Here we provide 7 tips for traveling while breastfeeding

Traveling with a baby is hard; traveling without one can be a challenge, too, especially if you’re breastfeeding. Having said that, there can be something so liberating about stepping away from the baby you’ve been lugging around since conception. You’re free! Well, sort of. Here are a few tips to make traveling a little easier.

If you’re flying, do not check your pump. Not only can it be damaged or lost, but you might wind up delayed, and then you might not have it when you need it. If you have a short flight or roll the dice on a delay, at least be sure to have a hand held pump with you if you are checking your electric pump, in case you have to slip into the bathroom to express some milk.  Lugging that electric pump on is less than ideal when you also want to bring your laptop, we know, but trust us, do not check that pump if possible.

Make sure you have access to cooling devices. Breast milk can be stored at room temperature for up to four hours; but if you’re going to be away longer than that, you’ll need a cooling plan. Bring a bunch of cold packs if you’re traveling for the day and a cooler that can hold your breastmilk (you can store breastmilk for up to 24 hours in the cooler). For overnight travel, you’ll need access to a fridge or freezer once you get to your destination. If you’re staying in a hotel, call ahead and make sure they know. That way, the fridge will be plugged in and cool when you arrive.  Once you get there, move the milk from your bag or cooler into said fridge or freezer, and store until it’s time to head back home again.

If you can, use bags, not bottles, to store the milk. Freezer storage bags take up less room, which is pretty critical when you’re traveling, and they freeze better. Only fill them to ¾ full if you’re going to freeze them, since milk—like water—expands when frozen.  We always recommend laying them flat when freezing them, because then they freeze flat, and you can stack them up like pancakes to save on space.

Make sure to label breast milk you pumped with the time and date; that way, you’ll know when you pumped it. Older milk should be used first when you get back.  On the outside of the bag, put how many ounces are inside the bag, because as just mentioned, breastmilk expands when it’s frozen, so later it will look like more than it really is.

Think about power. Does your pump need to be plugged in? Can you charge it ahead of time? Make sure you have your power cord or batteries, so you don’t wind up with a dead pump in the airport, on the plane or out at your work conference.

Research your trip. Will the airports have lactation stations or other places you can pump? Many airports now have breastfeeding and pumping pods in their terminals, so you can hop into a private, clean space before or after your flight. Don’t by shy to pump on a long flight if and when you need to.  Airplane bathrooms are tiny, so if you have a long flight, be sure to have a good nursing tank and cover, so you can easily pump right in your seat if you need to.  Trust us, it won’t be the first time a mom has pumped on a flight. If you’re staying with friends, let them know about your pumping plans so they can make space in the freezer for you, or even just set up a spot in their house for you to use.

Bring other things that make pumping easier. Cleaning apparatus can be important if you’re planning to pump more than once. Medela, makes a great quick clean travel wipe for when you are on the go and don’t have access to clean, hot, soapy water. Have a nursing cover if you prefer it. Don’t forget snacks because you’re breastfeeding, so you’re likely hungry all the time, and you’ll definitely want water because dehydration is a common side effect of traveling, so buy a big bottle once you’re through airport security. 

Breastfeeding has its ups and downs, and many women find pumping to be a challenge. Traveling and pumping is a difficult combination, but it is doable! Remember to take care of yourself and have fun on your journey. Maybe sleep in a bit. You deserve it!  And before you jet off, feel free to check the latest TSA guidelines around traveling, as women travel every day without their baby and have pumps and breastmilk on them! https://www.tsa.gov/travel/special-procedures/traveling-children