Here are some updates on traveling with breast milk, from the Transportation Security Administration. These guidelines will help to expedite movement through security checkpoints, by offering current milk transportation rules regarding air travel.
For any questions you might have about packing your breast milk contact: TSA Public Affairs 571-227-2829
“TSA is also modifying the rules associated with carrying breast milk through security checkpoints. Mothers flying with, and now without, their child will be permitted to bring breast milk in quantities greater than three ounces as long as it is declared for inspection at the security checkpoint. Breast milk is in the same category as liquid medications. Now, a mother flying without her child can bring breast milk through the checkpoint, provided it is declared prior to screening.”
Please remember to declare your milk prior to screening!
Breast milk freezes at 0 degrees due to salt content so it is important not to pack with ice which will speed up thawing; gel packs are a better option. Your other option for a longer trip is to ship back home, packed in dry ice, overnight. This option is primarily for those mothers who will be traveling all day, or expect delays. Consider checking your milk into your luggage, checked luggage is kept colder during flight than items in the cabin.
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/children/formula.shtm Traveling with breast milk.
http://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/recommendations/travel_recommendations.htm “No special precautions are necessary for airport security screenings while breastfeeding. A breastfeeding mother expressing her own milk while traveling does not need to declare her milk at U.S. Customs when returning to the United States. Electric breast pumps are considered personal items during air travel and may be carried on and stowed underneath the passenger seat, similar to a laptop computer, purse, or diaper bag.”
La Leche League International Milk Storage Guidelines:
“This information is based on current research and applies to mothers who:
* have healthy, full-term babies;
* are storing their milk for home use (as opposed to hospital use);
* wash their hands before expressing;
* use containers that have been washed in hot, soapy water and rinsed.
Storage Guidelines
All milk should be dated before storing. Storing milk in 2-4 ounce amounts may reduce waste. Refrigerated milk has more anti-infective properties than frozen milk. Cool fresh milk in the refrigerator before adding it to previously frozen milk.
Preferably, human milk should be refrigerated or chilled right after it is expressed. Acceptable guidelines for storing human milk are as follows. Store milk:
* at room temperature (66-78°F, 19-26°C) for 4 hours (ideal), up to 6 hours (acceptable) (Some sources use 8 hours)
* in a refrigerator (<39°F, <4°C) for 72 hours (ideal); up to 8 days
(acceptable)
* in a freezer (-0.4 to -4°F, -18 to -20°C) for 6 months (ideal) up to 12 months (acceptable)”
Full article here: http://www.llli.org/FAQ/milkstorage.html
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