6 Tips for Protecting Your Milk Supply While Traveling for Work
Originally published on May 21, 2015; Updated on June 27, 2026
We had this terrific question posted on our Facebook page:
“Dear Robin,
I leave tomorrow for a four day work trip and I can't take my baby with me. She has 6 feedings a day (one of those at night) so I'll be doing a good amount of pumping while I'm gone. Do you have any tips, specifically for pumping at airports and/or on planes? I'll be on a red eye there and a direct flight on the way back.”
Absolutely! Just because you have to travel for work doesn’t mean that you can’t protect your milk supply while you are gone.
Here are my top 6 tips for protecting your milk supply while traveling for work
1. Pack a Cooler for Transporting Milk
If you'll be bringing pumped milk home, pack one or two insulated cooler bags with frozen ice packs in your checked or carry-on luggage.
This will allow you to safely transport your milk during your trip home without worrying about keeping it cold. Breast milk storage bags can also help save space if you'll be pumping multiple times throughout your trip.
If you're flying, it's also helpful to know that breast milk is considered a medically necessary liquid by the TSA. You may bring breast milk, ice packs, and other pumping supplies through airport security, even if they exceed the standard 3.4-ounce liquid limit. Reviewing TSA guidelines before your trip can help make the security process smoother and give you peace of mind.
2. Plan Ahead for Milk Storage
Before you leave, call your hotel to confirm that your room has a refrigerator. If it doesn't, ask if one can be provided.
While you're out during the day, bring a small insulated cooler with ice packs so you have a safe place to store pumped milk until you return to your hotel.
3. Have a Pumping Plan for Travel Days
Think through your travel schedule before you leave so you know when you'll likely need to pump.
Depending on the length of your flight or drive, you may choose to:
Pump right before you leave.
Pump during your trip using a battery-powered or wearable pump.
Wait until you arrive if you'll only be delaying one pumping session.
The goal is to avoid going significantly longer than you normally would between milk removals whenever possible.
4. Consider a Wearable Pump
Today's wearable pumps can make pumping much more convenient while traveling.
Many parents find them helpful when:
Riding in a taxi or rideshare.
Between meetings or conference sessions.
Working in settings where a traditional pump isn't practical.
While wearable pumps may not completely replace your primary pump for everyone, they can be a great option when flexibility and discretion are important.
5. Pump as Close to Your Baby's Schedule as Possible
To help maintain your milk supply, aim to remove milk about as often as your baby would normally nurse (or at least every 3-4 hours during the day).
If your baby still feeds overnight, try to include a nighttime pumping session while you're away.
If you're attending meetings or conferences, ask ahead of time if there's a private room available for pumping. Remember—you deserve a clean, private space that is not a bathroom.
6. Research Pumping Spaces Before You Go
Many airports now offer dedicated lactation spaces, making it much easier to pump comfortably while traveling.
Before your trip:
Check whether your airports have lactation rooms or nursing suites.
Download the Mamava app to locate Mamava Lactation Suites throughout the United States.
If you're attending a conference or event, ask organizers about available pumping spaces before you arrive.
A little planning ahead can make travel days much less stressful.
Traveling for work while breastfeeding can feel overwhelming at first, but with the right preparation, many parents find a routine that works well for both them and their baby. If you have questions about pumping, maintaining your milk supply, or navigating time away from your baby, our IBCLCs are here to support you. Schedule a consultation before your trip and let us help you create a plan that fits your unique situation.