Making Pumping While Traveling a Little Bit Easier
Travel organization can be a challenge for everyone, but for a nursing mother, pumping on the go makes everything more difficult. When the inevitable work trip calls, it is important to be prepared. Even if you are traveling with your child, there are times that you may need to pump. These tips will help you to make a plan to pump wherever you may go.
The first thing you may want to consider is the purchase of a smaller travel pump. There are options on the market that won’t be as bulky as your daily pump, but perform just as well. I chose the Baby Buddha as my travel pump for several reasons. It is a tiny, lightweight pump that can be worn around your neck for hands free pumping. It’s also powered by USB charge, so you won’t need to worry about voltage when traveling internationally.
Space and weight are always at a premium in our luggage, so I wanted to minimize my pumping gear. The Baby Buddha weighs in at under 2 pounds, and measures 5.5x2x2, which makes it easy to stow in your carry-on or checked luggage. If you do carry a breast pump in your checked luggage, I would recommend labeling it as such, as it’s helpful for the TSA staff when doing routine luggage checks.
To streamline the process further, I modified the Baby Buddha to use with my regular Medela pumping accessories. I removed the white connectors on one end of the tubing and installed Maymom Long Stem Backflow Protectors in their place.
I also modified my Medela accessories to make my pumping experience more travel friendly. I added Lansinoh Breastmilk Storage Bags by attaching Lansinoh Pump Adaptors to the pump expression set. I also used Nenesupply Duckbill Valves instead of the yellow valve and membrane that comes in the Medela sets. This makes is easier to clean, and some nursing mothers even eel that the Duckbill Valves create more output.
Many mothers like to use Packit Freezable Classic Lunch Box bags for milk storage, and I agree that a lunch bag is the perfect storage option. The zipper compartment will fit the Baby Buddha and its charger—and you can use the mesh compartment for storage as well. The bonus is that it makes a great food and snack storage bag for long outings when your breastfeeding and pumping days are far behind.
You can use reusable ice packs, but I found that when traveling, it was more efficient to bring extra plastic zip bags and ask restaurants or hotels for ice. I was able to fit extra quart freezer zip lock bags, several Dr. Browns Microwave Steam Sterilizer Bags, extra Lansinoh Breastmilk Storage Bags, a tiny OXO pump cleaning set, a mini sharpie for labeling, and small bottle of dish soap in this 8.25x10x4.25 bag.
It’s also good to have a privacy cape like this Betty Dain Cape, but since we are leaning heavily into minimalism—especially during travel, you can choose to use a scarf instead.
If you can fit the Boon Travel Drying Rack as well, it’s helpful for the cleanup of any bottles, bowls and spoons you might have in a hotel. In fact, we will be traveling with it for the foreseeable future, as it makes any post meal clean up in hotels much easier and more sanitary.
If your trip is extended, or you will need to send milk home for your child, you will want to arrange milk shipment ahead of time. You can use a service that specifically ships breast milk, like Milk Stork, or you can chose to send the milk via overnight delivery with FedEx. Either way, you will want to fully weigh the options and create a plan before leaving for your trip.
Additionally, it’s important to check both your airline and TSA policy for transport of breastmilk. Some countries will require that the milk be tested using lab strips before being allowed through security, so plan for that instance. I have found that it’s best to transport the milk in my carry fully frozen to avoid the liquid scrutiny. I’ve still had TSA agents hold test strips over the open bottles, but it’s less invasive.
And yes, this is A LOT of work just to feed a baby, but we all do what we have to do! As you can see, if you have a plan, your travel pumping experience will be more comfortable and successful. Best of luck, and happy and safe travels!
