Travel tips for Breastfeeding Women

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Special considerations for traveling while breastfeeding:
Breastfeeding gives babies the most nutritional start in life, as well as provides them with important protection against certain infections. However, traveling internationally while nursing can present challenges. Outlined below is information breastfeeding moms should consider when traveling.For women who are breastfeeding only, there is no concern about sterilizing bottles or the availability of clean water. Nursing women may be immunized for protection against disease, depending on their itinerary. However, there may be certain diseases, such as yellow fever, measles, and meningococcal meningitis, which may be a threat to infants who cannot be immunized at birth, as an infant would not gain protection against these infections through breastfeeding. It is important to discuss this with both your physician and your infant's physician before you travel.For women who are supplementing breastfeeding with formula, powdered formula prepared with boiled water is the best solution. You may also want to carry a supply of prepared infant formula in cans or ready-to-feed bottles for emergencies.Breastfeeding helps lower the incidence of traveler's diarrhea in infants. However, if you should develop traveler's diarrhea, increase your fluid intake, and continue to nurse your infant.It is important for nursing mothers to watch their eating and sleeping patterns, as well as their stress levels which will affect their milk output. Be sure to increase your fluid intake, avoid alcohol and caffeine, as well as exposure to smoke.