Essentials of keeping breast pump kit Clean

Due to the high nutritional and raw form of breast milk, germs grow quickly in breastmilk or the residual milk that remains on pump parts. Therefore, it is extremely important to keep the pump kit and storing vessels completely sanitized. Following these basic steps can help you to keep your breast pump kit clean and safe.

Before sitting for pumping

• Ensure that you wash hands properly with soap and water for approximately 20-25 seconds, use lukewarm water for this purpose
• Assemble pumping kit and ensure cleanliness and safety of each part. Do check for the pumping tube and kit, that they have not turned dirty or soiled during storage. If that is the case discard and replace immediately the party which are not clean
• If using a shared pump, clean dials of the pump, power switch etc. Use a disinfectant wipe to do so

After usage of pump

• • Ensure safe storage of milk. Tightly cap the milk collection bottle or you can also seal the milk collection bag. Adding label comprising of date and time will help in easy recognition, and place the milk collected immediately  in a refrigerator, freezer, or cooler bag with ice packs. If the container is to be stored in a hospital or childcare area, don’t forget to add name to the label.
  • Clean the pumping area and majorly when using a shared pump. Clean pimp dials, switches, countertop with a disinfectant tissues or wipes.
  • Sperate out the parts of the pumping kit and clean them individually. Separate out all the parts through which the milk passes through
  • Rinse the washable parts with running water to ensure that there are no remains of breast milk. As it can be main cause of germs build up.

Keep your breast pump kit clean

• Cleaning with hand

• • • • Place the separated parts of the pump in the basin in a container. Do not put the feeding containers directly into the sink as the basin or sink may be contain germs which might not be visible through naked eyes. Also, before putting them into the basin ensure the cleanliness of the basin. Kitchen sink can also be used for this purpose
      • Fill the basin with soap and water. Use hot water for washing as it helps in better cleaning
      • Scrub the parts with the help of a clean brush. Use that brush only for cleaning feeding kit of the baby, do not use the same brush for any other purpose.
      • Rinse every art by putting them under the running water or in another tub filled with fresh clean water
      • Allow the pump to dry properly. Place all the parts used in washing along with the washed pumping parts on a clean unused towel or paper towel and leave them to air dry thoroughly. Ensure that the area is free from any dirt or dust

• Cleaning in dishwasher

• • • Only to be cleaned in dishwasher if suggested by the manufacturer in the user manual
    • Place all the separated parts in the dishwasher. Place small parts in closed basket at the top or in a mesh laundry bag, in order to avoid losing them in dishwasher filter. 
    • Preferably use hot water for cleaning purposes and a heated drying cycle as this will help in killing germs in a better way
    • Remove the parts from dishwasher but before removing ensure that the hands are properly cleaned and sanitized. Place the washed parts on a dry and clean towel or paper towel

Sanitize for extra protection

• • Sanitize each and every item of the pumping kit, especially when the baby is born prematurely, and when the kid has weakened immune system. Even clean and sanitize the brush and sink or basin which is to be used for cleaning purposes.
• Before sanitizing ensure that parts are cleaned first
• • Sanitization can be done the help of steam or boiling process
    • Steam: Microwave or plug-in steam system can be used as per the manufacturer’s directions and guidelines
    • Boiling: Put the separated parts that are safe to boil into the boiling water for 5 minutes
  • Allow the cleaned parts to air dry thoroughly. Do not use a cloth or tissue to wipe them in order to dry them faster, as this may transfer the tissue or towel germs on the sanitized parts

Store safely until the next use

Store the clean and sanitized parts and pump in a protected area to prevent contamination which might happen during storage. Place the products in an unused, sealed bag. Store them after they are dried properly, if not then wait until they are completely dry.

Related Article  –Steps to HAND EXPRESS Breastmilk

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