It’s time to go back to work and your job involves traveling or going on business trips, but wait. How would you continue feeding your newborn breastmilk? You can always pump and freeze but that supply might not be enough for the entire time you're away. Formula is definitely not something you want to try out. You can always try shipping. It's completely safe and surprisingly easy. Here's a complete guide on how to get it done.
What Are the Risks of Shipping Breast Milk
Credit: Envato Elements/ YuriArcursPeopleImages
Breast milk is highly perishable and sensitive to temperature changes. If it gets too warm during transport, it could get spoilt or lose valuable nutrients. There’s also a risk of leakage if the containers aren’t sealed properly or if they get damaged. Your package could also get delayed or mishandled during shipping.
What You’ll Need
-
Breast milk storage bags or containers
-
Insulated cooler box
-
Dry ice or gel packs
-
Plastic liners
-
“Perishable” and “Keep Frozen” Shipping labelsinstructions.
-
Sturdy shipping cardboard box
How to Ship Breastmilk
Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide on how to ship breastmilk:
Step 1: Store and Freeze the Milk
Pump, transfer, and store your breast milk in the breast milk storage bags or bottles. Tightly seal the containers. Label each bottle with the date. Place the milk in the freezer and let it freeze completely.
Step 2: Pack the Milk
Insert a plastic liner inside the cooler. Place the dry ice or gel ice packs in a single layer at the bottom and stack the milk bags on top of it. Place additional gel packs or dry ice between each container.
Step 3: Fill Up Any Spaces
Fill up any empty space in the box with crumpled paper or bubble wrap. Everything should be snug. Place a final layer of dry ice or gel packs on top of the milk.
Step 4: Seal and Label the Package
Close the cooler or box and seal it. Leave a small opening if using dry ice. Label the package with “Perishable” or “Keep Frozen.” Add instructions like “Handle with Care” to make sure it’s treated properly.
Step 5: Choose a Reliable Shipping Service
Pick a shipping company that has overnight or express delivery. The faster the milk gets to its destination, the better. Check if the company has any specific rules about shipping perishable items. Some services might have a specialized service for breast milk.
Step 6: Track Your Shipment
Once the package is on its way, use the tracking number to keep an eye on its progress. Share the delivery time with the person receiving the milk so they’re ready to transfer it to a freezer or fridge right away.
What should you do if the milk thaws during shipping?
If the milk has partially thawed but is still relatively cold, store it in the refrigerator and use it within 24 hours. If the milk is warm, discard it. It might be unsafe for your baby to consume.
Summary
With these steps, you’ll have everything you need to ship breast milk safely. Need reliable dry ice packs for shipping frozen breast milk? Try Nice Packs! Designed to keep your breast milk frozen for hours, Nice Packs are easy to use and perfect for safe transit. Shop with us today.
