Traveling and breastfeeding

Wow. She can go take a hike (this is a hiking joke because you mentioned hiking). It’s crazy how people justify their feeding choices and shame those of others. But insinuating someone is controlling purely because they a breastfeeding, that’s truly laughable.

What ISN’T laughable is the research that supports the fact that if you use bottle nipples and pacifiers as your method of feeding and soothing, it increases the chance of ear infections, low tongue posture and narrow palate which are associated with airway issues (like snoring and sleep apnea which increase risk for heart issues).

I would tell that mother “by exclusively breastfeeding, I’m choosing the best way to prevent breathing, eating, sleep, and heart issues down the road. You may call that controlling, but I call it protecting my child’s future.”

If it was me, I’d take the 4 month old with me. Pop them in a carrier and enjoy showing them the world!

I’m not sure what you’re basing your supply “level” on… pumps are notoriously not as effective at removing milk as babies are so they can make you think you’re not making enough when that’s simply not the case. As long as you’re feeding your little one whenever they are hungry (and offering whenever you’re unsure), your milk supply should take care of itself. Also, it should be mentioned that while at the beginning, your breasts may seem “firm” with milk, past the 6 week mark, most women experience a “softening” of the breasts which is NOT and indicator that they are making less milk.

Anyway, sorry for so many comments! Feel free to DM me!

Wow I can't believe she said that to you! Just ignore her, you're doing the right thing for you and your baby. I second everything that Lora has said and definitely take baby with you. I wish I had done more hikes when mine was that age, it gets more difficult as they get older!