The holidays are a wonderful time to create cherished memories, but for breastfeeding (and pumping!) moms, the season brings unique challenges. At Milk & Baby, we know firsthand that extra travel, busy gatherings, and schedule disruptions can make it tough to keep your feeding routine on track. That’s why we’ve put together this thoughtful guide to help you protect your milk supply, simplify logistics, and embrace the joy in every moment—no matter where the holidays take you in 2025.

Prioritizing Your Breastfeeding Routine: Consistency Is Key

One thing we’ve learned (sometimes the hard way): staying as consistent as possible with your nursing or pumping routine matters most for milk supply. With holiday festivities, you may be tempted to stretch feedings or skip a pumping session, but your body operates on "supply and demand." The more reliably you remove milk, the more reliably you’ll make it.

• Stick to your usual schedule whenever you can, aiming for about 8-12 feedings or pumpings per day for newborns and young infants.
• Protect your time: Whether you’re visiting family or hosting at home, don’t be afraid to step away to nurse or pump. Most guests want you and your baby to be comfortable.
• Skin-to-skin contact isn’t just for brand new babies. Holding your little one close helps cue feeding, calms them, and even helps with letdowns—especially useful if you feel rushed by the holiday bustle.
• If you miss a session or your baby is distracted by all the excitement, offer extra feeds for a day or two. Your supply will often bounce right back.

Traveling While Breastfeeding or Pumping: Stress Less, Feed More

Pack Like a Pro

Travel can be the trickiest part of the holidays for breastfeeding families. With the right preparation, you can keep your routine running smoothly:

• Breast pump: Pack your favorite electric pump and bring a manual backup for flexibility. If you need a truly portable solution, our Journey Hands Free Pumping Bra (available in a wide range of sizes) is designed for hands-free pumping wherever you go.
• Supplies: Include charging cords, extra parts, and batteries if needed.
• Milk storage: Bring plenty of Zomee Breast Milk Storage Bags—they’re leak-proof, thick, and easy to label. Bulk packs let you pack plenty without taking up much space.
• Cooler with ice packs: For safe storage during travel or outings. When properly packed, fresh milk can stay safe for up to 24 hours in an insulated cooler until you can refrigerate or freeze.
• Cleaning kit: Include a travel-size dish soap, bottle brush, and extra pump parts for longer trips.
• Nursing cover or wrap: Allows you to nurse privately in airports, cars, or busy homes, if you wish.
• Multipurpose pump bag: We love the Kelly Breast Pump Backpack (Le Floral), which keeps pumps, parts, cooler packs, and even your laptop organized, with a thermal pocket to help keep milk chilled for up to 6 hours.

On the Road and In the Air

• Take breaks to nurse or pump during long drives. Build in extra travel time for these important stops.
• Breast milk and formula are typically exempt from flight liquid restrictions. Airport security is increasingly familiar with breast milk storage and pumping gear, but checking regulations before you fly is a good idea.
• Keep to your regular intervals even across time zones. If you’d usually nurse or pump at noon, aim to do the same during travel. This steadies your supply and helps your body adjust.
• If you foresee gaps in your schedule, hand express or use your manual pump to relieve fullness and prevent plugged ducts.
• Ask relatives for a quiet space to nurse or pump—they’ll often be happy to help you find privacy.

Parties and Gatherings: Easy Breastfeeding When You’re Not Alone

Holiday parties can mean unpredictably timed meals, overstimulation for little ones, and disruption to your feeding flow. Here are some strategies to make parties enjoyable (and to keep your baby happy and your supply steady):

• Let your baby nurse on cue. Don’t wait for a “perfect” time or stretch between feeds so you can mingle longer.
• Use a hands-free pumping bra if you need to multitask—great for pumping while chatting or prepping food.
• Try wearing your baby in a soft carrier or wrap. This gives you both connection and mobility and can help keep your little one calm in noisy or crowded rooms.
• If guests want a chance to hold the baby, feel empowered to say “not yet”—a content, well-fed baby is the goal.
• Keep a small kit of comforts close by. Our Breastfeeding Box can be a lifesaver, packed with nipple cream, cooling pads, and lactation tea to help you stay comfortable and prepared, even if you’re out later than expected.

