Breast milk extraction can be painful, everything must be hooked up, labeled, and stored, let alone cleaned up. However, if you do not take action, cleaning the breast pump parts may have dangerous consequences, as evidenced by the rare but severe infection of Kronobacter in infants.
This tragic situation prompted the CDC to wonder if the mother was given proper guidance on how to maintain her pump parts. Their new guide aims to spread people’s awareness of the correct approach and frequency.
In response to the survey, we reviewed the existing resources on how women can breastfeed safely, but did not find detailed and detailed guidance, but based on the best science available.
Unfortunately, the guidelines state that yes, you do need to clean the parts after each use. Other important suggestions include:
- wash hands before handling pumped parts or pumped milk
- prepare special brushes and washbasins for the parts (so don’t use sponges for household cutlery to wash your face in the kitchen sink)
- and air dry Components.
To provide additional protection, you can sterilize the boiling or cooking parts (or sterilize the cycle in the dishwasher).
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Rare but dangerous infection
Among the cases included in this week’s CDC report, the baby was born prematurely, making her more susceptible to infection. According to reports, my mother will soak the pump parts in soapy water, and then rinse it away after a few hours.
The water may be a hotbed of bacteria. Samples of bacteria were found in the pump section, in the sink and in the milk drawn at home. Sadly, the newborn’s brain is affected by the infection, causing meningitis and overall developmental delay.
We did our best for this mother, she just tried her best to do the best for her children.
Kronobacter infection is very rare, CDC only hears four to six cases a year (although there may not be more reports), but the contaminated milk may also put the baby at risk of other infections.
Dr. Bowen said: “Chronic bacteria can cause infections in babies born at full term, and babies younger than two or three months are at the highest risk of Klebsiella meningitis.”
“This is related to contaminated breast pumps Was the first report of Kronobacter infection, but other babies got sick from drinking breast pumps contaminated with different types of bacteria.”
Are these pump hacks safe?
Pumping moms may have heard of the technique of storing parts in the refrigerator between pumping to avoid frequent cleaning, but is this safe?
“Although if unused pump parts are refrigerated between uses, if both can be refrigerated, then it is safest to clean the pump kit after each use, for babies two to three months old Infants who are born prematurely or have babies are particularly important.
Weakened the immune system.” Dr. Bowen said.
If the office worker’s mother is unable to use appropriate facilities (using the office worker’s kitchen sink and counter, straws) or does not have time to wash clothes, she may encounter difficulties.
So, can you rely on commercially available quick wipes to clean breast pump parts? Dr. Bowen said: “The quick-cleaning rag does not reach all the surfaces of the pump kit, so it is best to use a dishwasher or hand to clean it thoroughly.”
If you can’t do this, she recommends that you prepare for each pumping operation Duplicate parts. (Yes, it’s painful, and we know it’s expensive, but it’s not worth the risk.)
It is hoped that these strict guidelines will not prevent mothers from breastfeeding when they leave the baby, because breast milk has many beneficial properties.
In addition, breastfeeding can maintain the supply of mothers so that they can feed babies directly from breast milk when they are together.
Dr. Bowen said: “Providing breast milk is one of the best things mothers can do for their babies, and parents can take steps to ensure that the milk they extract is as safe as possible.”
Regular cleaning and disinfection of breast pumps are essential for a healthy and safe breast pumping experience for mothers and infants. This is our guide on how to clean the breast pump correctly.
How do I start?
Wash your hands before touching breasts, handling breast pumps, and cleaning parts.
Do I need to clean the breast pump parts before using it for the first time?
Yes! Before using for the first time, make sure to clean and disinfect the breast pump parts and bottles.
How often should I clean the breast pump parts?
After each use, you should clean the breast pump parts and bottles, and once a day.
What parts should I clean?
The quick answer is – almost everything! After each use, you should thoroughly clean each part of the breast pump that touches the breast or milk, including the shield, breast bottle, bottle cap, valve, diaphragm and connector. This helps avoid dry breast milk residues and prevents the growth of bacteria.
Only clean the pipeline if you see residue or condensation.
How do I clean the breast pump parts?
There are two ways to clean the breast pump parts: in the dishwasher or in the sink.
Dishwasher: You can wash all separate parts on the top rack of the dishwasher and air dry in a clean place. Using a dishwasher may discolor your parts, but rest assured-this will not affect its function.
Wash basins in sinks: You can also wash breast pump parts in sinks—just use large basins or wash basins that are only for breastfeeding supplies, and make sure they are not in direct contact with the sink.
First, rinse all separated parts in contact with the breast and milk with cold water, then immerse it in warm soapy water for 5 minutes. In order to simplify daily cleaning work, please be prepared to quickly clean breast milk to remove soap.
Clean each part with a clean rag or soft brush, and rinse all separate parts with water.
In addition, our quick-clean breast pump and accessory wipes provide another easy way to clean anytime, anywhere! You can wipe the main body of the breast pump with a “quick cleaning” wipe or cloth.
Whether you choose to clean the pump parts in a dishwasher or wash basin, make sure to place them on a clean surface or towel and allow them to air dry. When not in use, store dry parts in a clean, cool place.
How do I clean the breast pump?
Although you should clean the breast pump and its parts after each use, you do not have to disinfect it frequently. We recommend cleaning parts and accessories once a day.
Boiling method: First, separate all parts that come into contact with breasts and milk, and wash your hands thoroughly. Fill the pan with enough water to cover all the parts, then boil the water.
After the water boils, leave the part for 10 minutes. Let the water cool, then use pliers to gently remove the parts from the water. After disinfection is complete, place the part on a clean surface or towel and allow it to air dry.
As always, store the pump parts in a clean and cool place when not in use.
Steam method: Follow the instructions printed on the Quick Clean Mini Steam Bag. These bags allow you to sterilize breast shields, accessories, bottles, nipples, pacifiers and cups in about 3 minutes for quick and easy end-of-day sterilization.
For quick, easy, and safe disinfection of breast pump parts, you can try our new fast cleaning breast pump and accessories disinfection spray. This solution can eliminate 99.9% of bacteria and viruses with no-rinse solution.
It does not contain irritating chemicals, smoke, bleach, dyes or alcohol, and is completely safe for mothers and infants. Although this product cannot replace conventional cleaning or disinfection guidelines, it is an excellent choice for additional protection against unsanitary environments.
Please check the latest CDC guidelines on cleaning breast pumps and find more information about different Medela products in our instruction manual.
This is the best way to maintain your pump parts:
- Before using the pump, wash your hands and use disinfectant wipes to clean the outside of the pump.
- After each use, disassemble the pump parts and rinse them under running water. Do not put them directly in the sink!
- In wash basins and brushes used only to clean pump parts or dishwashers, clean the pump parts with hot water and soapy water as soon as possible.
- Rinse with fresh water (do not put them back in the same pot).
- Air dry on clean dish towels, but do not wipe the parts with a towel as this may spread bacteria.
- Rinse your washbasin and brush, then dry. Clean at least every few days.
- If using a dishwasher, place it on the drying cycle or disinfection cycle of hot water and heating. Wash hands and allow to air dry before removing parts.
- Only store the item in a clean, protected area after it has dried completely.
Finally, don’t worry about asking for help! After use, see if your partner can help clean the breast pump parts.