I would pump as much as you normally feed to maintain your supply. If you pump less than that, your supply might dwindle. Good luck!

Hi Renee! Yes, as long as you declare it at the TSA check point, they may x-ray it, but you are allowed to carry it on in your baggage (along with ice packs too!). Check this TSA page for more info: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/special-procedures/traveling-children

Hi Natalie! That is totally safe and fine, but if you are worried, you can also talk to your baby’s pediatrician or a lactation specialist. Your milk supply should be pretty consistent by then, so you’ll want to make sure that you’re maintaining your supply by pumping while away. A couple weeks before you leave, try and introduce the bottle to your baby and start building your reserves for your baby’s caretaker to use while you’re gone.

Hi Eugenia! I would recommend pumping into breastmilk storage bags (instead of bottles) as those will save you more space. I’d also look into bringing the flexible ice packs (instead of the hard ones) as those will also save you more space. This one is highly rated and pretty inexpensive. Lastly, the type of cooler is dependent upon the type of travel (i.e., airline or car), so think about what will serve you best. You might stay away from baby coolers as those tend to be only big enough to hold 2-4 bottles, which probably won’t be big enough for you.

Expressed breastmilk is considered liquid medication so you will be able to bring it back with you. Keep it separate from your 3 oz liquids, it will be screened separately. You will need to tell TSA right away that you have breastmilk in your carry-on. More info from the TSA here. Dry ice or ice packs can keep all your milk cold while traveling. I would also bring something that smells like your baby to help you while pumping and make sure you get lots of pictures while you are away to look at while pumping!