Traveling for work while pumping can feel like a lot—but Maven Milk is here to help make shipping your breast milk home as smooth and reliable as possible. This guide walks through how to use your Pump + Post Kit, including setting up UPS shipping, drop-off timing, weekend considerations, and what to do if plans change.
Before you ship: a quick checklist
Before heading to UPS, take a moment to double-check the following to help avoid delays:
✅ Your Pump + Post Kit is fully packed and sealed
✅ The prepaid UPS Next Day Air label is attached
✅ You’ve found the nearest UPS Office location
✅ You know the last Air Delivery drop-off time for that location
✅ You’re planning to arrive at least 30 minutes before the cutoff
Whenever possible, earlier drop-off in the day is best. And remember to keep your tracking number handy.
How do I set up the UPS shipment back to my baby?
Pump + Post Kits are shipped back home using UPS Next Day Air. A prepaid shipping label is included in your kit.
For the most reliable delivery, we strongly recommend:
- Dropping your package off in person at a UPS Office location
- Arriving at least 30 minutes before the location’s last Air Delivery deadline (earlier in the day is even better)
Use the UPS Office locator to find the nearest UPS location to you while traveling.
How do I find the nearest UPS Store to drop off my Pump + Post Kit?
Use the UPS Office locator to find the closest UPS Office near your hotel, apartment, or accommodations. Be sure to check:
- Store hours
- The last Air Delivery drop-off time for Next Day Air packages
How early do I need to get my milk to UPS so it ships overnight?
We strongly recommend dropping off your package at least 30 minutes before the last Air Delivery deadline at your chosen UPS location. Earlier drop-off times help reduce the risk of delays and ensure your milk ships out the same day.
What if I’m traveling to multiple destinations?
If your trip includes multiple stops, place a separate Pump + Post Kit order for each destination. This ensures you have the right supplies and labels for each leg of your travel.
What do I do if my hotel won’t help me ship my milk?
The most reliable option is to drop off your package directly at a UPS Office location.
Some hotels have in-house shipping centers and may charge a drop-off or handling fee. These fees are not included in Maven Milk services. If this happens, you may want to:
- Ask the hotel if the fee can be waived, or
- Check with your employer to see if the charge can be expensed
If a UPS pickup is your only option
UPS pickup is available, but we recommend it only if necessary, as pickups are more likely to experience delays. If you arrange a pickup:
- Make sure you have the hotel front desk or contact person’s details
- Confirm the pickup window and who will hand the package to UPS
- Have a contact number for the UPS location in case follow-up is needed
You can arrange a UPS Next Day Air pickup:
- Online at UPS.com/pickup (UPS account required), or
- By calling 1-800-PICK-UPS® (1-800-742-5877)
Please note: Any fees for arranging a pickup are not covered by Maven Milk.
How do I ship my Pump + Post Kit if I’m staying in an apartment or house?
If you’re not staying at a hotel, you’ll need to drop off your package directly at a UPS Office location at least 30 minutes before the last Air Delivery deadline.
Can I ship my milk back on a weekend?
Yes, you can ship milk on Saturdays, but timing matters:
- Milk shipped “overnight” on Saturday will arrive Monday at the earliest
- UPS does not pick up or deliver packages on Sundays
Whenever possible, we recommend shipping milk Monday through Friday.
Can I use FedEx or the Post Office to ship my milk?
We recommend working with UPS for the most reliable delivery experience. The prepaid labels included with your Pump + Post Kit are only valid at UPS locations.
Some FedEx locations (especially inside hotels) may accept UPS packages, but they may charge an additional handling fee. Maven is unable to cover these extra costs.
What if I miss the pickup window at my nearest UPS Office?
Use the UPS Office locator to search for other UPS drop-off locations nearby and check their Next Day Air cutoff times.
Will all UPS locations accept my Pump + Post Kit?
Yes. All UPS locations will accept your Pump + Post Kit.
The kit can also fit into UPS drop boxes, but be sure to confirm the Next Day Air pickup time for that drop box so your package is collected on time.
Will my breast milk freeze if I ship it in winter?
No. The Pump + Post Kit is designed to keep your milk at a regulated refrigerated temperature for up to 72 hours, even if outside temperatures are below freezing.
What happens during inclement weather?
Occasionally, weather or other events may cause unexpected UPS shipping delays. While Maven Milk isn’t responsible for these delays, each Pump + Post Kit provides up to 72 hours (3 full days) of refrigeration to help keep your milk cold if shipping is delayed.
What if my box is delayed or damaged?
Check your shipment status directly on UPS using your tracking number, which is included in your confirmation email from the Milk Team.
If you need additional help, contact the Maven Care Team at support@mavenclinic.com. Remember, each Pump + Post Kit is equipped to keep milk refrigerated for up to 72 hours in case of delays.
How should I dispose of my Pump + Post Kit packaging?
- Recycle the cardboard carton
- Discard the cooling unit and styrofoam insert in the trash
Need help?
If something doesn’t go as planned—or you just want reassurance—the Maven Care Team is here to support you. Reach out anytime at support@mavenclinic.com, and we’ll help you navigate next steps so you can focus on your work and getting your milk safely back to your baby.