Summer Traveling Tips with Breast Milk

By Melissa Portunato, IBCLC

Yay, it’s summer! The season of family fun in the sun, road trips, and well-deserved vacations. But if you’re pumping, you might have some questions when it comes to traveling with your breastmilk. Read on for our latest and greatest tips on traveling with breastmilk to make you unstoppable this summer!

Prepare

Before you hit the road, ensure you have all your breastfeeding essentials ready. Spectra Baby USA offers an incredible range of portable breast pumps and accessories perfect for traveling. Prepare for your upcoming trip with peace of mind and stress-free planning by starting with the convenience of The Spectra Baby USA’s Synergy Portable Dual Motor Breast Pump with tote, bottles, and cooler bundle. The SG Portable features independent vacuum adjustability on each side with preset cycle levels eliminating the need for manual cycle adjustments. Designed with the busy pumping mom in mind, this bundle provides all the essentials to conveniently store your milk, while also offering ample space to carry all your pumping accessories when you’re on the go. Load up on extra accessories and consider The Simple Store Milk Collection Kit. This innovative storage solution allows you to conveniently pump, store and feed your baby all from a single bag. It also features a temperature sensor to ensure breast milk is just the right temperature for feeding. The CDC advises washing all pump components that come into contact with breast milk after each use. Washing them thoroughly after each use helps to eliminate any potentially harmful substances and ensures your breast milk is kept clean and safe for your baby.

Pumping On The Go

Pumping while on the move can be a stressful experience, but it’s important to remember that stress can hinder your letdown reflex, affecting the efficiency of your pumping session. Search for cool pumping-friendly spaces like private nursing rooms and comfortable seating areas. When pumping outdoors, it’s a great idea to bring along a mini fan to keep yourself cool and relaxed during your pumping session. Stay calm, stay relaxed, and let your milk flow with ease.

Keep it Cool

Wherever you’re heading off to this summer keeping your breast milk chilled is crucial. Before heading out for an extended period, give a quick call ahead and confirm whether your destination has a refrigerator or freezer. This way, you can ensure that your breast milk remains safely stored while you’re away. The Spectra Pink Cooler will ensure your breast milk is kept cool and fresh for a full 24 hours.

TSA

UGH, the dreaded TSA dance. Going through airport security can be nerve-wracking, but it doesn’t have to be. Remember, breast milk is exempt from the 3 – 4 ounce liquid rule, so you can bring as much as you need to. However, it’s always a good idea to check the TSA guidelines before you fly for peace of mind. Expert Tip: Kindly ask the TSA agent to change their gloves when handling your breast milk.

Summer Time Travel List

• Spectra SG Portable Double Adjustable Breast Pump with tote, bottles, and cooler bundle
• (3) extra sets of accessories
• Storage bags/containers
• Extra pumping bras/tanks
• Water Bottle
• Cleaning supplies – brush, non-antibacterial soap
• Paper or napkins for spills

Take a deep breath, relax, and try to create a calm experience as you prepare and look forward to your time away this summer. Soak up the sun, enjoy your family, and continue to provide the very best nutrition to your baby – your breast milk.

Spectra Baby USA wishes you safe travels this summer! Have more questions before your summer plans? Email us at IBCLC@spectrababyusa.com!

Sources:

Bartick, M., Hernández-Aguilar, M., Wight, N. E., Mitchell, K. B., Simon, L., Hanley, L. E., Meltzer-Brody, S., & Lawrence, R. Z. (2021). ABM Clinical Protocol #35: Supporting Breastfeeding During Maternal or Child Hospitalization. Breastfeeding Medicine, 16(9), 664–674. https://doi.org/10.1089/bfm.2021.29190.mba

Eglash, A., Simon, L., Brodribb, W., Reece-Stremtan, S., Noble, L., Brent, N., Bunik, M., Harrel, C., Lawrence, R. A., LeFort, Y., Marinelli, K. A., Rosen-Carole, C., Rothenberg, S., Seo, T., St Fleur, R., & Young, M. (2017). ABM Clinical Protocol #8: Human Milk Storage Information for Home Use for Full-Term Infants, Revised 2017. Breastfeeding Medicine, 12(7), 390–395. https://doi.org/10.1089/bfm.2017.29047.aje