Breastfeeding and traveling without baby
Prepare your feeding and pumping plan for the times when you’re traveling without your baby while breastfeeding
As a breastfeeding parent, there will likely come a time when you have to leave your baby for a night or two. Don’t panic. There are plenty of ways to maintain your supply (and your energy) from the road, and even get a full night of sleep. Whether you’re off to your BFF’s bachelorette party or a work conference, baby’s still gotta eat, which likely means you’ve gotta pump. Follow these steps before you hit the road to make sure you’ve covered all your bases.
The stash
he first thing to consider when it comes to travel is how your baby will eat while you’re away. A healthy arsenal of frozen milk to leave behind should add up to whatever amount your IBCLC and you have calculated you may need while you’re away. Don’t feel guilty about tapping into it for out-of-town travel, because if you’ll be pumping while traveling, you will replenish your supply. If you’re leaving your baby with a caregiver, work with your IBCLC to determine how much milk to express for each feeding.
Pumping while traveling without your baby
Choose the right primary pump for your lifestyle, and if you’re hitting the road and your main pump isn’t mobile, you may need to make extra preparations. Either get a battery pack if your pump isn’t already portable, or invest in a hand pump for those moments when you can’t find an outlet. Remember: If you are taking a long flight, you may need to pump on the airplane. Your breast pump is considered a medical device, so it does *not* count as a carry on (which is awesome). Beyond the breast pump, it’s important to travel with a cooler to keep your expressed milk cold while you’re on the road, plus backup accessories and storage bags for easy transport.
Storage and transportation
Once you reach your destination, having access to a refrigerator for milk storage is key. Contact your hotel ahead of time to ensure you’ll have one available to you.
Pack enough bags to store your milk, and bring a cooler and ice packs for transporting it all home. If you’re only away for a few days, a standard refrigerator will be fine. If you will be away for a week or longer, though, consider a store-and-ship service or arrange for a cold shipping package from FedEx. If you’re away for a work-related trip, know that many employers will reimburse you for this expense.
While leaving an infant at home can be difficult, it’s empowering to know that you’re in good hands while taking on responsibilities away from home. If you have any questions about how to navigate travel while breastfeeding, requesting an insurance-covered consultation with an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) can help.
We’re here for you, every step of the way. We work with your insurance to provide in-home, in-office, or telehealth visits with an IBCLC.
