Written By: Maria Itani, IBCLC
For new moms, ensuring that breast milk is safely expressed and stored is crucial. An important part of this process is the proper cleaning and sanitizing of breast pump parts. This blog will walk you through the essential steps to keep your pump clean and your milk safe for your baby.
Understanding the Importance of Cleanliness Bacteria and other harmful pathogens can grow on breast pump parts that are not properly cleaned and sanitized. This could potentially lead to infections in both mothers and babies. To maintain the highest standards of hygiene, it’s vital to clean and sanitize each component of your breast pump regularly.
Step-by-Step Guide to Sanitizing Breast Pump Parts
Step 1: Disassemble and Rinse Immediately after pumping, disassemble all parts that come into contact with breast milk. Rinse these parts under cool, running water to remove residual milk. This preliminary rinse helps prevent milk residue from drying and sticking, which can harbor bacteria.
Step 2: Clean with Soap and Water Use a basin filled with hot soapy water (not the sink, as sinks can harbor bacteria) to thoroughly clean each part. Use a clean brush dedicated solely to cleaning your pump parts. Scrub each piece carefully, paying special attention to any nooks and crannies where milk could get trapped.
Step 3: Rinse Again After scrubbing, rinse all components under running water to remove any soapy residue. It’s important that no traces of soap remain, as these can affect the taste of the milk and potentially upset your baby’s stomach.
Step 4: Sanitize For complete sanitation, you have a few options:
- Boiling: Boil the parts in water for about 5 minutes.
- Steam Bags: Use microwave steam bags designed specifically for sanitizing baby products.
- Dishwasher: Place the parts in a dishwasher with hot water and a heated drying cycle, if they are dishwasher-safe. Choose the method that best fits your schedule and availability of tools.
Step 5: Air Dry Allow all parts to air dry on a clean towel or drying rack in a clean area. Avoid using cloth towels to rub or pat items dry because this can transfer germs to the parts.
Step 6: Store Safely Once dry, store the pump parts in a clean, dry container or bag until their next use. This prevents them from being contaminated by dust or other particles.
Additional Tips:
- Frequency: Clean and sanitize your pump parts after every use to ensure safety.
- Storage: Always cover and store your breast pump in a clean area to avoid exposure to contaminants.
- Regular Checks: Regularly check your pump and its components for any signs of wear and tear. Damaged parts may harbor bacteria and need to be replaced.
Maintaining the cleanliness of your breast pump is not just about prolonging the life of the appliance; it’s about protecting your baby’s health. By following these steps, you can ensure that your breast pump remains a safe, effective tool in your breastfeeding journey. Happy pumping!
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