How do I ship my breast milk?

Shipping Breast Milk: A Comprehensive Guide
Shipping breast milk can be a daunting task for new mothers, especially when traveling or needing to send milk home. However, with the right preparation and knowledge, you can ensure that your precious supply arrives safely and in good condition. Here’s a detailed look at how to ship breast milk effectively.
Preparation is Key
Before you even think about shipping, the first step is to collect and store your breast milk properly. Use durable, BPA-free bags, bottles, or pouches, and label each container with the date of expression. After filling the containers, remove any excess air to prevent freezer burn, and seal them tightly. It’s crucial to freeze the milk immediately after expressing it to maintain its quality.
Choosing the Right Shipping Method
When it comes to shipping breast milk, you have a couple of options. The most common methods involve using dry ice or gel packs to keep the milk frozen during transit. If you opt for dry ice, ensure you find a supplier nearby, as it sublimates and can be tricky to handle. You’ll need a Styrofoam cooler to pack the milk, and it’s advisable to place the frozen milk at the bottom of the cooler, surrounded by dry ice .
For those who prefer gel packs, make sure they are frozen solid before packing. The key is to maintain a temperature that keeps the milk frozen or at least slushy throughout the shipping process.
Packaging Your Shipment
Once you have your milk frozen and your shipping method decided, it’s time to package everything. Place the sealed containers of breast milk in the cooler, ensuring they are well insulated. If using dry ice, remember to handle it with care and never seal it in an airtight container, as the pressure can build up and cause an explosion. Clearly label your package as “Frozen Breast Milk” to alert postal workers and ensure it is handled appropriately.
Selecting a Courier Service
Choosing the right courier service is essential for timely delivery. Many companies specialize in shipping breast milk, offering services that cater specifically to this need. Milk Stork, for example, provides shipping kits designed for mothers, ensuring that the milk remains frozen during transit. It’s advisable to contact your chosen courier in advance to understand their policies and costs associated with shipping breast milk.
Timing Your Shipment
Timing is crucial when shipping breast milk. Ideally, you want to ship it early in the week to avoid delays over the weekend. This ensures that your milk arrives as quickly as possible, maintaining its quality and safety for your baby.
Conclusion
Shipping breast milk doesn’t have to be stressful. By preparing your milk properly, choosing the right shipping method, packaging it securely, and selecting a reliable courier, you can ensure that your milk arrives safely. With these steps, you can confidently send your liquid gold wherever it needs to go, keeping your baby nourished even when you’re apart.

Can you ship breast milk via UPS?

For example, UPS requires that breast milk be shipped in a sturdy, insulated container with enough dry ice or gel packs to keep the milk frozen for at least 24 hours. FedEx recommends using their temperature-controlled packaging to ensure the milk stays at the correct temperature during shipping.

How much does 16 oz of breast milk weigh?

1 pound
16 ounces = 1 pound
A normal newborn may lose up to 10% of their birth weight in the first 4 days.

How do you package breast milk?

Store in breast milk storage bags or clean, food-grade containers. Make sure the containers are made of glass or plastic and have tight fitting lids. Do not store breast milk in disposable bottle liners or plastic bags that are not intended for storing breast milk.

Does UPS have cold packs for shipping?

a robust system offering frozen, refrigerated, and CRT temperature options to help protect products for extended time in transit. To learn more about UPS Temperature True Packaging solutions, contact your UPS Account Manager or request more information at ups.com/healthcare.

What is the 120 pumping rule?

The first 12 weeks of your breastfeeding journey requires frequent breastmilk removal, stimulating healthy milk production. Studies show moms who exclusively pump for a minimum of 120 minutes per day can make enough to feed their babies primarily breastmilk.

What is the best way to ship breastmilk?

It is best to seal your breast milk bottles in ziploc bags and then pad them with crumpled up newspaper inside your cooler of dry ice. You can print out a FedEx shipping label online. I have heard of people shipping breast milk on regular ice via overnight US mail.

Can you ship breast milk through the USPS?

Yes, you can mail frozen breast milk. To package it for shipping, use an insulated container with dry ice or gel packs to maintain a frozen temperature. Place the frozen breast milk in sealed bags or containers, and double-bag them to prevent leakage.

Where can I send my breast milk?

You can reach them at 1.877. 375.6645 (option 4 for Spanish) or via email at [email protected]. You may also visit the University of California Health Milk Bank at https://uchealth.service-now.com/csp for more information and to become a donor.

Is dry ice safe for breast milk?

If you are traveling with frozen breast milk for longer than 12 hours, you need to use dry ice to protect the milk. What is dry ice? Dry ice is solid carbon dioxide. It is often used to keep foods cold so that they do not spoil while being transported.

What is the 5 5 5 rule for breast milk?

Something I recommend to moms is the 5-5-5 rule. Try and use milk within five hours at room temperature, five days in the fridge, and by five months in the freezer.