How to Travel With a Breast Pump

If you're a nursing mother who needs to travel with a breast pump, be prepared for conditions not quite like pumping at home or in your office. Putting a breast pump through the security screening can be a challenge alone, as can keeping the equipment clean when you don't have access to running water. Here's how to travel with a breast pump.

Instructions

1

Make sure the breast pump has been sterilized before you travel. Run parts through the dishwasher or use a microwave sterilizer prior to departing. Also make sure you have all necessary parts before you leave--you might not be near a baby superstore if you forget something at home.

2

Stock up on sterilizing wipes and microwave sterilizing bags if you won't have access to a dishwasher or sterilizer while you're traveling. You can find these items at baby superstores and places like Walmart and Target.

3

Take the pump parts out of the traveling case before going through security at an airport. While personnel might tell you this is unnecessary, there have been cases where nursing mothers were detained because the breast pump resembled a bomb when going through the security x-ray machine. To prevent this from happening, let security know you have a breast pump before you send it on the conveyor belt.

4

Make sure you have access to a refrigerator to store pumped breastmilk. Breastmilk is thought to be safe at room temperature for about 4 to 5 hours, if it's then used immediately. If your baby will not be consuming the pumped milk in this time frame, you must keep it cold or frozen so it does not spoil.

5

Pump frequently if you are away from your baby--every 3 to 4 hours, or as often as your baby typically nurses. Engorgement is not a condition you'll want to deal with, especially when away from home.