Traveling While Breastfeeding or Pumping

There is no doubt about it—keeping your baby supplied with milk is one of the toughest challenges of being a new mom. If you are breastfeeding or pumping, maintaining your milk supply can be a source of anxiety for many mothers. This is especially true when you are traveling and facing the overwhelming task of juggling the demands of motherhood with the demands of life. How do you maintain your breast milk supply and ensure your baby is well fed while traveling?

Eric Jackson on December 22, 2022

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Maintain Your Breastfeeding Routine

Breastfeeding has many benefits, and traveling with or without your baby does not have to stop you. When you take trips without your baby, you will likely need to rely on a breast pump. When you pump milk, it helps you maintain your supply and prevents your breast ducts from becoming engorged or clogged. Most importantly, it produces a supply of milk you can use later to feed your baby. Going long stretches between feeding or pumping can increase the likelihood of mastitis, a painful infection. 

If you are new to pumping, it is important to maintain a consistent schedule that mirrors the times you feed your baby. To establish and maintain supply, you will need to regularly empty your breasts with a pump or by hand. This routine is key. Many women experience a drop in supply when they are away from their baby, and sometimes it is due in part to skipping a pumping session or not pumping long enough. 

Try to pump for 10 to 20 minutes each session, even if your milk is no longer flowing. When you are back with your baby, resume your nursing routine as usual. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the rule of “Practice 15 for 4.” Express milk for 15 minutes, on average, for every four hours you are not nursing your baby.

When You’re Away From Your Baby

Whenever you travel alone, you will need to consider both your needs and your baby’s needs. Is your child receiving breast milk exclusively? If so, will the caregiver need to supplement your breastmilk with frozen breast milk or formula? Do you have a supply of frozen breast milk stashed away in your freezer? It is important to calculate roughly how many ounces or bottles your baby will need while you are away.

If your baby will accept a bottle from another caregiver, you will need to make careful plans. The length of your stay and time away from your baby depends on available milk or supplemental formula, as well as your ability to pump routinely while you are away. 

Depending on how long you will be away, you may choose to ship your breast milk home. Companies like Milk Stork and FedEx offer services that streamline the process of sending fresh or frozen breast milk. You also can do it yourself with the right packing materials, like a Styrofoam cooler and dry ice. Both human breast milk and dry ice require special labeling and shipping instructions. 

If your child is older and eating solid foods, they may not require as much milk as a younger infant or newborn. Talk with your pediatrician if you have specific questions or concerns about how much milk or formula your baby should be drinking as they transition to solid foods. 

Pumping and Your Milk Supply

If you are exclusively breastfeeding, it is essential to try pumping well in advance of any time away from your baby. Get familiar with the ins and outs of your pump, especially how to wash, organize and store the breast pump parts. Make a trip to the baby section of a department store or do a web search to find other helpful supplies for pumping milk.

Not all babies transition well to taking a bottle, so it is best to try a few test runs with your baby’s caregiver before a trip. Pumping in addition to breastfeeding may enable you to stockpile frozen milk for future use.

Your supply for pumping may vary if you are used to only breastfeeding. If the transition to pumping is challenging, you are not alone. Give yourself time—and patience—to adjust. Just as with any breastfeeding challenge, reach out to a lactation consultant or breastfeeding expert, or even your OB/GYN or pediatrician for support. 

Where to Pump or Breastfeed

When you breastfeed or pump milk, you will likely seek out privacy and quiet places. Again, planning is key. Plan ahead to find a location and time where you will feel most comfortable. 

  • If you are flying, do an internet search ahead of time for lactation or nursing rooms in airports or other public places. Otherwise, look for quiet gates at the airport. When on the airplane, window seats next to your traveling companion may offer more privacy. 
  • If you are driving, identify rest stops or parking areas where you can safely pull over to either feed your baby or pump in the car. 

In most states, it is your legal right to breastfeed in public. If you are not comfortable breastfeeding or pumping in public, try getting some practice in before your trip. Use a nursing cover or choose clothing that provides easy access to your breasts while still providing coverage. Certain nursing or pumping-specific tops and bras enable women to pump or breastfeed more discreetly.

You can fly with breast milk, pumping supplies and freezer packs in carry-on luggage. As you go through airport security, tell the TSA officer that you are traveling with breast milk or supplies. These will be screened separately. The TSA recommends storing breast milk in bottles instead of plastic bags for easier screening.

On-the-Go Milk Storage

Whether you are traveling with or without your baby, always wash your hands before pumping and ensure all the pumping parts are clean before you begin. Prepare and label storage containers—either special bags for breast milk or plastic bottles—before you pump.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the Rule of Four for storing expressed milk:

  • Freshly expressed milk can sit at room temperature for four hours.
  • Expressed milk can stay in the refrigerator for four days.
  • Store breast milk in small batches, either bottles or bags, in no more than 4-ounce batches to prevent waste.

When you are traveling with your baby, they may consume expressed milk within the 4-hour window at room temperature. If you are traveling without your baby, store the expressed milk in a cooler with ice packs. Breast milk can stay in a cooler with ice packs that are frozen for up to 24 hours.

What to Pack in Your Pumping Bag for Travel

A special “go-bag” can hold all your pumping or breastfeeding supplies while you are traveling. Find a bag that will hold your pump, a charger and adapter if needed, tubes, flanges, bottles, an extra set of parts, a bag for storing parts sanitizing wipes, a way to store pumped milk, extra bags or bottles, nipple cream, breast pads, and a small washcloth or towel. 

Must-have items to pack include:

  • Cleaning supplies: Include sanitizing wipes, a sponge and dish soap, or a sterilization bag for the microwave.
  • A cooler with ice packs: You may need to replenish ice packs if you will be without refrigeration for a long period.
  • A hand pump: Even if you are an experienced pumper, do not underestimate the benefit of having a hand pump available. These pumps are typically discreet and can quickly relieve engorged breasts until you have time or privacy to have a longer pumping session.
  • Snacks and water to drink: Women who are breastfeeding need 300 to 400 extra calories daily. 

Do not be afraid of pumping or breastfeeding your baby while traveling. With planning and preparation, you can keep your baby fed and your breasts healthy away from home.

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Medically reviewed by Neena Jube-Desai, MD, MBA.

Posted by Eric Jackson

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