Shipping Breast Milk: Why & How Surrogates Can Do It

Is it possible for a surrogate to provide breast milk even if she lives far away? Of course! Surrogates often live in a different city or state than the baby and his or her parents. If this is the situation, you might need to ship your breast milk if you plan to pump. Fortunately, it is easier than you might think to do this. Here’s what you need to know about shipping your breast milk donations after your surrogate baby is born.

• Surrogates can pump and ship breast milk, even from another state.
• You’ll need a pump, cooler, storage bags, dry ice, and shipping supplies.
• Frozen milk must be shipped with dry ice.
• Milk has to be sent via overnight shipping.
• Using a surrogate’s breast milk is optional, and both parties must agree.

Get the Supplies You Will Need

First, you will need a breast pump. You can often get one for free from your insurance provider, as most cover this during pregnancy. But if this is not the case for you, you can buy or rent one. And if the parents-to-be are excited about the possibility of you pumping breast milk for their baby, they will pay for the costs of the breast pump.

Next, you will need to acquire the following supplies for shipping breast milk:

• Breast milk storage bags
• Styrofoam cooler
• Large box that will fit the cooler
• Dry ice
• Packing paper
• Packing tape

Pump Often

Once you have the supplies, try pumping as often as you can. As you put the milk in the storage bags, don’t fill them all the way since the milk will expand as it freezes. When you place the bags in the freezer, store them flat, as this will make it easier to fit several of them in the cooler.

Pack it Properly

When you are ready to ship, you can pack the frozen bags of milk in the cooler. Lay each one flat and make sure there are no empty spaces between bags. Once the cooler is mostly packed, place some packing paper or newspaper on top. Then put your dry ice inside a paper bag and place it on top of the paper. Cover the bag of dry ice with another piece of packing paper, making sure the ice is secure inside the bag.

Send it Off

Now it is time to put the cooler into the shipping box and use the packing tape to seal it shut. Remember to write “perishable” on the top and every side of the box and then decide if you are going to ship priority overnight through FedEx or UPS. It is a good idea to call ahead of time to find out if there are any special policies regarding dry ice.

Learn More About Donating Breast Milk After Being a Surrogate

Remember that surrogates are not required to pump after delivery. But if you are interested in doing so, talk to the parents of the baby or your Case Manager to discuss the details. If they decide to pass on the breast milk and you are still interested to help babies by pumping, consider becoming a milk donor for other babies.

FSC Is Here to Help

If you have any questions about other aspects of the surrogacy process, feel free to contact us today; many of our own Family Source Consultants team-members have been surrogates, and have also pumped themselves for their intended (new) parents, or have pumped for milk banks.

Related Blogs

• Benefits of Donating Breast Milk After Being a Surrogate
• Postpartum Breast Milk Donation for Surrogates
• What Are the Steps of the Surrogacy Process?
• Yes, You Can Breastfeed Your Baby Born Through Surrogacy!