Breastfeeding in the Backcountry
My breastfeeding journey started out similar to Kelsea’s, with Oaklyn spending his first few days of life in the NICU being formula-fed while I pumped every few hours. My issue was not with my milk supply, but that Oaklyn preferred the bottle to my breast. In fact, it was a struggle trying to get him to latch.
One of our first hikes together up Tunnel Mountain (Banff National Park), where I nursed Oaklyn before and after… No problem!
The first lactation consultant that I went to got Oaklyn to latch while I was there, but he wouldn’t do it at home afterwards. So I went to another lactation clinic in Calgary, where the consultant got me to use a nipple shield: a little silicone cover that makes your nipple seem bigger or more bottle-like. That worked! I was able to breastfeed Oaklyn in the morning, while it was still easier to bottle-feed him during the day.
Eventually (and slowly!), he finally switched over to mostly breast; Later, he completely dropped the need for a nipple shield. Now, almost one-and-a-half years later, I’m finding it hard to think of the day I start to wean him.
Though it has been a struggle getting here, it now feels like quite the luxury… Especially on the trail! If Oaklyn is feeling hungry or thirsty while we’re out on an adventure, all I need to do is breastfeed. Here are some tips for fellow breastfeeding mamas:
Bottle-Feeding Breastmilk on the Trail
Track how much breastmilk your baby bottle feeds within a time period.
Take note of how many ounces of breastmilk your baby usually consumes within the timeframe that you would be out on an adventure. Always bring extra just in case! In fact, I would always have formula packed too
Pack frozen breastmilk, a cooler bag and bottles.
Remember to store frozen breastmilk in a cooler bag with a freezer pack in order to extend its life while you’re on the go!
Pack a heat source.
Get creative! Use a thermos of hot water or a jetboil to heat up your frozen breast milk while on the trail. Once thawed, breast milk can sit out at room temperature for up to 2 hours so make sure to use it within that time frame.
Pack a hand pump.
If you start to feel engorged along the way, a hand pump will come in handy to expel breast milk for your own comfort. I highly recommend the Haakaa Silicone Breast Pump.
Breastfeeding on the Trail
Pack formula.
Better be safe, than sorry! I recommend packing some formula for the first few adventures, just in case.
Layer accordingly, especially in the winter!
When dressing up that morning, keep in mind that you and your baby will need easy access to your breast. That might mean: nursing bras and loose layers. Pack a waterproof layer that you can either wear or sit on top of, if you will be hiking, snowshoeing or cross-country skiing on snowy trails.
Pack water and food for yourself.
Don’t forget that you need to stay hydrated and well-fed in order to be a source of nutrition to your baby.
Pack a nipple shield, if you use one.
Trust me: People won’t even notice that you have it.
Pull out your breast wherever you please, whenever necessary.
Cheers to you, if you feel comfortable whipping it out! Cheers to you, if you don’t. Remember that you can always find a quiet spot on the trail or turn your back to others if you feel uncomfortable.
My best piece of advice would be to start out little by little. See how things go on shorter adventures, take note and learn from the experience before proceeding to longer ones. Also, keep in mind that you can always turn back!