Essential Travel Tips for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Parents During Delays by Chidera Ejeh
As the holidays approach, imagine you’re traveling to meet family and find yourself stuck at an airport or train station, delayed for five hours with a layover in Chicago. Whether you’re traveling with a newborn or as an expectant parent, this can feel overwhelming. Here’s what to do if you find yourself in this situation, all while keeping your breastfeeding goals and family care top of mind.
Step 1: Stay Calm and Centered
It’s important to remain calm, especially when you’re caring for yourself and your baby. Stress can impact your milk supply or make it difficult to focus on what’s next. Take a few deep breaths and remind yourself that you have options and support.
Step 2: Seek Out Lactation Spaces or Family-Friendly Areas
If you’re breastfeeding, ask airport staff if there is a designated lactation or family area. Many airports and train stations have nursing rooms or pods, making it easier to nurse or pump in privacy. If these aren’t available, consider finding a quiet corner where you can comfortably breastfeed. For birthing parents, this is a good time to prioritize your comfort and ensure you are in a low-stress environment while you wait.
Step 3: Stay Connected and Informed
If you’re an expectant parent, pay close attention to your body for any signs of labor. In the case of contractions or any concerning symptoms, notify a staff immediately and call your healthcare provider to update them on your situation. It’s also important to keep your family and friends informed about your delay and location, especially if you need additional support. Please remember to speak with HCP regarding later term travel.
Step 4: Plan Ahead for Your Baby’s Needs
If you’re traveling with your newborn, check in early at your gate to request any special accommodations you may need. It’s also a good idea to have a feeding plan, ensuring you have all the supplies required for nursing or pumping while on the go, such as a portable breast pump, storage bags, your ceres chiller and a nursing cover if you prefer privacy.
Step 5: Manage Emergencies with Care
In the rare event that labor begins while you're in transit, call 911 immediately and find a safe space where you can wait for assistance. Stay as calm as possible, focusing on breathing techniques you’ve practiced, and continuously update your healthcare provider, family, and emergency services.
Step 6: Prepare Before You Travel
As your pregnancy progresses, discuss long-distance travel plans with your healthcare provider to ensure it’s safe. It’s also helpful to have a travel kit prepared with essentials for breastfeeding and infant care in case of unexpected delays or other situations.
Remember, anybody can be stuck in these situations, but as expectant parents/ birthing persons, newborn parents, and newborn caregivers, it is especially important that you find help and practice the mentioned preventative routines, as you are not only caring for yourselves, but also your baby!
At The Breastfeeding Center, we emphasize the importance of planning ahead, staying calm, and seeking support. Our mission is to empower and support you in your breastfeeding journey, no matter where life takes you. Whether you’re navigating the challenges of travel or seeking guidance on infant care, we’re here to help.
Chidera Ejeh, Former InterN and EMT
My name is Chidera Ejeh. I was a intern for the Breastfeeding center during my senior year at GW University where I was completing my B.S. in Public Health (pre-medical) and my minor in STEM Teaching. Some of my academic interests include: maternal and child health, education, emergency health services, and writing. I chose to write about emergency health services for lactating mothers and birthing persons based on my general interests and experience as an EMT!