Milk Storage and Safety Tips for Holiday Travel

Fresh Milk Storage Times

• Room temperature (up to 77°F/25°C): Up to 4 hours
• Refrigerator: Up to 4 days
• Freezer: 6-12 months is optimal
• In cooler with ice packs: 24 hours or until refrigeration is available

Always label milk bags with the date (and your name if using a shared fridge). Double-check that every bag is sealed before storing it flat in coolers or freezers—this saves space and helps milk freeze and thaw evenly. Our Zomee Breast Milk Storage Bags feature double zip seals to help prevent leaks during travel.

What If Storage Isn’t Available?

• If you're unable to safely store breast milk during certain stretches of travel, it’s okay to pump and discard (“pump and dump”), as long as you're maintaining regular milk removal to protect your supply.
• When possible, enlist help from family or friends to keep perishables safely cold or to find refrigeration at your destination.
• For longer trips, reusable breast milk storage systems like our Breastfeeding Starter Kit (which includes cleaning tools) can provide a more eco-friendly solution. This is ideal if you’re planning to pump and store milk frequently during the holidays.

Pumping Schedules: Real-Life Tips for Busy Holiday Days

Your holiday routine may mean you can't always pump or nurse at the exact same time—but consistency over the course of the day is what matters most. Here’s how to keep things running smoothly:

• Try to maintain your usual number of sessions—even if the intervals vary.
• Use reminders on your phone or a partner’s nudges to help you remember when to pump or nurse during the busiest celebrations.
• Wear a travel-ready bra like the Journey Hands Free Pumping Bra or opt for our Daily Nursing + Pumping Bra for everyday support. Both are designed for easy, hands-free milk removal in just about any setting.
• For comfort, especially if you miss a session or feel sore, consider Soothing Hot or Cold Gel Packs. These ease tenderness from engorgement or plugged ducts, which are a bit more common during routine changes.

For more on safely expressing, storing, and traveling with breast milk, see our in-depth post How to Safely Express, Store, and Transport Breast Milk.

Self-Care for Moms: You Matter Too

The holidays often mean less sleep, countless to-dos, and plenty of emotional ups and downs—taking care of yourself keeps your body and mind in sync, fueling your breastfeeding journey.

• Prioritize hydration. Breastfeeding can require up to 16 cups of water a day, so keep your favorite drink nearby while traveling or at holiday meals.
• Keep snacks handy. Nursing and pumping use up calories and energy, often when meals are delayed or different from your routine. Try high-protein snacks that you can eat one-handed.
• Accept or ask for help. Whether that’s with meal prep, travel arrangements, or simply giving yourself permission to take a break, it all makes a difference.
• If you’re feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or notice symptoms of postpartum depression, step away for some grounding time with your baby or speak with someone who can help. Holidays are joyful, but they can also be hard—self-care is as crucial as baby care.

Smart Product Picks for Your Holiday Toolkit

• Journey Hands Free Pumping Bra (XS to 3XL, adjustable, travel-friendly)
• Daily Nursing + Pumping Bra for all-day comfort and support
• Kelly Breast Pump Backpack for organized, on-the-go pumping and milk storage
• Zomee Breast Milk Storage Bags for leak-proof, space-saving milk storage
• Soothing Hot or Cold Gel Packs for relief during travel or schedule changes
• Breastfeeding Box (gift-ready kit with essentials for relief and support)
• Breastfeeding Starter Kit (reusable storage system with silicone collector and cleaning tools)

Additional Reading for Seasonal Success

• If you’re refreshing your nursing wardrobe for family events or outings, check out our post on how to build a nursing-friendly capsule wardrobe.
• For sleep tips for your baby during busy nights, see how to build a gentle bedtime routine.

Final Thoughts: We’re in This with You

The best gift you can give yourself and your baby this holiday season is grace—grace to embrace the chaos, to celebrate victories big and small, and to forgive yourself when things don’t go perfectly according to plan. From our family at Milk & Baby to yours, we want you to know you’re never alone on this journey. Whether you’re looking for tried-and-true products, heartfelt support, or just a word of encouragement, we’re right here—every season, every step.

Explore our curated collection of breastfeeding and pumping essentials at Milk & Baby, and feel free to reach out for personalized support. Wishing you joyful, cozy, and memorable holidays!