Traveling with Breastmilk
- Dr. Alexandra Prosser
- Dec 4, 2022
- 3 min read
By Car
With the holiday season in full force, you're bound to go on a long car ride sometime this month. How do you coordinate breastfeeding, pumping, and storing milk while traveling?
If you're exclusively nursing, plan to feed in the last minutes prior to leaving the house. Depending on the length of the trip, you may need to schedule some stretch breaks. Plan to take a break every 2-3 hours to feed, change diapers, and move about. It's important for babies to move their little leggies too!
If you're going to be pumping in the car, you'll need to pack a cooler. Leave enough space in the cooler for your stored milk and your pump parts. If you'll only be pumping once during the trip, you can wash the pump parts once you get to your destination. If you have to pump more than once on your trip, you can either pack a separate set of pump parts or reuse the ones stored in the cooler.
Do you have a portable pump or a plug-in pump? If you don't have a portable pump, you can purchase a Medela adapter here or a Spectra adapter here.
Or... consider using a hand pump. Many pump brands sell hand pumps, and although not a favorite for everyday use, they are quite convenient for traveling. No plugs, no wires, less parts, and they take up less space. Medela, Lansinoh, Jade Kit, Dr Brown's, Tommee Tippee, and Phillips all make their versions of hand pumps. I recommend you use the brand that corresponds to your electric pump, so your parts are interchangeable. At the least, use a hand pump that is compatible with your bottles.
Looking for a cooler that lasts all day? Check out our Ceres Chillers! They can hold up to 12, 24, or 32 oz of milk, depending on how you configure the inner chamber. Better yet, the lids can be transformed into a portable bottle -- perfect for on-the-go!
By Plane
As if flying weren't stressful already, breastfeeding while flying can be unnerving. Here are a few pointers:
Bring a nursing cover. This cover is a fan-favorite because it doubles as a car seat cover, which can be helpful while traveling (think of all the germs!) and when you return home. Breastfeed your baby where ever you are!
If you feel uncomfortable nursing or pumping in public, there are lactation rooms or Mamava pods at most airports. Download the Mamava app to find Mamava pods and unlock them.
Know your rights! TSA allows you to bring breastmilk, formula, and juice in volumes over 3.2oz and they do not need to be placed in a quart sized bag. You are permitted to bring a breast pump, but it varies on your airlines whether this is considered your carry on item or permitted in addition to your carry on item. I suggest fitting it into your carry on item for convenience and less stress. When going through security, tell the TSA agent you are traveling with a breast pump. Any permitted liquids (breastmilk, formula, juice, ice packs, fluid-containing teethers) should be screened separately from your belongings.
TSA has the right to test any volume of liquid over 3.2 oz. They will not touch your milk, but they are permitted to open the container and waft a test over the liquid. If you intend on traveling with large quantities of breastmilk, I suggest either storing milk in large quantities like large water bottles or the Ceres Chill. That way, if TSA does need to test your milk, they only need to open a few containers, rather than a bunch of small containers (ie bags or bottles), thus reducing the time it takes to get through security. If you are traveling will less milk, it may be worth storing in 3oz bottles or bags so TSA does not need to screen it. Technically, TSA also does not need to screen any frozen milk, since it is not a liquid, but you run the risk of it thawing before you reach your destination. Pro tip: bring a few empty gallon bags, and after you get through security, ask a restaurant to fill it with ice to keep your milk cold.
Note: These TSA rules apply to domestic travel. If traveling internationally, country-specific or airline-specific rules may differ.
By Mail
If all this thought of how to transport milk stresses you out, check out Milk Stork. They offer shipping services both domestic and international, keeping your milk cold throughout its travels. Fedex and Save The Milk offer a similar service.
Comments