Infants receive protective antibodies from their mothers’ prior

responses to infections and vaccinations in breast milk, and hence are at lower risk for a wide

variety of infectious diseases. Breastfeeding lowers infants’ risk of asthma, obesity, type I

diabetes, ear infections, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Additionally, mothers who

breastfeed are at reduced risk of high blood pressure, type II diabetes, and ovarian and breast

cancer.

For travel to middle- and low-income nations, breastfeeding may reduce the risk in

infants of diarrheal illness. During travel by jet, nursing during ascent and descent lowers the risk

of ear pain in the nursing infant.

Does the TSA allow stored breast milk through airport security screening in amounts

over 3.4 oz. (100 ml)? Yes. Breast milk (and formula, and toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food

to include puree pouches) are considered “medically-necessary liquids” and are allowed in carry-

on luggage. Inform the TSA officer at the beginning of the screening process that you are

carrying medically necessary liquids, and remove them from your carry-on bags so that they can

be screened separately.

Freshly expressed milk can be carried in an insulated cooler bag with frozen ice packs for

up to 24 hours. Ice packs, freezer packs, and frozen gel packs being utilized to cool breast milk

or formula are also allowed in carry-on.

TSA offers more specifics here.

References:

CDC: Breastfeeding.

CDC: Travel Recommendations for Nursing Families