Breastfeeding/Pumping and Travel
Holidays are here! Lots of travel and family time and being away from the comfort of your own home. Here is some advice and information for parents regarding breastfeeding and pumping for your babies this holiday season! Be prepared for your schedule to be off and for your baby’s feedings and sleep schedule to change slightly, especially if traveling to a location with a time change. Try to keep baby on track by following the baby’s cues. Make sure mom is drinking enough water and eating healthy snacks to keep up her milk supply! Take time to rest. An overtired, stressed-out mom can lead to a decrease in milk supply. Try to have a comfortable, quiet place to nurse or feed baby and try to plan for a clean place to store milk when out of the home. Here are Human Milk Storage Guidelines:
Human Milk Storage Guidelines | |||
Storage Location and Temperatures | |||
Type of Breast Milk | Countertop | Refrigerator | Freezer |
Freshly Expressed or Pumped | Up to 4 Hours | Up to 4 Days | Within 6 months is best |
Thawed, Previously Frozen | 1–2 Hours | Up to 1 Day | NEVER refreeze human milk |
Leftover from a Feeding | Use within 2 hours after the baby is finished feeding | ||
Source: https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/recommendations/handling_breastmilk.htm
If traveling via airplane, it is okay to have fully frozen breastmilk placed in a cooler with frozen ice packs. It will have to get tested by TSA. If traveling with fresh breastmilk, it is considered a medically necessary liquid. TSA prefers the milk is stored in clear bottles, rather than bags or pouches. Your pump is also considered a medical device and does not count towards a carry-on bag.
https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/breast-milk
Rest, Relax, Enjoy the Holidays with your Baby!
Jessica Topel, APN