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Out of all my years of nursing babies, just recently was the first time I had to worry about pumping while traveling. Our trip included a good mixture of driving and flying, as well as staying in airbnbs and hotels, so I thought it would be helpful to share my experience here with everything I learned along the way. I was so proud of myself for sticking through it and bringing home 200 ounces of *still frozen* breast milk. Our bodies are incredible!

IN THE CAR:

I ended up pumping in the car a lot more than I expected, just out of convenience. I used one of these car lighter adapters that could plug into my Spectra pump, and it worked like a charm. Unless you have the portable battery-powered Spectra, that would be most convenient (make sure to pack some extra batteries)!

We also kept a cooler in the trunk of the car with ice, frozen peas, or ice packs to keep my milk cold until we could store it. One of the hotels we stayed at actually had a large yeti cooler in our room that we could bring along for the day, but we also had a soft-sided cooler that would have worked just as well.

STORING MILK/OVERNIGHT:

If you’re staying at a hotel, you can usually ask for a fridge/freezer for your room, or they can also store your milk in their freezer. I also gave them my soft-sided cooler to store it all in so that it was easy for us to grab and go when it was time to check out. I brought each little bag of milk to the front desk and gave them my name/room number so they could take it back for me. It was a super simple process!

FLYING:

If you’re flying, your breast pump is considered a medical device, so you can carry it on the plane without it counting towards your bag limit.

We traveled with a soft-sided cooler bag to hold all my milk for the week. Then I put that inside of a tote bag along with my pump, all the parts, milk bags, and cleaning supplies so that it was together and easily accessible.

Be sure to account for extra time when you go through security. They usually just wiped the outside of my bag or waved a wand over it. They should not be opening any milk bags or pouring it out.

IN THE AIRPORT:

Airports typically have a few nursing mothers’ rooms spread throughout with private “stalls” curtained off with outlets, chairs, a table, and hooks. They are large enough to bring a stroller and/or luggage inside as well. There are also sinks available, along with a baby changing station if needed.

There’s usually a phone outside the door of the nursing mothers room with instructions to pick it up and call for someone to unlock the doors for safety measures. Twice, I encountered a cleaning crew that waited for me to finish and exit before coming in. The quiet and privacy was really nice in a busy airport!

Mamava pods are another option. They provide a small area to privately pump with a lock to not be disturbed. They have outlets, benches, mirrors, hand sanitizer, and are large enough to fit a stroller or luggage inside as well. I would definitely use these while breastfeeding too! They would also be nice if you’re traveling with other children to keep them contained inside with you.

You can download the free mamava app to find the one nearest you, get the unlock code, change the air flow, lighting, and even listen to calming sounds to help you relax.

Mamava pods are in all 50 states. You’d be surprised where all they’re located! I saw a few listed inside of a walmart or other department stores, but you can typically find them in places like airports, public venues, hospitals, universities, and large shopping centers.

EXTRA NECESSITIES:

However you decide to travel while pumping, be sure to consider how you’ll be cleaning your parts. I use Force of Nature’s toxin-free all-purpose spray for cleaning and disinfecting my entire home, so I fill up a couple travel bottles to bring with me. It doesn’t even require rinsing after spraying! You could also use these pump cleaning wipes and a bottle brush for quick cleaning between uses.

I’d also recommend bringing a handheld pump as backup just in case something goes wrong or missing. On that note, extra pump parts may be smart to pack, along with items to help with clogged milk ducts or mastitis, especially if you’re not already regularly pumping – I have a whole blog post with mastitis tips and remedies here.

All in all, pumping while traveling was a fairly simple experience! Let me know if any other experienced mamas have more tips!

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