Ever wondered how to safely ship your breast milk when you're away from your baby? Whether you’re traveling for work, visiting family over the holidays, or planning to get your frozen milk freeze-dried, shipping breast milk can feel like a daunting task. How do you keep it fresh? What’s the best way to pack it?
Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! This guide breaks down everything you need to know, from best practices and packing tips to expert advice on ensuring your liquid gold arrives safely at its destination. Let’s make shipping your breast milk stress-free so you can focus on what matters most!
Table of Contents
- Why You Might Need to Ship Breast Milk
- How to Pack Breast Milk for Shipping
- Best Containers for Shipping Breast Milk
- Choosing the Right Shipping Service for Breast Milk
- Step-by-Step Guide: How to Ship Breast Milk
- Important Tips for Shipping Frozen Breast Milk
- Cost of Shipping Breast Milk
- FAQs About Shipping Breast Milk
- Conclusion
Why You Might Need to Ship Breast Milk
For mamas who breastfeed and have to spend time away from their baby, shipping breast milk is essential. Whether it’s a business trip or a family visit, moms often need to get their breast milk back home to babe safely. Here are a few common reasons moms turn to breast milk shipping:
Work Travel: Business trips often mean pumping on the go. Shipping milk home allows working moms to continue providing their baby with breast milk, no matter where their career takes them.
Family Visits or Vacations: Extended stays away from home, such as visiting loved ones or holiday vacations, can make it challenging to store and transport milk. Shipping breast milk helps moms maintain their supply.
Limited Freezer Space: Freezer space can be hard to come by when you’re away from home. Shipping milk ensures it’s safely stored at its destination without worrying about space.
By learning the best practices for safely shipping breast milk, moms can preserve its quality and ensure their baby gets all the best nutrients—no matter where life takes them.
How to Pack Breast Milk for Shipping
Packing breast milk correctly is so important for keeping it fresh and safe during transport. Follow these steps to prepare your breast milk for shipping:
Freeze the Milk: Freeze the milk before shipping to keep it fresh longer.
Use Breast Milk Storage Bags: Store your milk in breast milk storage bags that are durable and leak-proof.
Pack in an Insulated Cooler: Place the bags in an insulated cooler that can maintain the proper temperature for several hours.
Add Ice Packs or Dry Ice: Include enough ice packs or dry ice to keep the milk frozen during transit.
Proper packing is essential to prevent spoilage and ensure the milk arrives in optimal condition.
Best Containers for Shipping Breast Milk
The right container makes a huge difference in maintaining the milk’s freshness. Here are some recommended breast milk shipping containers:
Insulated Coolers: Look for a cooler with thick walls and insulation to keep the milk at the correct temperature.
Breast Milk Storage Bags: High-quality, leak-proof bags are crucial for transporting milk safely.
Reusable Ice Packs or Dry Ice: These keep the milk cool for longer, helping it stay frozen until it reaches its destination.
Recommended Shipping Materials
Medela Breast Milk Storage Bags: Leak-proof and specifically designed for breast milk storage.
Polar Tech Shippers: This carton is a lightweight, reusable, and recyclable foam shipper with thick walls and a tight-fitting lid, making it an economical and reliable choice for keeping frozen breast milk at the perfect temperature during shipping.
Choosing the Right Shipping Service for Breast Milk
Choosing a reliable shipping service is essential when sending breast milk. Here are some of the most common options:
FedEx: FedEx offers overnight shipping and temperature-controlled options, making it one of the best choices for shipping breast milk.
UPS: Milk by Mom partners with UPS to provide reliable next-day shipping using UPS Healthcare cold chain solutions, ensuring breast milk stays frozen and arrives quickly. Some UPS locations also offer specialized packing services.
Milk Stork: Specifically designed for breastfeeding moms, Milk Stork offers a complete breast milk shipping service that includes coolers and overnight delivery.
