Babies on a plane. The thought of flying with my two girls under four makes me cringe every time.

Why? Well, let’s start from the beginning. Vacations are a lot of work. Packing is never streamlined at my house with the kids hoping in and out of suitcases for what seems like hours, pulling out things that were previously folded and ready to go. They want to wear everything that I just packed. Cute, but less than efficient. Then getting to the airport on time, hauling all of the bags and cumbersome car seats to check-in without parental or child tantrums is a feat in and of itself. My girls have been screaming about car rides lately and it makes me never want to leave the house. Then of course navigating the security check point without someone crying that it is taking too long, running through the line, or screaming when they were forced to be separated from my chest or their lovie is going in the xray bucket are things I worry about.

Finally, we’re off to the gate but someone inevitably needs to go potty before getting on the plane, is begging to get triple marked up yogurt, wants to be naked, or push their own suitcase and fall down a couple dozen times, etc etc. But thankfully, after we make it on the plane, breastfeeding saves me every time. Sure, the flights are usually at the complete wrong time, causing my girls to be extra tired (read: monsters) by the time they actually sit down in their seats (and don’t get me started on how they get upset about being strapped down or when the PA wakes them up) but at least I have a no-fail way to calm and soothe them. And keep their little ears from hurting during take off and landing.

This was a photo from my 6 hour flight home from Florida this last weekend. I am proud to say that my girls were not the kids people dread to have next to them for the whole way to and from Florida. When the going got rough and nothing else besides a little mama-milk would do, my ruffians got nursing and then things smoothed over perfectly. We had the whole row so I didn’t need to worry about an aisle mate other than my husband wondering what the hell was going on. And gone are the days of feeling like I needed to warn the flight attendants of my nursing. Airlines get in big trouble if their employees or other passengers harass a nursing or pumping mom and child. We have rights and heck, breastfeeding makes everyone happier!

So, have no fear if you’re traveling with nurslings. There is always breast milk to the rescue.

Share [pinterest|facebook] if you agree! Has breastfeeding saved your sanity on flights? 

Related

• Vacationing With Nurslings: Cosleeping & Breastfeeding in Texas - Paa.la

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