Traveling on Business and Pumping (specific ?'s)

I need help. I didn't think I would have to travel so soon but I have two overnight business trips in June. I will be staying overnight in a hotel. DS is 3 mths and being 100% fed with breastmilk. I have a couple of questions but they are pretty detailed. I figured I would use an example - I leave on early (6am flight - leave for airport at 3:30am). I have an overnight stay and come back the next day on a 4pm flight (getting home about 9pm).

I figure that the first day I am fine - if I pump before I leave for the airport, I can pump when I get to the hotel at 11am.

1. Can I just refrigerate that milk in the hotel and pack it with ice the next day to bring home? I was told that the fridges in the hotel room have a small freezer section. I will be at an all day meeting the next day so I figured that I can pack the milk with frozen icepacks and pack it with my luggage - will the milk stay good?

2. If I decide to freeze the milk (if it is possible) would it still be good if it defrosts the next day?

3. The milk that I pump the second day, how do I take it through security without a baby?

4. Will I have problems with the icepacks through security? I was told by someone to pack the milk with a ziplock bag with ice , thrown the ice out while going through security and then repack with ice (ask from vendor).

It's already killing me that I have 2 overnight trips and have to be away from DS. I have worked so hard to store and freeze milk but I don't want to throw the milk I pump out. It seems like I would be throwing away gold......HELP!!

Re: Traveling on Business and Pumping (specific ?'s)

1. Can I just refrigerate that milk in the hotel and pack it with ice the next day to bring home? I was told that the fridges in the hotel room have a small freezer section. I will be at an all day meeting the next day so I figured that I can pack the milk with frozen icepacks and pack it with my luggage - will the milk stay good?
2. If I decide to freeze the milk (if it is possible) would it still be good if it defrosts the next day?DO NOT FREEZE THE MILK. Once you freeze BM- it must not be thawed until you are ready to use it. Once thawed, frozen BM must be used within a few hours. Just keep the milk on ice. Fresh BM has antibacterial properties that will keep it good for a few days.

3. The milk that I pump the second day, how do I take it through security without a baby?Check the TSA website, but I'm prety sure that BM is allowed. Considering you have a pump wth you- they should be fine. In fact, last summer I flew with my pump and BM and they allowed it.

4. Will I have problems with the icepacks through security? I was told by someone to pack the milk with a ziplock bag with ice , thrown the ice out while going through security and then repack with ice (ask from vendor).Ice Packs should be fine- as they are considered a solid when frozen as they go through security. That said, bring some ziplock bags to be safe. And get some ice once you get through security.

Just wanted to add- make sure you bring your pump on the plane with you. You never know if there will be delays and you may need to pump on the plane. I have pumped in the craziest places- believe me it can be done.

You will be fine, don't worry- and DON'T feel guilty for leaving your little one.

Re: Traveling on Business and Pumping (specific ?'s)

I just wanted to add that my lactation consultant told me that if the BM still has ice crystals (like a BM slushie!) you can re-freeze it. I had a business trip when I was BF DS and I pumped and froze the milk (I stayed at a Residence Inn where every room has a kitchen/kitchenette and a full-size refrigerator/freezer), then checked it in a cooler with ice packs in my luggage (I know!) and when I got home it was still frozen and only a few had thawed to very thick slushies. The plane ride was 3 hours and I left from Newark so you know how long that can take! Everything was fine.

Re: Traveling on Business and Pumping (specific ?'s)

I just had to do this on an overnight trip for work. DS was three months old. I pumped at the airport, the hotel and the place where the meeting was. Make sure you have an electric pump and a cooler with ice packs. Don't freeze the milk in the hotel, just keep it in the fridge. Use the freezer part to keep your ice pack frozen. You can definitely bring the BM on the plane, just make sure you tell them before putting the cooler through security. It actually says it on TSA website and I had no problems at all. I came home with over 30 oz. Make sure to buy the bags to pump into--saves alot of space

ETA: I carried the BM as a carry on and had no problem with the ice packs as well but again I told them at security ahead of time.

Message edited 6/1/2008 8:59:38 PM.

Re: Traveling on Business and Pumping (specific ?'s)

Thanks so much - I appreciate the feedback!!

Re: Traveling on Business and Pumping (specific ?'s)

Do not freeze the milk just refrigerate it. When coming back home on the plane pack it in with ice so it will stay cold. BM is good in the fridge for 3 days after that it must be frozen. I think you will be fine b/c this is only and overnight trip. Make sure you pump atleast 2-3 times that day though. You dont want your supply to drop.