Mexico in February WWYD about baby feeding

smilelari

I had pretty much decided that I would EBF while in Mexico and leave the pump and bottles at home.  I don't want to lug the pump and I have no idea how to wash bottles in a country with unsafe water.  I'm starting to get the feeling that not everyone thinks that's the best plan and I suppose that it might be nice to be able to hand a hungry baby off to grandma if needed.  Grandma suggested we take those disposable formula bottles... obviously she didn't catch that the goal is no formula at all for this baby.  I've pretty much decided against going to the bachelorette party as being away overnight so early just isn't something I'm comfortable with.

So, if it were you, pump or no pump?  And how would you handle washing bottles?

Pesky

I would probably bring the pump.  Bottles I would rinse in the sink or ice bucket (depending on its make) and then soak a bit in some water I boiled up in the hotel coffee maker (after I rinsed the sink or the ice bucket with some other boiled water).

WonderRed

Bottle sterilizer?  I know it's one more thing you have to bring but I wouldn't be comfortable washing a baby bottle in that water and then giving it to the baby.   I know many of the resorts are now on self contained water systems to cut down on GI issues for the tourists, but we all know people still get very sick.

smilelari

WonderRed:

Bottle sterilizer?  I know it's one more thing you have to bring but I wouldn't be comfortable washing a baby bottle in that water and then giving it to the baby.   I know many of the resorts are now on self contained water systems to cut down on GI issues for the tourists, but we all know people still get very sick.

are there sterilizers that don't require a microwave?

what if I did something like bring drop ins and a bunch of clean nipples?

WonderRed

They make electric ones that you could plug in, but I just looked and they're kind of expensive for just using one time on a trip ($59 and up).

ETA: or the drop in liners and a fresh nipple each time would work too.

andrealynn0707

Honestly, I'd just EBF. I freaking hate pumping, though. 

swinsto3

smilelari:

what if I did something like bring drop ins and a bunch of clean nipples?

This was actually my first thought. Drop ins for sure, and then you could always "wash" the nipples in water from the coffee pot. Much easier then trying to wash the whole bottle, IMO. There are electric sanitizers, like the one below, but it looks so big, and who wants to carry even MORE stuff?

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004HFQLNO/ref=asc_df_B004HFQLNO1815791?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=asn&creative=395093&creativeASIN=B004HFQLNO 

whitdog23

When we took DS to Mexico when he was about 8 months old, I bought a huge thing of purified water at a grocery store and used that to clean the bottles that we did use.  We had no problems at all so I say bring the pump - I dont think it took up that much room when I travelled since I didnt bring the cooler, etc. since we made sure we'd have a fridge.

shanbrite2

I don't know if you have a Medela pump, but I recently discovered I had gotten the Medela Harmony (a hand pump) in the hospital pumping kit, and I LOVE it. Bringing my huge PISA is a PITA (har har), but I love being able to toss the Harmony in with a few extra bottles and pumping straight into the bottle. It's way smaller, way fewer pieces to deal with and is surprisingly easy to do. Dr. Brown bottles fit right on it, so I can pump right into them, which is nice. We did this for Thanksgiving, and it was nice to be able to leave LO with my parents for a little bit without a lot of extra hassle.

schoolsoutbride

I'd bring a manual pump and wash with bottled water and dish soap. Or bring enough bottles to not have to re-use. I did find once that I could hand express enough while feeding on the other side to get enough for a bottle, but a manual pump would be easier.

smilelari

I've never actually used a manual pump.  Could I pump reasonably quickly using one?  Shanbrite recommends the Harmony, any other recommendations, or does it matter?

shanbrite2

I feel like I actually pump faster with the manual pump than my PISA, but it is older, so a newer one might be faster. I was really surprised how fast I could pump. I had used a Medela bicycle pump-thing before and HATED it, so was surprised how much I liked the Harmony. I can easily do it one-handed too. Only down side is that you can only do one side at a time, obv. Haven't tried any others to compare, though.

RoxBride

Travel back in time to the days of yore and hire a wet nurse?

Yeah, I got nothing, idea wise, but my sympathies for all the hassle with 2 wee ones and a PITA wedding.

Mrs.Greeko

I would skip bringing the pump probably, but I hate pumping especially on vacation.  They do make disposable bottles, do then you'd only need to worry about washing pump parts, which might be easier.  http://www.amazon.com/Steribottle-Ready-Disposable-Bottles-Count/dp/B002QUYZUI

Mrs.Greeko

Can you maybe just bring a couple of disposable bottles and a small amount of frozen milk so you have some milk if you need it and you don't have to worry about pumping.  At that point you should be able to miss one feeding without pumping and not have to worry about supply.

Flower05

I went to Mexico when DS was 2 months old and I just bought huge gallons of water at the grocery store and used that to clean all of the baby stuff I had to clean. Then you don't have to worry about using local water.

Sunflower22

Is there a fridge in the hotel room? If so you could pump & store milk in the freezer bags.

uteandbuff

If it was me - I would get a hand pump (I have a Medela one) that works pretty well and use it as needed and wash it out with bottled water.   As for bottles - I would get the drop ins so you don't have to clean the bottles and bring a few nipples that you can clean with the bottled water.  

Kmac-06

I also have a Medela Harmony hand pump and I always used that when I travelled, it is really small and light. It is not great if you are planning on pumping much, but for a bottle here or there it is fine.

The drop-ins idea sounds goo d to cut down on washing.

GL!

smilelari

Mrs.Greeko:

Can you maybe just bring a couple of disposable bottles and a small amount of frozen milk so you have some milk if you need it and you don't have to worry about pumping.  At that point you should be able to miss one feeding without pumping and not have to worry about supply.

this is a possibility for sure

smilelari

Sunflower22:

Is there a fridge in the hotel room? If so you could pump & store milk in the freezer bags.

there isn't by default but they have them available for rent.  this is going to be the most expensive trip ever

Betty.Davis.Eyes

We went to Mexico when DS2 was only 4 months and I chose to EBF.  However, we rented a beach house in a very remote town and did not have a wedding or anything like that planned, so I knew there was nothing that was going to keep me away from him.  It was a completely different trip.  For me it was the best decision, but I am not sure how feasible it will be for you?

sunnytrees

I can't imagine lugging a pump with 2 kids and all the rest of the gear. I also don't love pumping. Not to mention just taking the time to do it. Having to wash all the pump parts too each time...I would EBF and try to hand the baby off if you want for maybe 2-3 hours when you know the time would allow for it. Bring along some froze milk like mention just in case. You may even find that you can go 4 hour stretches by then, particularly in the evenings.