Packing and Mailing Your Breast Milk
Ask about the terms of transport. If you are sending your breast milk to a company, such as a breast milk bank, ask in advance about the terms of transport. Questions to ask include: When does the milk need to arrive? How long can it take to get there? Does the company accept milk packed with dry ice? If so, in what quantity?
Use fresh milk. If you are going to ship breast milk, make sure it is fresh. Either pump it immediately before mailing, or remove the correct amount from the freezer.
Prepare the proper containers. You can either use bags made specifically for storing breast milk, or you can use glass or BPA-free plastic containers. If you use glass or plastic containers, wash them with warm, soapy water, then rinse well. Dry them, and then fill them with milk. Label each container clearly with the date that you pumped the milk.
Use an ice cooler in good condition. Make sure the cooler is not damaged or broken, and check to see that the lid closes well. If the ice melts, the breast milk won't be safe to drink.
Cover the bottom of the cooler with ice. If you are using regular ice, simply cover the cooler's bottom evenly. For dry ice, wear gloves and use a hammer to break it up before you spread it into the cooler. For short trips, you can also use frozen gel packs. If you choose to use these, follow the manufacturer's instructions, and make sure they are completely frozen.
Pack the breast milk. Whether you use bags or containers, arrange them neatly over the ice. If you are packing milk that has been pumped at different times, put the oldest milk on the bottom and the freshest milk on top.
Fill the cooler with more ice. Whether you are using ice, dry ice, or gel packs, cover the milk by filling the cooler the rest of the way.
Close the cooler securely. Make sure the cover is completely closed, and apply adhesive tape to make sure it will not open.
Pack the cooler in a cardboard box. Place the cooler in a box, and, if necessary, fill excess space with packaging paper or crumpled newspaper. This will prevent the cooler from moving around too much inside the box.
Seal the box. Close the cardboard box with adhesive tape to make sure it will not come open during transport. Label with stickers reading “Perishable – breast milk” on the top side of the box. Ship according to the terms of transport.
Packing Your Breast Milk for Use during Traveling
Ship milk when possible. If you have a long trip before reaching your destination, try to ship milk using the instructions in Method 1. To take milk along with you, though, follow this method.
Use fresh milk. If you are going to pack breast milk for a trip, make sure it is fresh. Either pump it immediately before packing, or remove the correct amount from the freezer.
Prepare the proper containers. You can either use bags made specifically for storing breast milk, or you can use glass or BPA-free plastic containers. If you use glass or plastic containers, wash them with warm, soapy water, then rinse well. Dry them, and then fill them with milk.
Use an ice cooler in good condition. Make sure the cooler is not damaged or broken, and check to see that the lid closes well. If the ice melts, the breast milk won't be safe to drink.
Cover the bottom of the cooler with ice. Spread regular ice over the bottom of a clean cooler. Do not use dry ice. When it melts, it emits poisonous carbon dioxide that you will be in contact with each time you open the cooler. Dry ice should be used for shipping only.
Pack the breast milk. Whether you use bags or containers, arrange them neatly over the ice. Pack it in such a way that you use the oldest milk first.
Keep the cooler tightly closed. Leave the cooler closed during your trip so that the ice does not melt. You should be able to count on the milk staying frozen for four to six hours.
Check the milk when you arrive at your destination. If the milk has thawed, you must use what you can immediately and get rid of the rest. If it is still frozen, you can put it in a freezer right away.
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