Breastfeeding is one of the most critical things you can do for your child’s health and development. Pumping your breast milk is one method to provide your infant with breast milk. However, bacteria can multiply rapidly in breast milk or breast milk residue left on pump parts, from tubing to pumping cups. By adhering to these measures, you can keep your breast pump sanitary and protect your child from these pathogens. If your infant was born prematurely or has other health concerns, his or her health care providers may have additional recommendations for safely producing breast milk.
After Each Use of your Breast Pump
Preserve the milk properly.
Cap and label the collection vessel or container with the date and time it was pumped. Put it in the refrigerator, freezer, or a chiller container with ice packs immediately. If the milk collection container will be stored at a hospital or nursery, be sure to include your name on the label.
Sanitise the watering area.
Especially if you’re using a shared pump, use disinfectant swabs to sanitise the dials, power switch, and countertop once more.
Disassemble and inspect the pump assembly.
Disassemble the breast pump tubing and separate all components that contact the breast and/or breast milk. Included in this category are flanges, valves, membranes, connectors, and milk collection vessels.
Rinse and disinfect the pump kit.
Rinse the breast pump components that encounter the breast and/or breast milk. Hold them under flowing water to eliminate any traces of milk.
Hand Cleaning Your Breast Pump
Utilise a washbasin and cleansing water.
Place pump components in a receptacle or basin used exclusively for rinsing infant feeding equipment. Because germs in basins and drains could contaminate the pump, do not position pump parts directly in the sink. Fill the washbasin with warm water and detergent.
Scrub.
Scrub items in accordance with the pump kit manufacturer’s instructions. If using a brush, use one that has never been used on anything other than infant feeding items.
Rinse.
The parts are cleaned by holding them under flowing water. Or, submerge them in clean water in a separate basin used exclusively for cleansing baby feeding accessories.
Dry.
Allow to dry completely in the air. Place the pump components, wash basin, and bottle brush on a clean, unused dish towel or piece of paper towel. Perform this task in a protected area from grime and pollution. Do not massage or pat items dry with a dish towel, as this can transfer pathogens to the items.
Using a Dishwasher to Clean your Breast Pump
If cleansing in a dishwasher is recommended by the manufacturer of the pump kit:
Wash.
The disassembled pump parts should be placed in the dishwashing. Place the small items in a closed receptacle or mesh laundry bag to prevent them from clogging the dishwasher filter. Run the dishwasher with hot water and a heated drying cycle (or a sanitising setting) if possible; this can help eliminate more bacteria.
Take it out of the steriliser.
Before removing and storing the clean items, wash your hands with detergent and water. Before storing items that are not completely dry, position them on a clean, unused dish towel or paper towel to air-dry entirely. Do not massage or pat items dry with a dish towel, as doing so may transfer pathogens to the items.
Sanitise for Extra Protection
At least once per day, sanitise pump components for enhanced microbial removal. Sanitising is especially essential if your infant is less than two months old, was delivered prematurely, or has a compromised immune system due to illness or medical treatment (such as cancer chemotherapy).
For older, healthy infants, daily sanitization of pump parts may not be necessary if the parts are cleansed thoroughly after each use. Using one of the following methods, sanitise every item (including the bottle brush and wash basin!).
