In this episode of the Baby Pro Podcast, Shelly and Maria dive into the multifaceted world of traveling with an infant while managing the demands of breastfeeding and pumping. They welcome Deseree, a former professional dancer turned stay-at-home mom, who shares her personal experiences of traveling while exclusively pumping with her first child and exclusively breastfeeding her second. Deseree offers invaluable insights and practical tips for parents navigating the challenges of feeding on the go, from dealing with TSA agents to keeping breast milk fresh during flights. 

In this episode, you will learn the following:

• Deseree’s experiences with exclusively pumping for her first child and exclusively breastfeeding her second, providing practical tips for parents traveling with infants.  

• The challenges of balancing family life when one partner works in a high stress field like emergency medicine.

• Stress and logistical concerns of traveling with a newborn while managing a demanding work schedule.

• Managing travel anxiety and the importance of flexibility when traveling with a baby.

• Detailed strategies for traveling while exclusively pumping, ensuring the baby had enough milk during flights, including packing extra bottles and frozen milk.

• Practicalities and personal experiences of breastfeeding in public and on flights. 

• Emphasis on comfort, practicality and the supportive nature of the public and flight staff.

• Insights into the process of traveling with breast milk, including with TSA agents, keeping milk fresh and the procedures for thawing frozen milk during flights. 

• Tips for traveling with both infants and toddlers, emphasizing the significance of extra time for airport security, remaining calm and being flexible.

• Differences between traveling with one child versus two and the need for teamwork and support from a partner.  

Connect with Shelly:

Website: Massachusetts IBCLC | Lactation Consultant - Shelly Taft

Insta: Instagram (@shellytaftibclc)

Article mentioned: 

US pediatricians reverse decades-old advice against HIV-positive mothers breastfeeding - The Philadelphia Sunday Sun