Breastfeeding on Airlines -your rights in Australia

Inspired by this blog entry, at PHD in Parenting – I was taken to research exactly what Australian Mother’s rights are whilst breastfeeding on an airplane. An Australian mother’s right to breastfeed in public is enshrined, and it’s illegal to ask her to cover up or move on…

So far, the official policies seem very encouraging.

Qantas’s policy, is to encourage breastfeeding whilst taking off and landing, and they state you are welcome to breastfeed in your seat.

Cabin crew will prepare, heat and wash bottles or pacifiers (dummies) on request. There are no private areas onboard the aircraft to breastfeed babies but you are welcome to feed your baby in your seat.

While Virgin airlines don’t state an official “You’re welcome to breastfeed” policy, they also advocate breastfeeding whilst taking off and landing, as well as enouraging parents not to feel ashamed or embarassed if their infant cries.

You may have noticed at times infants and children start to cry and put their hands over their ears during take-off and landing. If they cry and you cannot stop them from crying, please do not be alarmed and feel embarrassed. Crying is a natural way for the child to clear their ears, so let them go!!

How Can I Help Prevent This?

Infants: To help prevent their discomfort, breastfeed or bottle-feed your infant when the aircraft begins its take-off and landing. If bottle-feeding you may need to pack an extra bottle for the flight.

Jetstar Airlines offer the same advice, to feed on take off and delivery. They also suggest you ask cabin staff to keep your meals warm whilst you’re feeding- implying they’re quite flexible and helpful.

A front baby carrier or sling might just save your back, if not your trip. You have to check-in pushers for domestic flights so a soft baby carrier will give you both hands free. It will also roll up easily into your cabin luggage. Great for transit and collecting luggage (although you are not permitted to use a baby carrier whilst you are seated on board.).

Ask cabin crew to keep your meal warm while you help feed you children. You can eat in peace later.

Take a change of clothes on-board for you and your baby, especially on a long haul. No one likes to arrive covered in food, milk or worse.

Feeding your baby with either a bottle or breast when you are taking off and landing, can help them adjust their ears to the change in cabin pressure

Feed and change your baby just before you board. It is a lot easier and more relaxing for them than trying to do it on-board.

Keep hydrating them during the flight, especially if it’s international.

So it seems that Australian Airs, at least on paper are more friendly than our international counterparts. I’d love to hear stories of positive breastfeeding experiences on Australian airlines!