Holiday Travel While Breastfeeding: Tips to Maintain Your Milk Supply

Nervous about holiday travel? You are not alone. Traveling while breastfeeding might take some pre-planning, but it is absolutely doable. One of the concerns you may have is how to best maintain your supply during your trip. 

First up, focus on consistency over perfection. Yes, you might miss a nursing session here or there, but you can fit it in as soon as possible. If you need to, set reminders on your phone or even use a manual pump on-the-go if you miss a feeding time. Some activities might need to be planned around nursing or pumping and that’s OK!

Many moms worry about how to continue pumping while traveling. Plan ahead by charging your pump, bringing extra supplies, and scouting out lactation rooms in public spaces.

Our VIP Facebook group members had super helpful personal experience to share on traveling and breastfeeding:

• Katie: “Airports have nursing and lactation rooms. They’re usually clean and quiet and so nice to use! They also have charging ports. TSA rules go out the window for baby items.” She added, “Don’t stress if they cry. It’s everybody’s responsibility to bring headphones. Remember, people are entitled to child-free lives but not child-free environments, and airplanes are public transit.”
• Ana: “I loved the Mamava app while traveling through airports this past year! Helped me identify those lactation spaces quickly, and also provided an opportunity to plan ahead!”

If you’ll need to pump mid-flight, call the airline before your trip to ask about outlets and privacy options. Some moms pump in their seat using a cover, while others prefer to use a restroom. With a pumping shirt, you can unzip your top as much (or as little) as needed to pump in your seat. 

Portable, battery-powered pumps or manual pumps are especially handy when electrical outlets aren’t guaranteed.


This mom is wearing a nursing sweatshirt on vacation. You can unzip to nurse or pump thanks to hidden breastfeeding access. 

Try not to stress! I know, easier said than done! But keep in mind that relaxation helps with the let-down reflex. So it’s important to pump in a calm environment when possible (this can be challenging when traveling). It may also help to wear a comfortable nursing top and bra to simplify your pumping routine.

Can I bring breast milk through airport security?

Yes! Breast milk and baby food are both considered medically necessary items. According to the TSA guidelines for breast milk, you don’t even need to have your child present to bring expressed milk along with you on a flight. If you’re wondering how to keep breast milk cold while traveling, they also allow ice packs and other accessories for cooling in your carry-on bag. 

MORE INFO: 6 TIPS FOR NURSING ON A PLANE

Whatever comes up this holiday season, you can handle it. You don’t need to strive for perfection; maintaining a calm breastfeeding routine is one of the best gifts you can give your baby this holiday season. So do your best to cut out any unnecessary stress, and remember to focus on the joy of sharing this first holiday with your little one.