Breastfeeding and pumping can feel limiting. You may not want to leave your house as often and may be wary of going on trips for fear of messing with your milk supply.

We are here to tell you to live your life! You can absolutely travel and maintain your milk supply. You just have to bring your pump along for the ride!

To prove it to you, we have compiled our list of recommendations for traveling while pumping. And we are not just talking about flying. No, we are going all in on travel! We are going to talk airplanes, road trips, and cruises.

What are you waiting for? Come check it out!

Does Traveling Impact My Milk Supply?

Yes and no. While the physical act of traveling does not alter your milk supply, the change in pattern can.

As you know, your milk supply heavily relies on supply and demand to regulate itself. During travel, it can be easy to fall off of your normal schedules and skip pumping sessions altogether, especially if you experience jetlag!

Outside of pumping schedules, it can be easy to forget to hydrate and eat, which directly affect your milk supply.

While you are traveling, it is important to be cognizant of your eating and drinking habits. Be sure to keep bottled water nearby at all times and either pack or purchase snacks that will help keep you energized and promote your milk supply!

Flying with Your Breast Pump

Did you know you can bring your breast pump on the plane with you? Wipe away your fear of your pump being left on the tarmac as you jet off, far far away. Your breast pump is considered medically necessary and is allowed to accompany you in your carry-on.

You will want to be sure to pack your pump bag with all of the essentials:

• Pump parts

• Sanitizing wipes

• Pumping bras

• Your pump (of course)

• Pump charging cords

If you are flying with breast milk, you will want to make sure you are following the recommended guidelines for milk storage. The last thing anyone wants is your milk spoiling during your travels!

Taking a Road Trip with Your Breast Pump

Okay, we just have to say it. You should not pump and drive at the same time – EVER!

Even with our fully in-bra pumps, your attention should be 100% on the road. If you are ready to pump either switch to being a passenger or find a safe place to park for a pumping session. Got it? Good!

Now, there are a few things to consider when you are bringing your pump along for a road trip.

First, battery life. Your pump will need to be recharged along the way if you are taking a long trip. You will want to be sure you have a way to do so. This could be a car outlet or even a separate power source that allows you to plug in your charger and keep driving!

Second, pump parts. While you could stop and wash your pump parts at a rest area sink, we would really rather you didn’t. For so many reasons. Bring extra pump parts and pump sanitizing wipes will help keep you from having to bring your pump parts into a public restroom and save you some sanity on your drive!

Pumping on a Train Ride

From the Metro to Amtrak, breast pumps are welcome along public transportation – and trains are no exception! Many train stations offer private lactation spaces for pumping and nursing. Check the website of your location to make sure this is available at your station!

Unfortunately, there are not currently options to store breast milk on the train. You are, however, allowed to bring along a cooler and ice packs to help keep your milk cold on the ride. Just be sure you are paying attention to how long your milk has been in the cooler.

Bringing Your Breast Pump on a Cruise

Cruising while breastfeeding and pumping is completely feasible!

Now, let’s start by saying that every cruise line has their own process for handling breast milk, so you will want to be sure to contact your specific cruise line prior to your departure.

Depending on your cruise line, you may have the option to:

• Bring a cooler aboard and request ice for your stateroom every day. This is a great option for moms who are pumping and feeding their baby the expressed milk every day.

• Ask if there is a medical fridge where you can store your milk. This is a great option for moms who are traveling without their baby or have an oversupply they would like to bring back home with them.

• Rent a medical fridge that will stay in your stateroom. This option is perfect for moms who are pumping and feeding their baby expressed milk but may be able to stretch it across a few days at a time.

Though there are many restrictions on what items can be brought aboard a cruise ship, a breast pump is not one of them!

Now, just imagine being able to pump while sitting by the pool with your Willow pump!

Travel and Pump Seamlessly with Willow Pump

You dedicate your life to your kids – but that doesn’t mean you have to stop living it!

With Willow Pump, you can take back your time and energy and move around, dance, even travel all while having two hands!

The discreet, fully in-bra fit of both the Willow 3.0 and Willow Go allow you to provide milk to your baby without having to be tethered to the wall.

Still unsure about it? Check out our blog full of resources and advice. We are here to support you along your entire motherhood journey!