Pumping While Traveling

Ok so the day is here where you’re trying to figure out how TF to pump, travel and store your milk safely until you’re home. Below are some tips and tricks that I learned from my first time traveling while I was 5 months postpartum.

1.    If you’re able to go this route and want to pay for it – check out Milk Stork. Founded by a working mom who needed to get her milk home safely for her baby. https://www.milkstork.com/

2.    If that’s not an option, see below:

a.    Have an easy cooler to carry through the airport with you preloaded with ice packs for instant cooling of any milk pumped during traveling to your destination.

b.    Carry your pump on you – either in a backpack or carry on but have it with you in case you need to pump prior to arrival of your destination, or you have a lay over or get delayed. The worst feeling is having your boobs feeling like they are going to explode because you need to release your supply.

c.     While going through security, ask the TSA agent to please change their gloves and let them know you have breastmilk or there will be milk in the cooler. Having them change gloves is a form of safety for you and baby and eliminates transfer of germs, ew no thanks!

d.    Ask the TSA agent to please walk your cooler around the x-ray machine so it doesn’t go through it.

e.    If your ice packs melt while traveling, ask for cups of ice at any restaurant in the airport.

f.     Before arriving to your hotel, call and ask if there is a fridge in your room and if not ask for one to be placed in there due to you needing to store your milk. If there’s not enough room in the mini freezer, grab the ice bucket and fill it with ice and place your milk in there and keep refilling to keep milk cold and/or frozen.

g.    Travel Pumping Essentials:

                      i.     Manual Hand Pump: https://a.co/d/fIljHGc

  ii.     Hands Free Elvie Pump: https://a.co/d/baOVV5P

                      iii.     Sterilizer Bags: https://a.co/d/7JXo1oR

                      iv.     Quick Clean Wipes: https://a.co/d/fVE5wYO

                      v.     Quick Clean Spray: https://a.co/d/eoZUVge

                      vi.     Insulated Cooler Bag with Strap: https://a.co/d/imiH4Sz

                      vii.     Collapsible Cooler Bag: https://a.co/d/gseeq6R

                      viii.     Slim Ice Packs: https://a.co/d/5X9w8F4

                      ix.     Reusable Ice Bags: https://a.co/d/3qBSBlz