Cleaning your breast pump

Maintaining rigorous breast pump hygiene is essential to ensure the safety and quality of expressed breast milk. Here is a detailed guide to cleaning and sterilizing your breast pump properly.

Why is thorough cleaning and sterilization important?

Breast milk is a nutrient-rich food, making it a breeding ground for bacteria if equipment is not properly cleaned and sterilized. Thorough cleaning and disinfection helps prevent infections and ensure breast milk remains healthy for your baby.

Breast pump cleaning steps

Disassembly of the breast pump:

• Demonstrate all parts of the breast pump that come into contact with milk (bottles, valves, breast shields, etc.).

Initial rinse:

• Rinse all parts under lukewarm water to remove milk residue. Do not let parts soak in the sink to avoid cross-contamination.

Hand cleaning:

• Fill your clean sink with hot water and add a little mild dishwashing liquid.
• Clean each part with a clean brush used only for cleaning childcare equipment.
• Rinse the parts thoroughly under running water to remove any soap residue.

Cleaning in the dishwasher:

• If you prefer to use a dishwasher, place the parts in the top rack. Use a hot water cycle and a dishwasher tablet or mild dishwashing liquid.
• Make sure smaller parts are secured in a basket or net to prevent them from moving around.

Drying:

• Allow the parts to air dry on a clean cloth or draining board. Do not wipe them with a cloth to avoid contamination.

Breast pump disinfection

Disinfection is a crucial step that should be done at least once a day, or more frequently if your baby is premature or has a weakened immune system.

Boiling:

• Place the breast pump parts in a large saucepan filled with water.
• Bring to the boil and let the baby bottles boil, lids, screw caps must be immersed in boiling water for 20 minutes and the pacifiers for 10 minutes. cfr ONE
• Remove the parts with clean tweezers and allow them to air dry on a clean surface.

Microwave sterilization:

• Use microwave sterilization bags or a microwave sterilizer, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
• This method is quick and effective for daily disinfection.

Steam sterilization:

• Use an electric steam sterilizer, placing bottles, breast shields and teats down for complete disinfection.

Sterilization solution:

• Some people prefer to use a cold sterilization solution. Make sure all parts are completely submerged without air bubbles for at least 30 minutes. Change the solution every 24 hours.

Practical advice

Personal hygiene:

• Wash your hands well with soap and dry your hands with a clean cloth.

Storage of the breast pump:

• Between pumping sessions, you can store the assembled breast pump in a clean container in the refrigerator to avoid cleaning it several times a day.

Spare equipment:

• Have replacement parts on hand for easy cleaning and disinfection, especially if you express your milk several times a day. You will only do the dishes once a day.

Conclusion

Proper cleaning and sterilization of your breast pump is essential to ensure that breast milk remains healthy and safe for your baby. By following these simple but careful steps, you can prevent infections and ensure the best quality milk possible for your child. Don’t hesitate to help the tribe around you contribute!