Traveling for work while pumping can take extra planning. This guide walks you through how to prepare for your trip with Maven Milk—including what to bring to pump while traveling, what to ask your hotel or accommodations ahead of time, and step-by-step instructions for packing each Maven Milk kit so your breast milk stays safe and at the right temperature.
What do I need to bring to pump while traveling?
A little planning can make pumping on the go much easier. We recommend packing:
- Your preferred travel pump
- Pump cleaning supplies
- A milk cooler bag (if not included in your Maven Milk kit)
- Manual hand pump or batteries if you won’t always have access to an outlet
- An international adapter, if you’re traveling outside the U.S.
What should I ask for at my hotel or accommodations before I arrive?
For all Maven Milk kits
No matter which kit you’re using, it’s important to confirm storage details in advance:
- Confirm there’s a refrigerator in your hotel room, or request one ahead of time. Many hotels can provide a fridge for medical reasons.
- If your milk will need to stay frozen, or if your kit includes foam ice packs, ask the hotel:
- Whether they can freeze breast milk
- Whether they can freeze foam ice packs before travel or return shipping
- Coordinate these details with the hotel ahead of your arrival to avoid delays or storage issues.
If you’re using the Pump + Post Kit
In addition to refrigeration, ask your hotel about shipping logistics:
- Where you’ll pick up your shipping kit when you arrive
- Whether there are fees for receiving packages
- Please note: These fees are not covered or reimbursable by the Maven Milk benefit.
If your hotel has a dedicated shipping center, you may also want to ask:
- Does the hotel have a regular UPS pickup?
- Where should you drop off your package?
- What is the cutoff time to ensure same-day shipment?
- What happens if the package isn’t picked up as expected?
- How and when would you be notified of a delay, and what support can the hotel provide?
Please note: Any fees associated with arranging shipment or pickup through your hotel are not included in Maven Milk services and would be your responsibility.
How do I pack the Pump + Carry Kit?
The Pump + Carry Kit is designed for shorter trips and allows you to personally carry your milk with you.
Before your trip:
- Freeze the foam cooling packs for at least 24 hours before traveling for best performance.
When packing:
- Pump your milk into your own breast milk storage bags.
- Place the milk bags into your cooler.
- Add the frozen foam cooling pack(s) around the milk to keep it cold during travel.
For detailed visuals and care instructions, you can also review this article for Pump + Carry kit instructions: https://www.mavenclinic.com/app/resources/content/article/pump-carry-kit-instructions
How do I pack the Pump + Check Kit?
The Pump + Check Kit is ideal for longer trips and checking breast milk on your return flight.
Before packing:
- Make sure your milk is frozen solid and that your ice packs have been frozen at least 24 hours before you pack for optimal performance.
- Bring your preferred breast milk storage bags (this kit does not include bags).
Packing steps:
- Fill and label up to 6 bags, with up to 6 oz (0.177 L) of milk per bag (up to 36 oz / 1 L total per layer).
- Remove all excess air from each bag.
- Fold each bag below the seal.
- Place bags flat in the cooler so each bag slightly overlaps the one underneath it.
- Do not overfill the bags.
Good to know:
When packed according to instructions, the Pump + Check Kit can hold up to 45 bags (6 oz each).
Does the Pump + Check Kit come with breast milk storage bags?
No. The reusable Pump + Check Kit is designed to be used multiple times and does not include breast milk storage bags. Be sure to bring your preferred bags for each trip.
How do I pack the Pump + Post Kit?
The Pump + Post Kit is used to ship refrigerated breast milk back home.
Before packing:
- Make sure all milk is refrigerated (not frozen).
Packing steps:
- Fill and label up to 6 bags, with up to 6 oz (0.177 L) of milk per bag (up to 36 oz / 1 L total).
- Remove all excess air from each bag.
- Fold each bag below the seal.
- Place the bags flat in the cooler so they overlap slightly.
- Do not overfill the bags.
For detailed visuals and care instructions, you can also review this article for Pump + Post kit instructions:
https://www.mavenclinic.com/app/resources/content/article/pump-post-kit-instructions
Do I have to use the breast milk storage bags included in the Pump + Post Kit?
Each Pump + Post Kit includes:
- 6 Lansinoh breast milk storage bags (6 oz / 0.177 L each)
- 1 extra bag, just in case
You may use your own preferred bags if you’d like. If you do, be sure to pack 6 bags per kit and follow the packing instructions closely.
Can I use the Pump + Post Kit to ship frozen milk?
No. The Pump + Post Kit is designed to ship refrigerated milk only.
- The kit keeps milk at a refrigerated temperature for up to 72 hours.
- Frozen milk will thaw during shipping.
- If there is a shipping delay, thawed milk may exceed CDC guidelines, which recommend using thawed milk within one day.
What if I see a “NanoCool” logo on my cooling pack before activation?
Don’t worry—this is normal.
- The “NanoCool” logo on the Pump + Post Kit’s cooling pack is temperature-activated.
- Cool temperatures during shipping can cause the logo to appear before you press the activation button.
- If the button on the underside has not been pressed, the cooling pack is still unused and fully functional.
Once activated:
- The logo will begin turning blue within 30 seconds to 3 minutes.
- The cooling plate reaches 5°C (41°F) in about 5 minutes.
- The full insulation box cools to 5°C within 60–90 minutes.
Need help?
If you’re unsure which kit to use or have questions about packing, the Maven Care Team is here to support you. You can also explore additional Maven Milk resources in the Help Center to feel confident before your trip.