The CDC Wants You To Get Serious About Cleaning Your ...

I'm going to admit something kind of terrible: I've never sterilized my breast pump parts.

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Sure, I've washed them with soap and water after each use, with their own brush, and even left them out to dry on that super cute fake grass everyone seems to have, but as far as popping them in boiling water, or dishwashing them on the sterilization cycle, that'd be a no. Cue the call I'm about to receive from my disgusted mother in 3'2'1'

In all seriousness though, this is a major breast pump maintenance mistake, but one that as a first time mom, I had no idea how bad it could be.

I mean, breast milk is filled with antibodies, right? What's the worst thing that could happen if I am careful to wash it after each use?

Unfortunately, one family has discovered that in rare cases, the worst that can happen is just about the worst thing a parent could think about.

Following her premature birth, an infant contracted a rare, but serious infection that led to severe brain damage, spastic cerebral palsy, and global developmental delays. The bacteria, Cronobacter sakazakii, is suspected to have grown in the pump parts the poor mama was soaking in soapy water, then leaving out to air dry.

Although this case is a one-off, it did prompt the CDC to investigate what kind of guidelines people are sent home with in regards to proper pump care. What they discovered, in a nutshell, is that the information is lacking.

Now this is where I'm going to suggest all pumping moms who are already at their damn mental limit take a seat, because what the CDC is recommending to prevent these kinds of infections is for you to clean your breast pump parts, and let them air dry, after every single use. No more storing your pump parts in the fridge between sessions. No more tossing your clean, but wet parts back into a bag, and shoving the whole thing under your desk. Nope, all those bits and pieces have to be taken apart, washed, and left out to air dry before being put away somewhere clean and safe.

And, as if that weren't enough of a time-suck, they are also suggesting you sterilize your pump parts once a day. This last step is especially pertinent to parents of babies who are less than 3 months old, who were born prematurely, or who have a weakened immune system.

Before you breeze over that and think, 'Wash your pump parts? How hard is that?' let's just break down what that involves:

Under these new guidelines, after going through the hullabaloo of finding somewhere to pump, getting set up to pump, pumping (hopefully without spilling anything, or accidentally showing Derek from Accounting your saucer nipples), you need to quickly place your milk under refrigeration, completely disassemble your breast shield, membranes, and valves, wash them all with hot soapy water from a wash basin separate from the sink, with a brush used only for cleaning baby items, and then find a location allowing them to air dry, where Derek from Accounting won't splatter chowder on them, or jokingly use the breast shield like an old timey because he's an idiot who doesn't know better.

Yep, these new guidelines are a straight pain in the buns. For those who pump every day, there are a few suggestions to make this new system for cleaning your breast pump more successful.

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• Purchase multiple pump parts, so you can make pumping sessions quicker, and then wash and sterilize everything together once you get home at night (because we all know once you get home, you have SO MUCH time on your hands.)
• Stock up on sterilization bags you can use in the microwave, allowing you to sterilize pump parts wherever you need them.
• Use a mesh laundry bag in the dishwasher to keep everything together, and avoid having to wash everything by hand
• Use the sterilization cycle on your dishwasher (if you have one), and get in the routine of running it on a nightly basis.

Just like with any parenting advice, you take what you can from it, and do what you can with it. Pump up the jams, and wash and sterilize those pump parts, my friends.

This page provides general information about cleaning a breast pump. For specific information about cleaning your breast pump, check the pump's instruction manual for the manufacturer-recommended method of cleaning.

Cleaning Breast Pump Parts

All breast pump parts that come in contact with breast milk, such as bottles, valves and breast shields, should be cleaned after each use. It is not possible to completely sterilize breast pump parts at home, even if you boil them. However, sterilization is not necessary to keep these parts safe and sanitary. You can do that by thoroughly washing away germs and bacteria with liquid dishwashing soap and warm water.

Some breast pumps parts can be put in the top rack of a dishwasher. Consult your instruction manual to make sure pieces are dishwasher safe before you put them in the dishwasher.

It is not necessary to clean breast pump tubing unless it comes in contact with breast milk. If you wash your tubing, make sure you hang it to air dry before attaching it to your breast pump. If small water drops (condensation) appear in the tubing after you have pumped, turn the pump on for a few minutes until the tubing is dry.

Microwave sterilizers are available for breast pump parts, but these sterilizers do not meet the FDA definition of sterilization. However, they will adequately reprocess the parts, which is sufficient for safe use by a single user.

Cleaning the Electrical Unit for a Powered Breast Pump

Electrical units, which hold the motor and batteries, should be wiped down with a clean paper towel or soft cloth after each use.

The electrical unit should never be put into water or other liquids for cleaning. It should also never be cleaned using a microwave sterilizer.

Some breast pump manufacturers make wipes just for cleaning breast pumps, which can make cleaning more convenient when you are away from home. Even if these wipes are used, breast pump parts that come into contact with breast milk should still be cleaned using liquid dishwashing soap and warm water before pumping.

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Basic Cleaning Method

• Consult the instruction manual to determine which parts should be washed and the best method for removing parts that must be cleaned.
• Rinse each piece that comes into contact with breast milk in cool water as soon as possible after pumping.
• Wash each piece separately using liquid dishwashing soap and plenty of warm water.
• Rinse each piece thoroughly with hot water for 10-15 seconds.
• Place the pieces neatly on a clean paper towel or in a clean drying rack and allow them to air dry.
• Avoid using cloth towels to dry your pump parts because they can carry germs and bacteria that are harmful to your breast milk and your baby.
• Once the pump parts are dry, assemble the pump before you store it or use it.
• Try not to touch the inside of any parts that will come in contact with your breast milk.