, allowed me to see what was going on and held the baby in the correct position. Passengers couldn't tell if I was feeding or just cuddling the baby.

Some people like specific cover-up products such as a "Hooter Hider". They're kind of expensive and only good for one purpose but do what works for you. Same goes for clothes. I used to wear specific nursing tops for travel.

Don't laugh, but for a really long flight, I used to take off my bra. Obviously I am not too amply endowed and again, do what you feel comfortable doing.

Feed your baby before boarding because it's really awkward to do this during. You have people up in the aisles and it's not very decreet.

Don't take any advice to sit by a window. Too awkward! Perhaps it's a bit more private but you'll be getting up too often with the baby, to change her, etc. Take an aisle. You can cover up.

(Please note that if you have a car seat which I HIGHLY recommend, it has to go by a window, unless there is an aisle on the other side).

Don't use the airlines' blankets! Too heavy and hot. My mistake once...

It's a myth that babies have to suck during take-off and landing. If you are flying with a car seat as I used to, make sure your baby is securely strapped in for take-off and landing. It is not necessary to wake her or remove her from her seat to breastfeed. Mine were all fine strapped into their car seat and we never had any ear problems.

Please always breastfeed in your seat. Do not take a crew member's jumpseat or rest area to do this. Passengers are not allowed (breastfeeding or not). We did object once when a breastfeeding mother decided to simply sit in a business class seat. This is not allowed by ANY passenger. Please respect the airlines' rules about where you should be.

Just make sure you're well hydrated. Air travel is very drying so keep drinking!

For more information, nine years ago I wrote an article on this subject of flying with children. It's based on both my personal and professional experience and I have a whole section on breastfeeding on airplanes. It's totally non-commercial and other parents from around the world have contributed;
http://flyingwithchildren.blogspot.com

An edited version appeared on the Expat Women website in December;
http://www.expatwomen.com/mothers/flying...

Congratulations on giving your daughter the best!!

Some people are offended by everything and anything.

If you choose to breastfeed, be discreet, and don't complain if people look or stare (if you don't want them complaining about what you're doing, you shouldn't complain about what they are doing).

Aircraft do not have special areas for nursing, as a general rule. I suppose you could try doing it in a toilet, but it would be cramped, and then the toilet would not be available for others.

Don't worry at all and feel free to feed your child. You can off course put blanket on the baby . To ease the pressure on board , make sure you encourage her to suck her thumb.

I doubt that the other passengers should get offended. However
in-case you feel uncomfortable then you can always ask the crew to help you. Crew has rest area at the back and they can give you their place for sometime

just feed the baby- I used to drape a baby blanket from my shoulder (on the side where the baby is nursing) across to the opposite hip so there's a "tent" over the baby. there is no reason why you should not do it as long as you are modest about it- the baby will need to since the air pressure can cause pressure in the ears & the baby doesnt know to swallow to fix it- & s(he) will want the comfort since travel is something outside the norm.

Check with an Airhostess. Say same thing to them, sure they will help u out . But when they say it offended by passengers, then you follow air hostess. itself. Bcoz in flights we can people travelling from different countries, dey are very different ,some might scream at you or some see as interesting. I m not scaring you, Its good to be aware. I hope its one day travel , so better take milk in the bottle . I think infant food is provided on board. Its good choice. Carry 2-3 toys for your baby,.

Thank you.

yes some of them do but others don't, just ask at the airport what do you need to do in case your child needs to be feed and if there's a specific place to do it...

yes some people do get offended by this stuff I recommend prepumping and giving her a bottle of it while on the plane if you don't think she'll make it til you get off.