Can I bring breastmilk through security? What do I do if I have to pump during a flight? How much milk should I leave if my baby is not coming with me? Get the answers your looking for about traveling while breastfeeding.
Travel can be stressful by itself, but traveling with a baby adds a whole new layer.
Prepare with confidence for traveling while breastfeeding. We'll cover how to set yourself up for success while traveling and breastfeeding when your baby is traveling with you, and cover how to navigate pumping when away from your baby.
Let's jump in to tips for traveling with your baby.
When traveling with your baby, continue to express your milk as often as your baby typically eats. Continue to breastfeed when your infant displays signs of hunger. Remember, that because traveling can be tiring and dehydrating, your baby may seem to want to breastfeed more than usual.
If you are traveling in the car, plan to stop every 2-3 hours to feed your baby. Research good places to stop along your route. You can get creative, and look for fun places to stop along the way, including coffee shops, scenic vistas, and need-to-see places!
If you’re traveling in an airplane, think about when and where you will need to feed your baby.
If you have a longer flight and will need to feed your baby on the airplane, consider wearing something that has easy access to the breast, and that you feel comfortable in. A suggestion I commonly give my clients is to wear high waisted leggings with a flowy, comfortable t-shirt, so that it provides good coverage for their personal privacy, but without having to wrestle a nursing cover while in the small airline seats. Of course, you can do whatever makes you feel comfortable!
Pro tip: Feed your baby at take off and landing to prevent pain from the pressure change during the ascent and descent.
If you’re looking for a private place to feed your baby in the airport, look for the designated mother’s rooms in your terminal. Because of the Friendly Airports for Mothers Act and the Friendly Airports for Mothers Improvement Act, each airport is required to have a designated space in each terminal for nursing mothers. Check the airport’s website or map to see where the closest nursing mother’s room is to you.
Travel and babies come with unexpected situations. They may cry, your plan may not go exactly as you hoped, and that’s ok!
If you are traveling without your baby while breastfeeding, here are a few tips to guide your travel planning.
Depending on how long you are away and how much your individual infant needs will determine how much milk you should leave. Generally, infants after the ago of one month old require 25-35oz of breastmilk per 24 hours. Multiply that amount out by the number of days that you will be away to determine how much milk you should leave at home for your baby.
If you're feeling unsure, work with your lactation provider to develop a personalized pumping plan.
Continue to express your milk while you're away from your baby as often as you normally feed your infant. If your go-to pump is not mobile, or needs to be plugged in at all times, consider bringing a portable pump with an extra battery pack. Make sure to have the pump properly sized to you before traveling.
Remember that you can always hand express your milk if you have an issue with your pump!
If traveling on an airplane, remember that your breast pump does not count towards carry on restrictions, as it is a medical device.
Bring an insulated cooler bag with ice packs, or consider getting an insulated chiller, like this one. Remember, that your breastmilk is good for 24 hours, so when you arrive at your destination, either refrigerate or freeze your milk as soon as possible.
Pro tip: After you pass through security in an airport, stop by the food court and ask for a cup of ice to keep your milk cold, especially if you have a long trip.
If you are traveling with frozen milk, remember that as long as your milk still has ice crystals, it can be refrozen!
Contact the location you’ll be staying at to ensure they have a refrigerator in your room where you can store your breastmilk.
Pack enough storage bags to use while you’re away, and bring a cooler and enough ice packs to return home with all your liquid gold.
If you will away longer than a few days, consider shipping your breastmilk home with FedEx cold shipping.
If you are away from home on a business trip, some companies will reimburse you for shipping your breastmilk home. Talk with your HR team to see if your company offers this benefit.
Because of the Friendly Airports for Mothers Act and the Friendly Airports for Mothers Improvement Act, each airport is required to have a designated space in each terminal for nursing mothers. Check the airport’s website or map to see where the closest nursing mother’s room is to you.
Learn more about the Friendly Airports for Mothers Act and the Friendly Airports for Mothers Improvement Act, as well as your rights as a breastfeeding mother here.
As much as you can, express your milk as often as you feed your baby. Of course, travel often comes with unexpected situations. If you aren’t able to stick to your usual pumping schedule, aim to express your milk at least as many times a day as you usually do. If you want a personalized travel plan, you can book a virtual or in person consultation with Sydney here.
Resources:
https://www.cdc.gov/infant-toddler-nutrition/breastfeeding/travel-recommendations.html.
https://www.usbreastfeeding.org/breastfeeding-traveler-information.html.
https://www.usbreastfeeding.org/existing-legislation.html.
Disclaimer: This information provided in this blog article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, it is important to consult with your qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions about supplementation or addressing concerns about your baby's weight gain. This information is not a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here. For further information, please consult with a pediatric healthcare provider or visit reputable medical sources such as the American Academy of Pediatrics or the World Health Organization
Please note that I do not receive any commissions or financial incentives from any companies or brands for recommending or endorsing products. Any recommendations are made solely to provide helpful insights and do not reflect any business relationships with the companies mentioned.
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