Dear Mothers, Not Recommended To Breastfeed When The Car Is Moving

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JAKARTA - Chairperson of the Indonesian Breastfeeding Mothers Association (AIMI) Rahmah Housniati advises mothers not to breastfeed their children in a moving car.

"Breastfeeding in a moving vehicle is clearly no longer possible. Because every child who rides in a motorized vehicle, meaning by car, should be in a car seat. So no breastfeeding. So there is no proper breastfeeding position when the vehicle is running," said Nia Umar, reported by Antara.

In line with Nia Umar. Pediatrician Melanie Yudiana Iskandar also doesn't recommend giving breast milk in the car.

The doctor who practices at RSIA Bunda Jakarta explained that if the child must be breastfed, it is better if the vehicle pulls over while the mother is breastfeeding.

"If the baby has to breastfeed, it's safest to pull over. Don't drive the car, just pull over first. We are talking about safe, the most ideal. The vehicle was stopped, the baby was breastfed, the baby was put back in the car seat, then started again," said Melanie.

For children aged two months and over, a pediatrician who is also a member of the Indonesian Doctors Association (IDI) dr. Jeanne Roos Tikoalu, Sp.A, IBCLC said that mothers need to reconsider if they want to breastfeed their children in the car.

Because children aged 2 months and over already have vision with a fairly wide range. In addition, they also have the nature of wanting to interact with their surroundings.

“Keep in mind also when in a vehicle, the use of seat belts can be a barrier. Apart from that, the presence of other people and playing music in the vehicle can also interfere with the baby's breastfeeding activities," said Jeanne.

"The vision of babies aged 2 months or more has also gained a fairly wide range and the nature of wanting to interact with their surroundings has increased, which of course must be a consideration if mothers want to breastfeed babies in vehicles," she continued.

Another case is if the mother is on a trip by plane. Nia added that if you are traveling by plane, mothers are encouraged to breastfeed their children during take-off and landing. This is so that the baby's ears can remain comfortable when there is a change in air pressure.

"If you're on a plane, you can (breastfeed). Even when taking off or landing the baby should be breastfed. Because to make his mouth move. So when the air pressure changes, there is no air blockage. In fact, it is highly recommended when taking off and landing," she said.