Can you mail breast milk

Yes, it is possible to mail breast milk, but it requires careful handling and compliance with regulations to ensure the safety and integrity of the milk. Here are some guidelines to consider:

  1. Check with the recipient: Before mailing breast milk, confirm with the recipient that they are willing and able to receive it. They may need to provide a shipping address and any specific handling instructions.
  2. Use a suitable container: Use a clean, leak-proof container that is specifically designed for shipping breast milk. You can purchase these containers online or at a local pharmacy.
  3. Label the container: Clearly label the container with the recipient's name, address, and any relevant handling instructions (e.g., "Fragile," "Handle with Care," or "Keep Refrigerated").
  4. Keep it cold: Breast milk is a perishable item and must be kept cold during transport. You can use dry ice or cold packs to keep the milk at a temperature below 40°F (4°C).
  5. Comply with regulations: Check with the US Postal Service (USPS) or other shipping carriers for any specific regulations or restrictions on shipping breast milk. You may need to use a special shipping service or obtain a permit.
  6. Consider using a shipping service: Companies like FedEx, UPS, and USPS offer specialized shipping services for perishable items like breast milk. These services can provide temperature-controlled packaging and tracking information to ensure the milk arrives safely.
  7. Disclose the contents: When shipping breast milk, you must disclose the contents of the package to the shipping carrier. You may need to provide a description of the contents, such as "Human breast milk" or "Perishable biological specimen."

Some popular options for shipping breast milk include:

Remember to always follow proper handling and storage procedures to ensure the safety and integrity of the breast milk during transport.