How to properly ship breast milk?

How to Properly Ship Breast Milk: A Comprehensive Guide
Shipping breast milk can be a crucial task for nursing mothers who need to ensure their babies receive the benefits of breast milk even when they are apart. Whether for work, travel, or other reasons, understanding the proper methods for shipping breast milk is essential to maintain its quality and safety. Here’s a detailed look at how to do it effectively.
Preparation is Key
Before shipping, the first step is to collect and store the breast milk properly. Use durable, BPA-free bags, bottles, or pouches, and label them with the date of expression. It’s important to fill these containers with milk, remove excess air, and seal them tightly. Once filled, the milk should be frozen immediately to preserve its nutrients and prevent spoilage.
Choosing the Right Shipping Method
When it comes to shipping, the temperature is critical. Breast milk should be kept frozen during transit to ensure it remains safe for consumption. There are two primary methods to maintain the necessary temperature: using dry ice or gel packs. Dry ice is particularly effective as it sublimates rather than melts, providing a consistent cold temperature. However, it must be handled with care to avoid any risk of explosion during transit.
Packing the Milk
To pack the breast milk for shipping, place the frozen containers at the bottom of an insulated cooler. Surround them with dry ice or gel packs to maintain a frozen state. It’s advisable to double-bag the milk containers to prevent any leakage, which can occur during transit. Additionally, clearly label the package as “Frozen Breast Milk” to inform postal workers of its contents and the need for careful handling.
Shipping Options
Several services specialize in shipping breast milk, offering kits that include everything needed for safe transport. Companies like Milk Stork provide convenient shipping solutions that are designed specifically for nursing mothers, ensuring peace of mind during the process. When selecting a shipping service, consider the delivery speed and reliability, as breast milk should ideally be shipped overnight to minimize the time it spends outside of a frozen state.
Legal and Safety Considerations
It’s also important to be aware of any legal regulations regarding shipping breast milk, especially if you are sending it across state lines or internationally. Some postal services may have specific guidelines or restrictions, so checking with them beforehand can prevent any issues.
Conclusion
Shipping breast milk doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By following these guidelines—properly preparing and freezing the milk, using the right packing materials, and choosing a reliable shipping method—mothers can ensure their babies receive the best nutrition, no matter the distance. With careful planning and execution, shipping breast milk can be a seamless part of a nursing mother’s routine.

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.

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.

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 babies drink cold breast milk?

Breast milk does not need to be warmed. It can be served room temperature or cold.

How long is breastmilk good for in an insulated pocket?

Breast Milk Temperature and Duration

Location	Temperature	Duration
Countertop, table	Room temperature (up to 77°F or 25°C)	4 hours
Insulated cooler bag	5-39°F or -15-4°C	24 hours
Refrigerator	40°F or 4°C	4 days

How long can breast milk stay in a cooler with an ice pack?

Freshly expressed breast milk can be stored in an insulated cooler with ice packs for up to one day. Refrigerator. Freshly expressed breast milk can be stored in the back of the refrigerator for up to four days in clean conditions. However, it’s optimal to use or freeze the milk within three days.

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.

Is frozen breast milk better than formula?

Breast milk is better for your baby than formula – but freshly expressed breast milk is preferable to refrigerated, and refrigerated is better than frozen.

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 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.