Need support, flying this week...

[LynnE73]

I'm flying from Boston to New Orleans on Continental Airlines this coming Thursday and I'm already completely stressed out. This will be my first flight with my daughter and I plan on trying to nurse her as much as I can while on the plane.

I feel incredibly pissed off that I'm even worried about nursing her on the plane. It's my right, it's her right, but I know there are stupid, ignorant, a$$holes in this world who are going to take one look at my tall toddler with a mouthful of teeth and think of me as disgusting.

I'm also not the type of person to take any crap from ANYONE and my husband is worried if someone says anything to me that we'll be kicked off the plane. So basically he's telling me I should shut my mouth no matter what anyone says to me. Which goes completely against everything I feel as a woman & mother. If I did that I'd be compromising myself and what I believe to be my rights. He reminded me that airlines are privately owned.

I know all of this stress I'm feeling could be wasted as nothing may happen at all. But if it does, what do I do if someone tells me to cover up or move my seat? I have such a hard time keeping my mouth shut when I feel as if I'm being wronged.

It sucks that we live in a day and age where so many people still think of breastfeeding as gross.

Thanks in advance for any helpful replies,
Lynn

[Viola]

I nursed my first dd on the plane when she was 18 months, and no one said anything or gave me any flak. Hopefully you will have an uneventful trip.

[Quirky]

I just got back today from a week-long trip to California and Arizona, 6 flights total, and no one said boo to me about nursing my toddler. We had a seat for him so any time we were in a row of three my dh was with us, with me in the middle seat, so my nursing was probably more discreet then, but when it was a row of two with dh in the seat across the aisle I would nurse ds in my seat so it was easy for anyone who wanted to see to see us.

Really, it was fine - no one said a word! Why would they? When ds was nursing, at least he was quiet and not bouncing up and down on the seats or throwing his truck at the lady sitting in front of us!

I bet it will be OK. I doubt anyone will make an issue of your nursing your child, as long as you're complying with all the other rules and regs like having your seatbelt on and your tray tables locked during takeoff and landing.

Good luck!

[~Megan~]

My dd and I have flown 6 times (7 as of this weekend). We have never even had a weird look. Most people don't pay attention to what is going on around them I've noticed. They would much prefer a nursing toddler than a screaming one I'd wager.

[Lil'M]

I have also never had a problem breastfeeding while flying with my kids (most of the time on Continental). I don't think anyone ever noticed. It doesn't matter if the airline company is private or not, your child has a right to eat on the plane! But with airlines apparently getting very nervous anytime there is any disruption on a plane, you could assemble a couple of nonbeligerant statements you can use if anyone says anything. For example, if anyone asks you to cover up you could say that you are trying to keep your child happy and quiet for the comfort of everyone on the plane and your child will get very fussy and loud if covered. I wouldn't stress about it too much though. Your time is better spent packing a really well equipped bag with fun toys and activities to keep your babe busy. Good luck!

[1Plus2]

My dd was 18-months-old and still going strong with nursing when we flew the first time. I was bumped to first class (bummer...) and the guy we were seated beside nearly passed out when he saw a mom and toddler sitting in the seat beside him. DD nursed and slept almost the entire flight which...of course...kept her quiet. When she wasn't sleeping we were coloring and playing with her sticker books. When the plane had landed and we were getting off the man turned to me and complimented me on how well behaved dd was! I don't think he had a clue that she'd been nursing most of the time! :LOL

[hippycrite]

I've nursed my daughter on the plane many times, from when she was an infant to last December when she was 2.5. No problems or weird looks. Mostly people don't even notice.