Pumping and travelling while on business trips...

Elnie - posted on 10/04/2009

I used to lug a 12-pack sized Coleman cooler, (yes, others thought I was going camping). Do request a freezer or a working refrigerator in your hotel room, prior to travel, so you won't get surprises when you arrive. The last thing you need is a pathetic mini refrigerator that can barely keep the Coke and Beer cool.
Also bring sterilizer tablets and a large container (big enough to immerse the pump parts entirely so it gets fully sterilized), this can be your big picnic lunch box.
On the flight back, I'd take it as hand luggage, and request the flight attendant for ice sheets (oh yes, forgot to mention, bring your own re-usable ice sheets), the last time I had a wonderful flight attendant bring me more than enough ice sheets, that was Singapore Airlines. I can't stop singing praises about that flight! So helpful!

Gwen - posted on 07/18/2009

I had my first B-trip since I've been back a few weeks ago. I brought a little cooler bag, an electric travel pump, extra batteries, and 5 oz storage bottles. My trip was a same day in and out trip from Denver to Chicago. I was really worried about TSA but it was no problem. I just opened my little cooler and showed it to them. One time they had to call a manager, but she just looked at it and said OK. I joked to let them taste it if they wanted. As for keeping it cold, I discovered if you ask for ice on the airplane they bring you a barf bag with ice in it, which mostly worked (you have to keep it upright). The biggest challenge for me was timing and finding good places to pump. I had assumed since it was a short flight that I could pump right after my flight and be OK, but it ended up being a horrible flight with lots of turbulance and delays--we were on the plane for 5 hours instead of 2. Pumping in the airplane restroom was a little awkward (someone knocked on the door to find out if I was OK), and pumping in the airport bathroom sucked (the auto flushing toilette kept flushing). I was so happy to see my little one when I got home, and of course he was sound asleep!

I have several longer trips coming in the future and plan to take him with me.

Kathleen - posted on 06/02/2009

I travelled several times with breastmilk and had no problems getting it through security. I just mentioned I had breastmilk as I was putting my bags on the belt and they never gave me trouble. I used ice packs and coolers in my carry on (my pump) and stored the breastmilk in bags as I could fit more in. I also put some in my luggage (in a cooler with ice all wrapped in a plastic bag) as well. Both made it home fine. The milk was cold from being stored in a fridge, but not frozen. As long as it was still cold when I got home and smelled OK I used it. I found the kellymom web site really helpful, so I would check that out too.

Shara - posted on 05/01/2009

http://breastfeeding.about.com/od/faqs/f... Is an article on shipping your milk home on dry ice.

Shara - posted on 05/01/2009

I used the medela freezer pack that stays cold for over 12 hours

Jaime - posted on 05/01/2009

How did you keep it cold? I keep reading horror stories about the TSA not allowing freezer packs...

Shara - posted on 05/01/2009

When I have travled I was able to freeze the milk in my hotel room, (requested a fridge at the front desk) and took it home frozen on the plane. TSA never said anything about it. I would call the airline though if you are concerned. (I did store it in plastic milk bags incase I did have to throw it away at the gate, so that I did not losse my plastic freezing containers.)

Shara - posted on 05/01/2009

When I have travled I was able to freeze the milk in my hotel room, (requested a fridge at the front desk) and took it home frozen on the plane. TSA never said anything about it. I would call the airline though if you are concerned. (I did store it in plastic milk bags incase I did have to throw it away at the gate, so that I did not losse my plastic freezing containers.)