Important Precautions Before and After Using Your Breast Pump

Before using the breast pump

  • Handwashing
    Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Assembly Accessories
    Check the breast pump assembly and straw for mold or soiling during storage. If your straws become moldy, discard and replace them immediately.

After using the breast pump

  • Safe storage of breast milk

    • Put breast milk in an airtight bottle or collection bag with the date and time on the label, and put it immediately in the refrigerator, freezer, or ice pack (depending on where you need it).

  • To clean the surface of the breast pump, wipe the breast pump dial, power switch and work surface with a soft cloth or paper towel.

  • Cleaning Breast Pump Accessories

    After pumping, accessories that come into contact with breast milk should be washed as soon as possible. Separate all accessories that come into contact with breast milk (such as valves, membranes, connectors, and bottles). Rinse first with running water to remove any remaining breast milk.

Hand Cleaning

  •  Prepare a special basin and a special brush for cleaning baby feeding equipment (breast pump accessories, feeding bottles, etc.). Be sure not to place the suction parts directly in the sink, as bacteria in the sink or drain can contaminate the parts.
  • Fill the washbasin with hot water and add soap (or cleaning solution).
  • Cleaning. Wash each accessory one by one according to the breast pump manufacturer's recommendations.
  • Rinse. Rinse with running water, or soak and rinse in a separate basin. The FDA recommends rinsing each part thoroughly with hot water for 10-15 seconds.
  • Dry. Place the breast pump accessory, washbasin and bottle brush on a clean, unused rag or paper towel away from dust and dirt and allow to air dry. Do not wipe or pat items dry with a rag, as doing so may introduce bacteria to items.
  • Clean the basin and bottle brush. Don't forget to clean the basin and bottle brush after each wash of the breast pump accessories, and air dry after each use. Consider doing an extra wash every few days.

Dishwasher Cleaning

  • If washing in the dishwasher, follow the breast pump manufacturer's instructions.
  • To clean, put the disassembled parts in the dishwasher. Be sure to put small items in a covered basket or mesh laundry bag so they don't fall into the dishwasher's filter.
  • If possible, use the dishwasher's hot water and heat dry cycle (or sanitize setting), which helps kill more germs.
  • Remove from dishwasher. Wash hands with soap and water before removing and storing cleaning items. If the item is not completely dry, place the item on a clean, unused rag or paper towel to dry before storing.
  • Do not wipe or pat items dry with a rag, as doing so may introduce bacteria to items.

About Breast Pump Sterilization

  • Disinfection is especially important if your baby is less than 3 months old, born prematurely, or has a weakened immune system due to illness or medical treatment (such as cancer chemotherapy).
  • Sanitize breast pump accessories at least once a day.
  • For older healthy babies, daily sterilization may not be necessary if the breast pump accessories are carefully washed after each use.

Be aware that breast pump accessories, bottle brushes and washbasins can only be sanitized after washing.

Sanitize all items (including bottle brushes and washbasins) using:

  • Steam or microwave
    • Manufacturer's guidelines need to be followed.
  • Cook
    • Put safe boilable items in a pot and cover with water Put the pot on the fire and bring it to a boil boil for 5 minutes Use clean pliers to pick up items Dry after disinfection
    Allow cleaned accessories, bottle brushes and basins to air dry thoroughly before storing to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold.
    Once completely dry, items should be stored in a clean place such as an unused, resealable food storage bag to prevent contamination during storage.
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