Getting ready for baby can take months, but for busy moms, the work is only just beginning once that little guy or gal arrives. From figuring out how to plan for big events like first photos to visiting relatives on the holidays, babies can be a lot to juggle sometimes.
If you're a happy mom who is about to embark on a vacation with the family, making sure that you have your breastfeeding schedule established can be essential, and can also help you make the most of your trip. With these three easy tips, you won't need to stress about breastfeeding while you're relaxing in a warm new place.
1. Keep to your usual schedule
Babies should be on a set timeline when it comes to breastfeeding, as this can help minimize problems and ensure that your baby isn't cranky along the way! Little ones, especially those who are only a few weeks old, should not go more than two to three hours between feedings, otherwise you may have trouble on your hands, so make sure this is a part of your new born preparation. As babies get older, it's not uncommon for them to need to nurse between eight to 12 times within a 24-hour period.
2. Maintain skin-to-skin contact
One way to facilitate nursing is to maintain skin-to-skin contact with a child, which can help deepen the bond you share and also increase your little one's desire to feed. Snuggling a baby to your chest can also help you reduce his or her anxiety in new places.
3. Bring extra milk with you
If you expect that you'll be on the move too much during your vacation, it may be beneficial for you to consider packing extra milk along for the experience. Milk that has been freshly expressed can be stored for up to six to eight hours at room temperature.