Pumping After A Surrogacy Birth
Pumping after the birth and shipping, what does this entail, how does it work, tips and tricks, companies that help with shipping for surrogates.
Pumping and shipping breast milk after birth is a meaningful and logistically detailed process. Here’s a breakdown of what it entails, how it works, tips and tricks, and companies that help with the shipping process.
Why Do Surrogates Pump?
Intended parents may want the baby to receive breast milk due to its nutritional and immune-boosting benefits. A surrogate may choose to offer pumped milk as part of the postpartum agreement. This can be for a few weeks or months, depending on the arrangement.
How It Works
1. Postpartum Pumping
After birth, you begin pumping within 1–6 hours (if you want to establish supply).
Pumping typically follows a newborn’s feeding schedule (every 2–3 hours initially, including at night).
You’ll store the milk in BPA-free storage bags or bottles, label them with date/time, and freeze them.
2. Freezing the Milk
Freeze as soon as possible to preserve nutrients.
Store milk flat in bags to save space.
Use a deep freezer if possible — milk can last up to 6–12 months this way.
3. Shipping the Milk
Milk is packed with dry ice in an insulated cooler or shipping container.
It is then overnighted to the intended parents (often weekly or biweekly).
Shipping Options:
A. Self-Shipping (Usually the cheaper option)
Buy or use coolers with dry ice. Coolers can be found on Amazon for the best deals.
Schedule overnight shipping through FedEx, UPS, or another courier. Make sure you check the last drop-off time at each location to ensure the package will go out that same day.
You must comply with packaging guidelines for dry ice, if you use it. Keep in mind it’s considered a hazardous material.
B. Using a Milk Shipping Company
These companies handle everything: containers, shipping labels, dry ice, and sometimes even insurance.
Popular Milk Shipping Companies:
Milk Stork
Most well-known, originally for traveling breastfeeding moms.
Now supports surrogates and donors.
Offers pre-labeled kits, dry ice options, and domestic/international shipping.
Website: milkstork.com
Milk Expressed
Offers breast milk shipping kits for surrogates, donors, or traveling parents.
Known for personalized customer service.
Website: milkexpressed.com
Cooler Concepts / Baby Express
Supplies coolers and packaging for dry ice shipping.
You purchase your own dry ice and arrange the courier.
Tips & Tricks for Success
Pumping Tips
Hydration + Calories: Drink plenty of water and eat well to support milk production.
Consistent Schedule: Pump every 2–3 hours early on, including overnight, to establish supply.
Massage & Warmth: Use warm compresses and gentle massage to help with letdown and emptying.
Double Electric Pump: Use a hospital-grade pump, if possible, for better efficiency.
Label Carefully: Include full date, time, and any meds/supplements taken that day.
Shipping Tips
Use enough dry ice: Typically 5–10 lbs for 24–48 hours.
Wrap bags well: Prevent leaks with double-bagging or Ziplocs.
Pack tight: Less air space keeps everything colder.
Track shipments: Always use a service with tracking and delivery confirmation.
Inform the recipient: Make sure someone is ready to receive and immediately store the milk.
Pumping is a lot of work, so make sure you give yourself credit for doing all of this. If you ever need support or have any questions answered, reach out to us or visit at https://www.brightfuturesfamilies.com we would love to hear from you.
