How to Travel Abroad Without Your Breastfed Baby: Maintaining Milk Supply and Storing Breast Milk While Travelling

Travelling abroad without your baby can be a daunting experience for a mother, but with the right preparation and tools, it’s possible to maintain your milk supply, manage the logistics of storing and transporting breast milk, and ensure your baby still gets the best nutrition. Whether it’s for work, a vacation, or any other reason, here are some practical tips to help you navigate this journey — and get over that mum guilt!

Preparing for Your Travels Without Baby 

Stock Up on Extra Milk at Home

• Build a Milk Bank: It is a good idea to build up a supply of breast milk that can be used while you’re travelling without your baby. Plan ahead for how long you’ll be away and how much milk you’ll have to pump to cover this absence (and extra). 
• Start Early: It is important to understand how much extra milk you are able to pump each day to build your stash. While some mothers can pump out enough extra milk for a few feeds each day, this is not always the case: some mothers produce exactly the same amount of milk as demanded by their babies and may be unable to increase supply beyond this amount; for other mothers, it may take several weeks of additional pumping to generate enough supply to create a stash in time for travel. 

Invest in a Reliable, Rechargeable Breast Pump

• Invest in a Good Pump: A reliable breast pump is essential for maintaining your milk supply while you’re away. Opt for a portable, rechargeable model if you’re travelling internationally, as it will make pumping much easier and more convenient, especially if you’re on the go and travelling without your baby.  Remember to bring an international travel adaptor with you – or you won’t be able to use your pump! 
• Test the Pump: It is a good idea to test your pumping routine at least a week in advance. Spend some time exclusively pumping to ensure you’re comfortable and that you feel adequately emptied by the end of each session. If you find that your pump setup isn’t providing optimal comfort or efficiency, experiment with different flange sizes, styles, or pump settings until you find what works best for you. 

Get All the Help You Can Get

• Notify Airlines About Carrying Breast Milk and Pump: When flying, it is essential to notify the airline ahead of time about your breast milk and pump. Most airlines have specific guidelines for carrying breast milk, and while you’re allowed to bring milk for your baby (even if your baby is not travelling with you), you may need to provide documentation or pack it in a way that meets airport security standards. 
• Ask for Assistance at the Airport: If you are travelling by plane, many airports have designated “family assistance” desks or staff who can provide support with navigating security or carrying your items. If you’re struggling with carrying your breast pump or managing your baby, alert airport staff—they’re often willing to provide a helping hand or guide you through faster, more convenient security processes for parents travelling with infants.
• Be Prepared for Engorgement: If you’re not accustomed to pumping frequently and travelling without your baby, you may experience some challenges such as engorgement. To manage discomfort, bring along a pain reliever medication for any soreness and hot/cold packs for your breasts to provide relief and reduce swelling. 

Pumping While Travelling Without Baby 

Pump Consistently

• Maintain a Schedule: Even when travelling without your baby, maintaining a regular pumping schedule is vital for keeping your milk supply steady. Aim to pump every 3–4 hours, mimicking your baby’s usual feeding routine. Skipping sessions can lead to a decrease in milk production, and prolonged engorgement can also be uncomfortable. Set reminders to help you stay on track and make sure you pump as often as your baby would typically feed. 
• Pump on the Go: If you’re flying or in transit, it might be necessary to pump in the car or on the plane—just be prepared with a comfortable setup and quick access to your pump. This can mean booking airline seats that give you better privacy (front or back rows) and bringing nursing covers.

Plan For Your Pump

• Make a List of Where to Pump: Finding a private and comfortable space to pump is key. Some airports, hotels, and public spaces offer nursing or lactation rooms, which are designed for mothers who need to pump or breastfeed in a private, quiet area. 
• Call Ahead: Before you travel, call ahead to inquire about these facilities at your airport, hotel and destination. Customer service teams can often direct you to the nearest lactation room or even help you reserve a space, making your trip more comfortable and less stressful. They can even help you out with local customs and rules surrounding breastfeeding so you know what to expect.
• Pack Ahead: If nursing facilities aren’t available, a nursing cover can provide the privacy you need to pump discreetly. Wear loose clothing, and always bring a change of clothes!
• Keep Your Pumps Clean: Keeping your pump parts clean while travelling is essential to prevent any buildup of bacteria. In many public spaces, you may not have access to soap and water, so carry disinfecting wipes or a portable sterilizer for quick cleaning between pumping sessions. If you do have access to a sink, wash your pump parts thoroughly with warm, soapy water as soon as possible. Be sure to also pack extra pump parts (like flanges and bottles) in case anything gets damaged or misplaced.
• Bring a Manual Backup Pump: It’s a good idea to bring a manual backup pump with you. If your electric pump malfunctions or runs out of battery at an inconvenient time, having a manual pump on hand will ensure you’re not left without options. This can be especially important if you experience engorgement and need to relieve pressure quickly, avoiding the discomfort of manual expression in an emergency situation.

Storing and Transporting Breast Milk

Know How to Store Your Milk

• For short periods, use breastmilk storage bags and ice packs (e.g., up to 12 hours): To keep your milk fresh during the trip, invest in high-quality breast milk storage bags. These bags are designed to store milk in a way that prevents leakage and ensures freshness. You can also use cooler bags with ice packs to maintain the ideal temperature, especially if you’re travelling for extended periods or to warmer climates. 
• For long trips, request for freezers or refrigerators (e.g., more than 12 hours): If you’re travelling without your baby for several days, check to see if your accommodation has a freezer or refrigerator where you can store the milk. It is also important to check if the freezer works when you are away from the room–some hotels may turn the power off when the keycard is not plugged in. In this case, don’t be afraid to ask for an extra key card to keep the electricity running even when you’re away.
• Label Milk with Dates and Times: Labeling your milk with the date and time of pumping is essential to keep track of freshness, especially if you’re storing milk for multiple days. This will help ensure that you’re following safe storage guidelines and using the oldest milk first.
• Plan Ahead for Transporting Your Milk Home: It’s important to plan ahead for how you’ll bring your expressed milk back home. If possible, freezing the milk is a better option than refrigerating it, as frozen milk is more stable during travel. To maximize space, freeze the milk flat in bags rather than bottles, which will allow you to fit more milk into your cooler. It’s also recommended to carry your milk on the plane rather than checking it in, as this reduces the risk of it being lost or exposed to unpredictable temperatures. 

Additional Tips

• Keep Hydrated and Eat Well: Staying hydrated is key to maintaining a healthy milk supply. Remember to drink plenty of water throughout your trip, especially when you’re on the go. Eating well-balanced meals will also support your body’s milk production.
• Know the Local Laws: If you’re travelling abroad, be aware of the laws regarding breastfeeding and milk transport in your destination country. Some countries may have specific regulations for travelling with breast milk, especially when it comes to bringing it across borders. Do some research beforehand to avoid any surprises.

Travelling without your baby doesn’t have to be stressful. By planning ahead, investing in the right equipment, and knowing how to store and transport breast milk, you can maintain your milk supply and ensure your baby continues to receive the best nutrition. With these tips, you can enjoy your trip without the worry of compromising your breastfeeding goals. Safe travels!