Breastfeeding and Travel: A Guide for Grand Rapids, MI Families

Breastfeeding while traveling can be convenient and safe, especially for families from Grand Rapids, Michigan. Breast milk is always available at the right temperature, and it contains important immune factors that help protect your baby from infections—an important benefit whether you’re flying out of Gerald R. Ford International Airport, driving across Michigan, or traveling overseas.

This guide offers practical tips tailored for Grand Rapids parents, including local resources and health considerations.

Why Breastfeeding Is Ideal When Traveling

Breast milk is the safest food and drink for your baby while traveling because:

  • It is sterile and always ready—no need to boil water or sterilize bottles.
  • It contains antibodies and immune factors that help protect against common travel-related illnesses, including some causes of diarrhea and respiratory infections.
  • It reduces your baby’s exposure to potentially unsafe water supplies and contaminated feeding equipment.

If your baby is exclusively breastfed, you will not need to worry about:

  • Finding clean water to mix formula
  • Washing and sterilizing bottles and nipples in unfamiliar environments
  • Storing formula safely during long car rides or flights

Travel Destinations and Safety Considerations

If you are traveling from Grand Rapids to developing countries or areas with limited medical care:

  • Avoid traveling with a very young baby outside major cities or tourist centers if possible.
  • There may be a higher risk of infectious diseases and fewer high-quality medical facilities.
  • Research local hospitals and clinics ahead of time. If you’ll be abroad, identify nearby medical centers before you leave.

For local and regional trips within Michigan or the Midwest:

  • Keep in mind seasonal health concerns:
    • Winter travel: Cold temperatures, snow, and ice can increase the risk of illness and make travel more stressful. Dress your baby in warm layers and keep them dry.
    • Summer travel: Humidity and heat, especially near the Great Lakes, can increase the risk of dehydration. Breastfeed frequently and offer more feeds in hot weather.

Cultural Sensitivity and Breastfeeding in Public

In Grand Rapids and throughout Michigan, breastfeeding in public is generally protected and accepted. Many local hospitals and clinics—including Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health), Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health—actively support breastfeeding.

When traveling internationally:

  • Norms about breastfeeding in public vary. In some countries, breastfeeding openly is common; in others, it may be considered inappropriate.
  • If you are visiting family and friends, they can often guide you on what is considered polite and normal.

To stay comfortable and discreet:

  • Use a light shawl, scarf, or baby blanket to cover if you prefer.
  • Wear nursing-friendly clothing to make feeding easier in airports, rest stops, and public spaces.

If you have questions about safety or local customs in another country, you can:

  • Check the U.S. Department of State website for travel advisories and health information.
  • Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country you are visiting.

Immunizations, Travel Vaccines, and Breastfeeding

Most routine vaccinations are considered safe for breastfeeding mothers and their babies. Breastfeeding does not interfere with vaccine effectiveness.

However:

  • Not all vaccines can be given to newborns or very young infants (for example, some travel vaccines like yellow fever have age restrictions).
  • Breast milk offers some immune protection, but it cannot fully replace vaccines for diseases like measles, polio, or yellow fever.

Before traveling, especially internationally:

  • Schedule an appointment with your Grand Rapids pediatrician or family doctor, or visit a travel clinic associated with:
    • Corewell Health (Spectrum Health)
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
    • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health
  • Ask about:
    • Which vaccines you need as a breastfeeding mother
    • Which vaccines your baby can safely receive based on age and destination
    • Any specific disease risks in the region you are visiting

If travel is not urgent and your baby is very young, it may be safer to delay your trip until your child is old enough to receive key vaccinations.

Malaria, Mosquito-Borne Illness, and Breastfeeding

If you are traveling to an area where malaria or other mosquito-borne diseases (like dengue or Zika) are present:

  • You may be prescribed anti-malarial medication.
  • Small amounts of this medication can pass into your breast milk. Current evidence suggests this is not usually harmful to your baby.
  • However, the amount of medication in breast milk is not enough to protect your baby from malaria.

Discuss with your Grand Rapids healthcare provider:

  • Whether your destination has malaria risk
  • Which anti-malarial medication is safest for you while breastfeeding
  • Whether your baby needs additional protection or medication

Mosquito Bite Prevention for You and Your Baby

To reduce mosquito bites:

  • Dress your baby in:
    • Long-sleeved shirts
    • Long pants or footed sleepers
  • Keep your baby’s skin well covered when mosquitoes are active.
  • Use insect repellent safely:
    • Do not apply repellent to your baby’s hands (they may suck their fingers).
    • Apply repellent to your own skin and clothing as recommended.
  • Use physical barriers:
    • Keep your baby in a stroller or travel crib covered with mosquito netting in high-risk areas.
    • Sleep under mosquito nets (for both you and your baby) if staying in areas with malaria or heavy mosquito activity.
  • Use insect sprays or mosquito coils in rooms where it is safe and appropriate to do so.

Medications and Breastfeeding While Traveling

Both prescription and over-the-counter medications, including some herbal remedies, can pass into breast milk in small amounts.

General guidelines:

  • Most commonly used medications are compatible with breastfeeding, but always confirm.
  • Only take medications that are:
    • Prescribed or recommended by a doctor who knows you are breastfeeding
    • Confirmed as safe by your pharmacist or healthcare provider

Before you leave Grand Rapids:

  • Pack enough of your regular medications for the entire trip, plus a little extra in case of delays.
  • Bring safe over-the-counter medications you might need:
    • Pain relievers recommended by your doctor
    • Any allergy or cold medications approved for use while breastfeeding
  • Remember: Brands and formulations may differ in other states or countries, and substitutes may not be breastfeeding-safe.

