How to safely mail breast milk?

How to Safely Mail Breast Milk
Mailing breast milk can be a vital process for mothers who need to send their milk to a caregiver or for donation purposes. Ensuring the safety and integrity of the milk during transit is crucial for the health of the infant receiving it. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to do it safely.
1. Preparation of Breast Milk
Before mailing breast milk, it’s essential to ensure that it is properly expressed and stored. Freshly pumped breast milk should be cooled in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before transferring it to storage containers. Use sterilized containers specifically designed for breast milk storage, such as BPA-free plastic bottles or breast milk storage bags. Each container should be labeled with the date and time of expression to keep track of freshness.
2. Freezing the Milk
If you plan to mail the breast milk, freezing it is a recommended step. Frozen breast milk can be stored for up to six months in a standard freezer. Ensure that the milk is completely frozen before packing it for shipment. This helps maintain its quality during transit.
3. Packing for Shipment
When packing breast milk for mailing, use a cooler or insulated shipping box. Place the frozen milk containers inside, surrounded by ice packs to keep the temperature low. It’s advisable to use enough ice packs to maintain a temperature below 0°F (-18°C) for as long as possible. The goal is to keep the milk frozen until it reaches its destination.
4. Choosing the Right Shipping Method
Select a shipping method that guarantees overnight delivery. This minimizes the time the milk spends in transit, reducing the risk of thawing. Many shipping companies offer specialized services for perishable items, which can be beneficial for mailing breast milk.
5. Labeling the Package
Clearly label the package as containing breast milk and include instructions for handling. This is important for the postal service and the recipient to ensure proper care during transit. Including a note with the recipient’s contact information can also be helpful in case of any issues during delivery.
6. Legal and Health Considerations
Before mailing breast milk, it’s important to check the regulations regarding shipping breast milk in your area, as some states or countries may have specific laws governing this practice. Additionally, ensure that the recipient is aware of the proper handling and storage of breast milk upon arrival to maintain its safety and nutritional value.
Conclusion
Mailing breast milk requires careful planning and execution to ensure that it remains safe and nutritious for the baby. By following these guidelines—preparing and freezing the milk properly, using insulated packaging, choosing a fast shipping method, and adhering to legal considerations—mothers can confidently send their milk to those who need it. This process not only supports the nutritional needs of infants but also fosters a community of care among breastfeeding mothers.

Can you send breast milk in the mail?

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 to ship breast milk USPS?

Please, pack your milk (1-10 milliliters, or up to 0.4 fluid ounces) in a plastic bag made for breast milk storage (you can buy it at the pharmacy). Pack it in two or three bags, just for added security and to prevent spilling. Write your name, address, and order number on the bag.

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.

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.

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.

How do you send milk in the mail?

Use an insulated foam container with a minimum of 1-1/2″-thick walls. Line the inside of the container with a watertight plastic liner if your item can melt or thaw. Double-bag perishable products that can melt or thaw and shipments that contain liquid in watertight plastic bags (minimum of 2-mil thickness).

Does FedEx ship breast milk?

We provide reliable solutions for shipping breast milk, pharmaceuticals and perishables.

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.

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.

How to know if breast milk is spoiled?

Human breast milk can spoil just like any other kind of milk. This leads to a sharp, sour smell and flavor. There’s no way to save spoiled milk. You should be able to tell it’s spoiled by tasting a sip of it yourself.