Each option has unique benefits, but we partner with UPS because they ensure fast, temperature-stable deliveries that meet strict health and safety protocols, making it a dependable choice for our mamas.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Ship Breast Milk
Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to ship breast milk to ensure it arrives safely and fresh.
Step 1: Freeze and Store the Milk Properly
Start by freezing your breast milk in breast milk storage bags. Freeze the milk flat to make it easier to stack and pack.
Step 2: Choose the Right Cooler
Select a well-insulated cooler that can fit the amount of milk you’re shipping. The cooler should be able to maintain a low temperature for the duration of the shipment.
Step 3: Pack the Cooler with Ice Packs or Dry Ice
Line the bottom of the cooler with ice packs or dry ice. Place the frozen milk bags on top, and add additional ice packs around the bags to keep them cold. If using dry ice, remember to handle it carefully and avoid direct contact with the milk bags.
Step 4: Secure and Seal the Cooler
Secure the cooler’s lid tightly to prevent air from entering. If necessary, use packing tape to ensure a secure seal.
Step 5: Label the Package
Label the package with "Perishable" and "Keep Frozen" stickers to alert shipping personnel to handle it carefully. Add any other required shipping information, such as your contact details.
Step 6: Choose a Fast Shipping Option
For optimal freshness, choose overnight shipping. If possible, use a service with temperature control, such as UPS Overnight.
Step 7: Track the Package
Use the tracking information provided to monitor the package’s location and ensure it reaches its destination on time.
Follow these steps to safely and successfully ship breast milk with minimal risk of spoilage.
Important Tips for Shipping Frozen Breast Milk
Shipping frozen breast milk requires some extra care. Here are some tips to help keep the milk in good condition:
Use Dry Ice for Longer Shipping Durations: It’s gold standard for shipping. Google “Dry Ice + (your location)” to find local sellers. Be sure to check with the shipping company for guidelines on using dry ice.
Avoid Shipping on Weekends: Try to ship your breast milk early in the week to avoid weekend delays.
Track Your Package: Monitoring the package in transit allows you to address any unexpected delays.
These tips help ensure your milk remains fresh and safe for your baby.
Cost of Shipping Breast Milk
The cost of shipping breast milk varies depending on factors such as the shipping distance, the service provider, and whether you’re using overnight delivery. Here’s a breakdown of the typical costs:
Standard Overnight Shipping: $50–$150, depending on distance.
Dry Ice and Packaging Costs: $10–$30, depending on how much is required.
Milk Stork Service: Milk Stork’s services start at around $139 for a 72 oz cooler with overnight shipping.
Shipping breast milk is an investment in ensuring your baby receives the milk they need.
FAQs About Shipping Breast Milk
Q1: How long can breast milk stay fresh during shipping?
With proper packing, breast milk can stay fresh for up to 48 hours if kept frozen. Using dry ice extends this time even further.
Q2: Is it safe to ship breast milk with dry ice?
Yes, shipping with dry ice is safe, but it requires special handling and labeling to ensure safety during transport. Consult with your shipping service for specific guidelines.
Q3: Can I ship breast milk internationally?
Some shipping services allow international shipments, but you need to check for specific guidelines and restrictions. Customs regulations vary by country.
Q4: Can I ship thawed breast milk?
It’s best to ship frozen breast milk to preserve its quality. Thawed milk has a limited shelf life and is more susceptible to spoilage during transit.
Q5: Are there companies that specialize in shipping breast milk?
Yes, companies like Milk Stork offer specialized breast milk shipping services, including pre-packaged coolers and express shipping.
Shipping breast milk can make life easier for breastfeeding moms who travel or need to send their milk home. By following the proper steps and using reliable breast milk shipping services, you can ensure your milk arrives safe and fresh. Remember to choose the right cooler, pack it carefully, and opt for overnight shipping whenever possible. With a little preparation and the right support, you can ship breast milk confidently and maintain your supply wherever you go.
