Traveling With Breastmilk

Can I Travel with Breast Milk? 

You just had a baby and now you’re ready to get out and travel! Before you throw everything into a carry-on and hit the road, there are a few extra details to consider.

Traveling with breast milk may feel daunting, but it can be done. I’ve consolidated all the information and resources you need to make traveling with breast milk (yes, even traveling internationally) as smooth as possible. 

Flying with Breast Milk & Breast Pumps

The most full-proof way to travel with breast milk on a plane is to pack it frozen in your checked luggage. If you are not checking a bag, or do not feel comfortable putting your breast milk in your checked luggage (or if you don’t exactly travel light) not to worry, you have other options.

Breast milk is allowed in your carry-on bag and is exempt from the 3.4 ounce quantity rule. To avoid confusion, let the TSA agent know that you are traveling with breast milk. It is also helpful to pack your pump and breast milk in a separate bag from the rest of your carry-on items. As a pro tip – always pack a hand pump in your carry-on bag.

Each airline has its own regulations as to whether this extra bag counts as one of your allotted carry-on items. It’s best to check with your individual airline in advance. 

Whether your breast milk is thawed or frozen, a visual inspection should be sufficient, but breast milk in liquid form may be more cause for concern. If the TSA agent wants to inspect it for explosives, you can request they put on a new pair of gloves so as not to contaminate it.

While you are allowed to travel with freezer packs in your carry-on luggage, you will need to ensure they are frozen solid before entering security. Slushy or liquid freezer packs may raise suspicion and require extra screening.

If all this seems like a hassle you don’t want to have to deal with, you’re not alone. Companies like Milk Stork will ship your breastmilk home for you. 

Roadtrip with Breast Milk 

Similar to traveling by plane, you’ll want to ensure that you are storing your breast milk in a cooler that will keep it frozen for as long as possible. According to the CDC, previously frozen milk should be kept cold and used within 24 hours from the time it thaws completely. When traveling by car, it’s a good idea to check the milk from time to time.

The Hotel Stay 

When it comes to hotel stays here in the US or abroad, you cannot always guarantee that your hotel room will have a refrigerator or place for you to store your breast milk. Before booking your hotel, call around to see which hotels can offer you a compact refrigerator. In some cases you may be able to reserve a refrigerator or arrange in advance for the hotel to store your breast milk for you during your stay. 

Best practices

Whether you are traveling with your nursing child, or trying to keep up with your supply while you’re away, the CDC offers helpful information and resources to help you navigate travel, including proper storage practices and tips for expressing milk during travel.

Best products?

Ready to hop on that plane? Here are a few of the best products to keep your breast milk frozen and secure:

• Heavy Duty Freezer Packs
• Insulated Cooler Bags
• Insulated Cooler Bag with Bottles
• Milk Storage Bags
• Hand Pump

Though there are extra details to sort through, you are not the only one who has travelled while nursing. Be prepared to advocate for yourself, and utilize your resources. I’m so glad you’re getting out and about, and I can’t wait to hear about your trip.

– The Globetrotting Society 

References – Yes I’m citing my work!

https://www.mamava.com/mamava-blog/tsa-rights-with-breast-milk 

https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/infantandtoddlernutrition/breastfeeding/travel-recommendations.html 

https://www.milkstork.com/

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