This post was written by Alex Fitzwater, RN, certified lactation specialist.
Whether you are traveling by plane, car or train, being away from home while breastfeeding can be stressful and intimidating. Here are five tips that can help you feel more in control about feeding your infant.
Tip No. 1 – Plan, plan, plan
Having a plan makes all the difference in making your travels go smoothly.
- If you are driving: Plan your route around your baby’s feeding schedule and know where you are going to stop in advance. You don’t want to be scrambling to find a rest stop with a fussy, hungry baby in the back seat!
- If you are pumping: Call your hotel in advance to make sure there will be a fridge in your room. Some hotels may provide amenities if you let them know you need to store breast milk during your stay.
- If you are flying: Most airports have designated spaces for breastfeeding and pumping. You can visit the airport website or use the Mamava app to locate them.
Tip No. 2 – Stick to a schedule
The best way to protect your milk supply while you are traveling is to stick to your normal breastfeeding or pumping schedule. Even a short session is better than skipping one entirely.
- Pack a cooler to store your breast milk if you are planning to be away from a fridge for longer than four hours.
- A stainless-steel breast milk cooler is an alternative breast milk storage method that keeps milk cold for up to 20 hours.
Tip No. 3 – Pack the right gear
Having the right gear close by is essential to reduce stress during your travels.
- Most airlines allow a diaper bag free of charge that does not count as a carry-on.
- Pack your breast pump in a carry-on so it doesn’t get lost or damaged.
- Pack an external battery or outlet adapter if you are planning to be somewhere without outlets.
- Consider a cordless wearable breast pump to use discretely while on the go.
- Breast pump cleaning wipes are an easy alternative if you won’t have access to a sink.
Tip No. 4 – Know your rights
Breastfeeding and pumping while you are out of the comfort of your normal surroundings can be stressful. No matter where you are in the U.S., you have the legal right to breast feed or pump in public.
Breastmilk and baby formulas are allowed in quantities greater than the 3.4 liquid ounce rule and can be packed in carry-ons, even if your baby is not traveling with you. More information can be found at tsa.gov.
You may be required to open your stored breast milk containers while moving through security.
- They do not submerge anything into your milk; the test strips are simply held above your milk to test for things like fumes and chemicals.
- Keeping your breast milk in clear plastic containers like a standard breast milk storage bag can help make the screening process quicker and easier.
Tip No. 5 – Stay safe
The last and final tip is to stay safe!
- Wash your hands or pack hand sanitizer to use before pumping or breastfeeding.
- Practice safe breast milk storage and make sure to label each container with the date and time it was expressed. You can review the CDC guidelines for breastmilk storage here.
- If you are traveling by car, remember, it is safest to feed your infant only when the car is stopped and parked to prevent injury in the case of an accident.
If you have questions, need help creating a pumping schedule, or would like extra guidance on traveling with your little one, reach out to Parkview Lactation Services – We are here to support you every step of the way.
Happy travels!
Sources
