As it was World Breastfeeding Week a few weeks ago. I decided to write this blog post highlighting my tips showing what I’ve learned over the last four years of my breastfeeding journey with my daughters outdoors. Breastfeeding outdoors while hiking can be intimidating, but it has become an integral part of our hikes.
When I started breastfeeding almost 5 years ago, I learned that I needed my nursing pillow everywhere. With my first child, I found the first 6 weeks of breastfeeding difficult, mainly due to nipple pain and poor latch. Later I found out she had a lip tie, which didn’t help. After this obstacle, it became very easy for me and I absolutely loved my breastfeeding journey.
Breastfeeding outdoors while hiking
When my oldest daughter was 6 months old, we started getting a little more adventurous with our hikes. We traveled all over Ireland climbing mountains with her on our backs. Breastfeeding played a big role in this journey. It took that extra pressure off of us and allowed us to carry fewer baby-related items, which also meant we didn’t have to stick to a routine. I could simply feed her on demand whenever she wanted, wherever she wanted. I fed both my daughters until they were 18 months old and now I’m feeding my third little girl again and I love it.
Breastfeeding outdoors: 11 good tips
Here are some tips I’ve learned along the way that have worked for me and made our outdoor hiking adventures easier.
1. Offer food in the car before starting your walk
By offering a feeding in the comfort of your own car before starting your walk, you will begin the hike with a happy and content baby. This will be one less resupply to do on the trail. Sometimes this doesn’t work because they might fall asleep from the car ride, I just put the sleeping baby in the carrier and keep walking until he wakes up looking for a feeding.
2. Try to find a comfortable seat
If you didn’t want to buy or bring a cushion to sit on, you could sit on your backpack, a stone, or a log. Try to find a dry, comfortable place to sit, you don’t know how long you could stay there.
3. Bring a small umbrella
An umbrella is fantastic to use to protect you and your baby. The umbrella can block the sun, stop a slight breeze, and can give you a little more privacy if you’re in a very public place. It also prevents your baby from getting distracted because he’s too curious, causing him to stop mid-feed to look around.
4. Wear diapers suitable for breastfeeding
Nursing bras and tops are practical, but you don’t have to go out and buy them, you can use what you have.
I wear a strappy top, a t-shirt or loose top and a zipped jacket. All I have to do is pull my top up and my strappy top and bra down, so you’re completely covered, keeping your back, stomach and chest warm while helping you feel modest and less exposed.
5. Wear a light scarf
I find a scarf handy because it serves as extra coverage and you can also use it as a blanket.
6. Bring a rain cover
I bring the rain cover for my pram in case I get caught in the rain and need to feed the baby and we can’t find shelter. You can place it on your baby or use your rain jacket or poncho. In my bag I also have a small mosquito net in case I need it, because when you sit still there is a greater chance of small flies etc. annoying you and your baby.
7. Feed your baby in a sling
When using my ergo carrier, I loosen the strap on the side for baby to nurse and put him in a comfortable position. I then hold her as I would to feed her and the carrier acts as extra support for the baby.
8. Feeding your baby in a Deuter baby carrier
When breastfeeding outdoors while hiking, I sometimes found it inappropriate to take our daughter out of the carrier to feed her. The weather could be bad and she could be protected in her carrier, we could be in a dangerous part of the hike, etc. We learned on many hikes that if the baby is happy in their carrier, it might be easier to just feed them. her in the carrier. Sometimes when you take them out of the carrier, they may not want to go back in. They may just want to walk or be carried to get a better view of the sheep. I learned to feed her while she sat in the carrier.
I just opened the side strap of the carrier, kept it attached and just leaned over and hugged the carrier and she was feeding, you could tilt the carrier a little bit. baby to get a better position. This is easier to do when they are older, around 1 year old.
9. Feed your baby when you have active toddlers with you
Now when we go hiking and I have to feed my youngest, it’s harder to stop for long periods of time because my two older girls love to move. To encourage everyone to stop, we lay down a blanket and have little picnics (lots of snacks).
We let them empty their hiking bags to look at the treasures they collected during their hike and sometimes I pull out a small notebook and pen to allow them to draw favorite items they saw along the way. hiking. When all of the above fails, I walk and feed myself at the same time.
10. Stay Hydrated While Breastfeeding Outdoors While Hiking
While hiking it’s important to stay hydrated and it’s the same when you’re breastfeeding, so make sure you bring extra water and stay hydrated. I usually go hiking with my husband and he carries all these extra items in his hiking bag. We also bring Lifestraw bottles in case we run out of water. They are extremely practical and provide that little bit of security you need.
11. Relax and enjoy feeding your baby in nature
It can be stressful to feed in public, especially for the first time. My advice is to try to ignore the strangers passing by and relax, smile at your baby and enjoy both the sight of your baby and the view of the mountains or wherever you are.