International and/or "cross country" flights:

I would first recommend calling the airline(s) you are using for your travel. A former airline attendant noted Continental had a special customer care department where the representatives were trained to answer and assist with unique problems/situations. Other airlines most like do as well.

Tips for pumping on the plane:

Have your pump and all accessories in one area, and keep with (or in) a carry-on bag. Pack a couple spare parts that might be needed, such as small valves or membrane flaps. If using double electric pump, a battery pack, extra batteries, would be very helpful, especially in the event an outlet is not available OR there is some other problem with "plugging in" to the outlet. Taking an extension cord, and a couple plug adapters, are always good ideas when traveling, but may not help if there is some other issue with plugging in to the outlet.

Many planes have power sources on board. The website http://www.seatguru.com/, shows where power outlets are near seats. However, even if a plug is available in the bathroom, there might be voltage/outlet problems to consider, so check with airline prior to scheduled flight and again with attendant at boarding.

A consideration to keep in mind: a manual pump would be easiest, and also smallest, to carry-on. A manual pump of course requires no electricity, and can be used virtually "anywhere, anytime". Even if you don't normally pump, for a really long flight it might be helpful to have a manual pump, as some babies don't nurse well on board - too many distractions, etc.

When packing your pump, it might help to take some literature with you - the pump manual, for instance, would make it clear what the pump is used for. In addition, you might store your milk bottles with the nipples on, rather than caps so it looks more like a baby bottle.

Once you have an idea of what you want to do, or a "plan" (always have back up plan in mind!) just pump as usual, every 2 to 3 hours. You can save and store your milk, or you can discard it.

Transporting Breastmilk:

Expressed breastmilk (ebm) can be stored in a soft-sided insulated cooler (like the ones people use to carry their lunch, but larger) along with several of those blue "ice packs" inside. Flight attendants should be able to provide and replenish ice. Some F/As can be more helpful than others -- but if you explain the situation a good one will do whatever it takes to make you comfortable.

Mom can use any "food grade" container to store her milk in. For example, a Rubbermaid juicebox should be fine, however, it might be easier just to use the bottles that fit the pump or milk storage bags, and the bottles are likely less expensive than the Rubbermaid drinking bottles.

International shipping may be a problem, so checking in coolers may be best choice. One can check ebm in cooler (soft or hard sides) with regular baggage. The cargo hold is usually cool (it is pressurized and it is heated somewhat) and the milk should stay completely frozen through about 15 hours of travel, if packed using guidelines below on shipping breastmilk.

Most moms are never questioned about the pump, milk, etc that is carried-on or checked.. Airline/security personnel shouldn't question the transport of EBM, but if they do -- this is when calling ahead can be beneficial. It will have to be placed through security if necessary. Remember to keep pump handy (carry on) so that any confusion about what you are doing is basically "nipped in the bud". Remaining polite and composed can help prevent misunderstandings.

X-rays at security checkpoints will not harm expressed breastmilk. Remember, be sure to take instruction booklet if you have it, along with the breastpump - it makes it much easier to "explain" what your pump is to anyone who has never seen a breastpump!

NOTE: A few moms have reported that you will be required (depending on how strict the personnel is at the security checkpoint) to taste your breastmilk- whether it is frozen or liquid. In the event this should happen, have a small Dixie type cup on hand so that you can pour just a bit into it. Doing so prevents waste and reduction of storage time from having to drink from milk container. You might call the airline you will be using and ask them their particular policy on this issue, prior to your flight.

Customs Issues:
Transporting your breastmilk shouldn't be a problem however in these post 9/11 days, anything can happen. If you have specific questions you may talk to a Customs representative in person at (202) 354-1000 or 1-877-CUSTOMS (287-8667) Monday-Friday, between 8:30 and 5:00 Eastern Time.

The US Customs rep I spoke with noted that US Customs should pose no problems (restrictions) for a nursing mom who is transporting expressed milk.

If one is concerned about going into another country with expressed milk, one can always contact the Embassy for the country they will be visiting in Washington DC or at a consulate near them.

Jet-lag:

It might be worth mentioning: breasts apparently can have jet-lag! Some moms have found that supply took several days to adjust to the new time zone (both going and then also coming back home). Mom may find she has too much milk at the wrong time of day (like the middle of the night) and lower supply when it's usually "normal". This is usually temporary and things get back "on track" within a few days as long as mom nurses and/or pumps as she normally would.