Don’t Forget Your Cardi

Most quotes about worry refer to the pointlessness of it and how it won’t change the future but saps today of its joy and strength. True, but tell that to the breastfeeding mom about to get on a plane with her infant for the first time. Will the little darling sleep? Possibly. Will she scream? You never know. Will she nurse? Hopefully. Will I inadvertently expose myself, cause my seatmate to break out in an anxious sweat and never make it through the flight without spending $10 on a dollhouse-sized cocktail? Maybe. The two things you can count on are everyone ignoring you shuffling down the aisle before take-off and cooing over your absolutely fabulous baby after landing.

Per normal, you need diapers, wipes, an extra change of clothes (complete for bambino, an extra top for you), and a blanket. Plan your clothing for discreet nursing. The airplane is not a great place to haul out large quantities of pillows or breasts. A light cardigan and a tee are just what you need. When you lift the tee, the top part of your breast is covered, you can still see the baby and the cardigan covers your midriff. Take a high protein snack for your hard working body and a bit of chocolate for your overwrought psyche. Licorice ropes work if you are giving up the good stuff for your precious pearl.

If you are flying solo, call upon a flight attendant if you need to use the restroom. Generally, wee ones are a welcome burden and the two foot bathroom is no place to be one-handed with a baby and teeming bacteria. “As a courtesy, wipe down surfaces for the next person.” Aren’t you clearly the only person who EVER does that?

If baby cries, keep in mind that the drone of the engines greatly reduces the effects of any wails. Many people have dealt with crying babies on airplanes and relying on the kindness of strangers is necessary when you are 25,000 feet in the sky. If you have to put up with some salty soul, best leave it to the other passengers. If you keep your cool and concentrate on your child, someone else will no doubt rise to your defense.

Flying with Junior is not a guarantee of screaming. It may mean a nap for you both or drooly smiles between baby and the lovely grammy sitting across the aisle. As with all adventures in your new role as mommy, embrace it. It will probably all turn out all right, plus you will have a fab new cardi.

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