If you’re unsure, consult:

  • Your primary care provider or OB/GYN in Grand Rapids
  • A lactation consultant at Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, or Metro Health

Maintaining Your Milk Supply While Traveling

Some women notice a temporary drop in milk supply during travel. Common causes include:

  • Dehydration (especially after long flights or in hot, humid climates)
  • Illness (such as colds, flu, or traveler’s diarrhea)
  • Stress or fatigue
  • Fewer opportunities to breastfeed on demand

To support your milk supply:

Continue to Breastfeed Frequently

  • Offer the breast as often as your baby wants, especially during:
    • Flights
    • Long car rides
    • Hotel stays or layovers
  • Avoid long gaps between feeds whenever possible.

Stay Well Hydrated

  • Drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids, especially:
    • Water
    • Herbal teas without caffeine
  • Avoid or limit:
    • Caffeinated drinks (coffee, energy drinks, strong tea)
    • Alcohol
  • Michigan’s cold winters and dry indoor heating can also cause dehydration—drink regularly even if you don’t feel very thirsty.

Get Enough Rest

  • Plan rest breaks and feeding breaks into your travel schedule.
  • Try to:
    • Sleep when your baby sleeps
    • Avoid over-scheduling activities, especially in the first days of your trip

Avoid Smoking and Secondhand Smoke

  • Do not smoke while breastfeeding.
  • Avoid smoky environments, which can irritate your baby’s lungs and your own, and may affect milk production.

Air Travel and Breastfeeding

Many Grand Rapids families fly out of Gerald R. Ford International Airport to visit relatives or vacation destinations. When flying with a breastfed baby:

Choosing an Airline and Planning Ahead

  • Ask friends, family, or your travel agent about child-friendly airlines.
  • Some airlines are more accommodating than others when it comes to:
    • Pre-boarding with young children
    • Seating arrangements
    • Storing breast milk or breast pumps
  • Contact the airline directly if you have specific questions about:
    • Breastfeeding on board
    • Carrying breast pumps and expressed milk
    • Using hot water to warm bottles or food

Feeding During Take-Off and Landing

  • Try to time feeds so your baby is nursing during take-off and landing.
  • Sucking and swallowing help equalize ear pressure and can prevent ear pain.

Water and Formula on Planes

  • Water on airplanes may not reach a full boil, which is important if you’re preparing formula.
  • If you’re supplementing or using formula:
    • Bring sterile or pre-boiled water in appropriate containers, as allowed by security rules.
    • Consider ready-to-feed formula if your baby is not exclusively breastfed.

Diarrhea and Illness While Traveling

Traveler’s diarrhea can affect both adults and children. If you or your baby becomes ill:

  • Continue breastfeeding. Breast milk is:
    • Easier to digest
    • Hydrating
    • Protective against some infections
  • It is safe to return to exclusive breastfeeding for a period if your baby has diarrhea and is also eating solids or taking formula.

Pack oral rehydration solution (ORS) packets in your luggage:

  • These can help treat fluid and electrolyte loss if you or your baby has diarrhea.
  • Follow preparation instructions carefully, using safe, clean water.

If your baby shows signs of dehydration or appears very unwell, seek medical care immediately. When abroad, identify the nearest reputable clinic or hospital in advance.

Expressing Milk and Traveling With a Breast Pump

If you plan to express milk while traveling:

  • Bring your own breast pump and all necessary parts.
  • Pack:
    • Extra pump parts if possible
    • Milk storage bags or containers
    • A small cooler with ice packs if you need to store milk on the go
  • If your pump is electric:
    • Bring the correct power adapter or voltage converter for the country you’re visiting.
    • Check airline rules about carrying pumps in your carry-on luggage.

Safety Tips for Traveling With a Baby

Thieves sometimes target parents traveling with young children because they may be distracted.

To stay safe:

  • Keep valuables in a money belt or neck pouch worn under your clothing.
  • Avoid leaving handbags or backpacks unattended or hanging on stroller handles.

Using a baby carrier (sling or structured carrier) can:

  • Make it easier to move through airports, train stations, and bus terminals.
  • Keep your baby close and secure, which can be comforting in busy or unfamiliar places.

If you are traveling alone:

  • Ask the airline if they can provide an assistant at each stop to:
    • Help with luggage
    • Assist with boarding and exiting the plane

Local Grand Rapids Resources for Breastfeeding and Travel

Before your trip, consider talking with:

  • Your Grand Rapids GP or pediatrician
  • Lactation consultants at:
    • Corewell Health (Spectrum Health)
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
    • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health
  • Kent County Health Department or Grand Rapids Public Health for:
    • Immunization schedules
    • Travel health advice
    • Breastfeeding support programs

Other helpful resources:

  • WIC (Women, Infants & Children) programs in Kent County for breastfeeding support
  • National breastfeeding helplines and online resources for travel and breastfeeding guidance
  • Your travel agent and airline for child-friendly travel policies

When to Seek Medical Advice

Speak with a healthcare provider in Grand Rapids before you travel if:

  • Your baby is a newborn or premature
  • You plan to travel to areas with malaria, yellow fever, or other serious infectious diseases
  • You or your baby have chronic health conditions
  • You are unsure about which vaccines you or your baby need

For urgent health concerns while still in West Michigan, you can access:

  • Local urgent care centers and emergency departments at:
    • Corewell Health (Spectrum Health)
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
    • Metro Health
    • Mercy Health

By planning ahead and using the strong breastfeeding and healthcare support available in Grand Rapids, MI, you can make traveling with your baby safer, easier, and more enjoyable—whether you’re visiting family across the state, exploring the Great Lakes region, or heading overseas.