Sterilizing pump parts after each use

[sunshineandme]

Hi All,

I just finished pumping with my Medela Freestyle for the first time. I then washed all the parts and have set them out to air-dry. Now, what am I going to do at work??? I can't keep doing this everytime I pump at work (hoping I'll be able to pump at least 3 times at work). So, how do all of you experienced pumping moms do it? Do you wash everytime and let the parts air dry. Or is there any way I can skip the washing between the 3 pumping sessions????

thanks a bunch!
-SunshineAndMe

[Momof3Labs]

You can rinse and refrigerate between pumping sessions. Or check out the Medela microwave steam sterilizer bags - I loved those things when pumping a lot!! Another option is to have a few sets of pumping parts.

[vonfirmath]

I ended up only being able to pump 2x/day at work because of time, etc. But yes, I did quick cleans at work and a more thorough clean at home at the end of the day.

[Binkandabee]

I pumped two times at work as well and I did very quickly rinse with soap and water each time. Then dried off with a towel and put them back in my pump bag. It literally took less than a minute.

[newg]

madela also sells wipes....kinda like handy wipes....that you can use to clean your parts with......I didn't have to pump at work; but did pump while traveling to the IL's and washing parts wasn't really an option....I ended up with three of everything (except tubing) so i wouldnt have to wash as much.

[rprav8r]

Refrigerate between sessions.

Or buy multiple sets of horns.

[sunshineandme]

Hmmm, but there are so many parts to the pump kit and most of them have tiny ridges. I don't want to wash them and later find that there's still some water/moisture in them just as I'm about to pump, or worse, pump without realizing that and have that moisture/water get into the milk.

I really do appreciate all the responses But could someone please elaborate on their procedure? thanks so much!

Also, I'm leaning toward refrigerating the pump kit after each use and finally clean up after going home. Anyone who would advise against this?

TIA
-SunshineAndMe

[rprav8r]

Call me crazy, but if two drops of water get into the milk, I don't think it's going to harm the baby. I did basically this routine for the entire time I pumped for DS (till he was 11 mos) and am doing the same for DD. So far, neither has shown any ill effects from consumption of the miniscule amount of moisture left behind in the horns.

Here's my procedure:
1. Pump
2. Leave horns/valves/etc assembled and disconnect from tubing
3. Rinse
4. Shake dry
5. Place in fridge

When it's time to pump again,
1. Remove horns etc from fridge
2. Connect to pump
3. Pump

[nupe]

I don't sterilize during the day. I was pumping three times during an eight hour period during the day, with PISA. I rinsed well and left to air dry on a counter on a plate. No soap, no wipes. I ran them through the diswasher in the evening. I had three sets so I would always have a clean set of horns avail for the morning.

[mom2224]

I didn't have access to a fridge, but I think that would be fine to keep your assembled horns in a bag in the fridge until next use.

Here's what I did:

Pump
Disassemble parts
Rinse
Put parts in steam bag, fill with water, microwave, empty water
Leave parts untouched in steam bag until next use

When you are ready to pump again-
Open bag
Shake any excess water off parts
Assemble horns
pump

Medela has steam bags that sterilize. You can use them 20 times each. They worked great for me for over a year. I'm planning the same for #2.

Hope that helps! You'll figure out a routine that works best for you, promise!