Breastfeeding your baby strengthens the mother-baby bond and reduces risk of chronic disease for both you and your baby. If you’re working or on-the-go, pumping your breastmilk is a necessity. Your breast pump has many parts that come in contact with your breastmilk. Prevent bacteria from taking up residence in these parts by keeping them clean between use.
Why Clean and Sanitize Breast Pump Parts?
To prevent the growth of harmful bacteria
Do You Need to Sterilize Parts?
Sanitizing parts removes most bacteria. You do this by boiling the parts.
Sterilizing parts kills all bacteria. You cannot do this by boiling the parts. Sterilization is usually not necessary if your breast pump is only used by you.
Which Parts Should be Cleaned?
Clean all of the parts that come in contact with the breast or breastmilk.
It is not usually necessary to clean tubing unless it comes in contact with breastmilk.
The motor part of the pump may be wiped with a clean, damp cloth.
- Bottles
- Breast shields
- Valves and membranes*
- Connectors and adaptors*
*unless otherwise specified in your pump’s manual
When to Clean Breast Pump Parts:
- Clean and sanitize parts before the first use
- Clean parts after each use
- Sanitize parts once a day
What You will Need:
- Soft brush or clean towel
- Sink or bowl
- Clean water suitable for drinking
- Mild dish soap
How to Clean Breast Pump Parts:
- Always wash your hands before pumping and handling pump and supplies.
- Large hard plastic parts may be washed on the top rack of your dishwasher.
- Smaller, more delicate parts should be washed by hand. The softer the part, the more careful you should be while cleaning it.
- Take the system apart (see your pump’s manual)
- Rinse all parts with cool water to remove milk residue
- Soak all parts in warm, soapy water for a few minutes
- Wash all parts gently by hand
- Rinse well with warm water
- Allow to air dry on a clean, dry surface. Avoid using towels, which can harbor bacteria.
- Store parts separately until they are completely dry. Do not store wet or moist breast pump parts.
How to Sanitize Breast Pump Parts:
Always wash your hands before pumping and handling pump and supplies.
- Check your pump’s manual to see which parts should be sanitized.
- Take the system apart (see your pump’s manual)
- Rinse all parts with water to remove milk residue
- Bring to a boil enough water to cover all parts
- Place the parts in boiling water for 10 to 20 minutes
- Allow to air dry on a clean, dry surface
Other Ways To Clean and Sanitize Breast Pump Parts:
There are products available for purchase that may make cleaning quicker and easier.
Medela Quick Clean™ Breastmilk Removal Soap
Quick Clean™ Breast Pump and Accessory Wipes
How Christian Rap Star George Moss Cleans his Wife’s Breast Pump Parts:
“If you ever wonder what #rappers do when they get off stage, they clean breast pumps for their wives so their baby can eat.”
Source: Facebook
Breastfeeding Resources:
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
