Are you breastfeeding or pumping moms? You must be worried about how to travel with a baby or an infant. When flying with your baby, it’s okay and super easy to breastfeed. However, What about without a baby?
Fear not! the good news is, that flying and traveling is become possible with breastmilk storage techniques. Many pumping moms go for travel with their breast pumps every day. Ice packs and a cooler are a must to save the milk for your baby.
You can travel with breast milk, it is clear. Right? But how to travel with breast milk? let’s explore in this complete travel guide.
How to Store Breastmilk and Keep It Fresh?
When you are on the long way or stay from place to place, the best way to store the breastmilk is to keep it in small sealed containers. You can use ice packs and a cooler to maintain its freshness for a long time.
Mostly moms like to use sealable bags to store milk that are specially designed for breast milk storage. On the flip side, mom prefers plastic containers for the security of milk and to prevent spillage or leakage.
If you are using sealed bags, you can store a small amount of milk like 2 to 4 once. These bags are a great way to control the portion and a single serving to feed your baby.
Your milk will stay fresh for 24 hours in refrigerators and coolers with ice packs. Hence, if you go for 1 day, you can give it to your baby on that day, and the next day as well, it remains fresh.
Breast Milk Storage Guidelines
Just pump and store milk for the baby, it is not enough! You need to consider the breast milk storage guidelines to prevent harm and for the sake of the baby’s health.
What’s that? Have a look!
- Room Temperature Milk
If you freshly pumped milk, it remains fresh for up to 4 hours a room temperature.
- Refrigerator Milk
Freshly expressed milk stays fresh in the refrigerator a little bit longer than at room temperature. You can store it for 4 days, which is a good time to easily travel.
- Frozen Milk
If you just pump the breast and store the milk in the freezer, it can stay fresh for 6 months. However, according to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), it can be stored for 6 to 12 months easily.
- Thawed Frozen Milk
Thawed frozen milk is milk that you store milk for a time and use again. If you use thawed milk a room temperature, you should use it within 1-2 hours. In case, there is some time to give it to the baby, 1 day (24 hours) is enough time to use it. Otherwise, waste it. Remember, avoid to restore or refreeze the breast milk after it has been thawed.
- Left Over Milk
After feeding the baby, use leftover milk within an hour, if you cannot, waste it.
Do Airports Authorities Allow to Bring a Breast Pump on Plane Or Not?
Yes, all airports allow you to bring breast pumps. Breast pumps are considered as personal and easily carry as your essentials like mobiles.
Electronic devices or handbags etc. Additionally, some international airlines consider breast pumps as medical devices that do not count in your carry-on totals. It is normal to bring a breast pump in an airplane and use it if needed. Further, you can ask the airplane staff for an accessible place if you have an electric breast pump for pumping easily. As an option, a hand or manual breast pump is a good choice as compared to electronic pumps.
TSA (Transportation Security Administration) Regulations for Flying with Breastmilk
TSA regulations are fine for flying with breast milk. A reasonable quantity of milk is allowed to bring in an airplane that is above 3.4 ounces. Whether you traveling with a baby or without a baby. You should inform the TSA officer about traveling with breast milk before going through security.
When they acknowledge the milk, a small amount of your breast milk is sent for screening. Don’t worry, your milk stays safe and still passes through X-rays. If the milk is stored in sealed bags or containers, you are allowed to request to TSA officer not to open your milk.
Tips for Pumping and Breastfeeding While Traveling
Most mothers are conscious about the baby’s health and its good. There are no limits or edges for breastfeeding on your seat while on an airplane. If you flying with a baby or without a baby, you need to consider some pumping and breastfeeding tips during travel. Check them out!
- Handle Passenger Complains
First of all, let your seatmates know from the start of a journey that you intend to pump or breastfeed. It is good to talk from the start, instead to handle that passenger complaints later. If they feel uncomfortable ask the staff to reseat the passenger or accommodate them. The best thing is to book a window seat, which gives you extra space and maintains privacy as well.
- Bring A Nursing Cover or Scarf
A nursing cover or scarf is a must when intend to breastfeed. When starting breastfeeding it is essential to cover your chest with a nursing cover or scarf.
- Clean Your Pumping Equipment
After pumping don’t leave your pumping equipment as they are. Clean them instantly, you can ask for a water bottle to clean them. After that, use sanitizer before and after pumping, a small amount of sanitizer is good for the baby as well.
- Avoid Feeding During Takeoff or Landing
When you are willing to breastfeed your baby, make sure the airplane is in the air. To release pressure in your baby’s ears, avoid landing and takeoff time for breastfeeding.
- Wait for The Captain to Announcement
If you are in a fight with an electric breast milk pump, wait for the announcement of the captain that all passengers can use electronic devices.
Can We Ship the Breast Milk, Is It Possible?
Absolutely! You can ship the breast milk it is possible but precaution and proper planning are key. If you traveling away from your baby, you can ship the milk to your home for a baby it can be difficult and expensive as well. If you can freeze your milk, freeze it and then ship it in a cooler with an ice pack to maintain its freshness for a long time.
Tips for Breastfeeding On Airports
Need to breastfeed or pump at the airport? The following tips will help you, have a look!
- Search for Separate Lactation Areas
Almost, every international airport provides a separate lactation area in the terminals for pumping, nursing, and breastfeeding. The areas have a lock, proper seat to sit, flat surface or table to take accessories and electrical outlet. From washing sinks to sanitizing equipment are available over there.
- Cultural Attitudes
When entering in strange country, try to talk with friendly locals to learn about the cultural attitude of breastfeeding because breastfeeding varies by culture and country. Ask them about the place to pump or breastfeed.
In A Nutshell
Travelling with breastfeeding is not only possible but it’s completely secure. You can fly with breastmilk and pump as well during travel. Many international airports allow passengers to travel with breast milk and pumping equipment. They consider them as medical equipment and personal products. Hopefully, the above travel hacks help you to breastfeed while traveling or at the airport.
