XP: Question for BFers/EPers

Charlotte525

I thought I'd repost this here since the breastfeeding board can be quiet and is often filled with "getting started" type questions. 

I am going away for a work-related trip that will keep me from DD for 4 days.

I primarily pump these days and rent a hospital-grade pump, which I don't feel I can bring with me on the trip, due to its size and cumbersome nature. I'm planning to bring my Medela Swing (single electric) pump with  me to use while I'm back at the hotel, and in the morning before I go to work. I'm also going to pick up a hand pump to use a few times during the day while I'm at work. I'm panicking that my supply is going to plummet, but I'm going to do everything I can to keep the milk flowing while I'm away from my daughter (and my good pump!).

My question is this: It seems criminal that I'm going to have all this milk pumped, and have to dump it. Our freezer stash is going to take a monster hit while I'm gone as it is. Can I fly with a cooler full of BM? What about the 3 oz. rule? I looked at the TSA and it said that you could fly with as much as your LO needs... but LO will not be with me! 

I am staying in a small hotel, where I MIGHT be able to ask for some freezer room. I wonder if I should try and bring it back frozen- in a cooler?

I'm curious to hear how others dealt with any/all of this, if you were away from LO for a time.

Thanks!

jrlandrigan

I haven't flown since DS was born but I have seen other people post that they could bring bm on the plane. I think I have seen people post they had to taste it but not sure..

I just wanted to suggest you bring your hospital grade pump if you can. I'm not sure how portable it is but I think it will help keep your supply up while you can't nurse. During the week I pump more than nurse because of work. By the end of the week my supply is lower but I get it back up a bit while home with DS on the weekend.

I would call the airport and ask what the rules are to carrying bm. I wouldn't dump it, I'd def figure out a way to transport it back home whether you had to try and freeze it or carry it fresh. I think it would be better to not freeze it and just keep it in a cooler with an ice pack if possible, since it lasts longer that way.

itkatydid

My friend came to visit me without her babe and she was able to transport an entire cooler full of BM home. They gave her more crap about the icepacks then the milk.

eta: awful spelling

FraggleRockin247

Can you ship it?  Definitely try to pump as close to LOs schedule as you can.  I had to pump on a plane when DD was 7 weeks old, it can be done!  I dumped mine out though so I don't know about the actual milk transport.

Lynn1980

I flew when DS was 4 months old. I called the airline and the representative told me that I could carry as much breast milk back as a had to, but that each bottle couldn't have more then 3 oz in it! I would call just to double check every airline has different rules! But this is what I learned, when your going through security tell them that your transporting BM, take the cooler out and open it up on the belt (before they ask you) They will have to take it and test it, I believe its like a urine test they dip a little strip in it to make sure it doesn't have explosives in it I guess!!! But whatever you do don't dump your Liquid Gold, it's too precious. It is possible to tranport it! Another idea is...you can pack it on dry ice and ship it home...but that just an idea!

HCindy

I fly a lot for work and, for the last 7 months, carry my breast milk with me.  I've never had to dump it.  And I've carried various amounts of bm- some bags with 2 oz, some with 6 oz.  Each airport is different, even though they are supposed to follow the same rules.  Some airports will 'test' the bm.  They put a little test strip over the top of the open bag of bm.  They never touch the milk with anything.  I've never been asked to taste it.  Not all airports 'test' the milk.  Some airports let me keep the bags in the cooler and some make me pull everything out.  Many do a test on the breast pump.  I've had several make sure the ice packs were still frozen. and not care at all about the milk.  The only airport I had a difficult time in, get ready for this, Orlando.  They actually had signs saying the baby had to be with me for me to carry the bm on the plane.  I explained that if I had the baby with me I wouldn't have to carry all this bm.  That trip I had way over 100 oz. total. I also explained that due to the heat outside I didn't want to have the bm sitting on the hot tarmac for 3 hours. I think the problem may be more because I had 3 carry-ons: Breast pump, soft sided cooler with frozen milk, and a computer bag.  The manager at the Delta ticketing counter helped me.  She went to the TSA manager and got approval.  So, here's what I do: at hotels, I request a mini fridge and microwave in my room.  I also try to stay at Marriott TownePlace Suites, or other that has a full kitchenette, because they have a full size fridge/ freezer.  They also have a microwave. So I can pump and freeze my milk.  Then I can sanitize my bottles and shields in the microwave.  I use the Medella sterilizing bags.  Specifically with the milk and the airports, in the summer, I try to carry the bm with me.  Most security areas completely understand.  Because the milk is frozen it usually makes it home just fine- a little slushy maybe, but definitely not warm or liquidy.  In the winter I check my soft sided cooler, since it's colder under the plane than in the people cabin.  I don't have to pay for checked luggage since I'm a silver/ gold flyer.  I'd suggest taking the pump you have with you if at all possible.  It makes it easier and more comfortable to use what you're used to.  If you have to pay to check your bags, I'd bring a big bag and put your clothes, pump, cooler, etc in that.  It's less expensive, heavier, but less expensive.  Safe and happy travels!