How to keep the breast pump clean

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Breast milk is the best food and source of essential nutrients for your baby's health and development. A breast pump is one of the effective support tools to help mothers collect stored milk for their babies. Keeping the pump parts clean is very important, because foreign bacteria can grow quickly in breast milk or breast milk residue left on the pump affects your immature immune system. Infant.

1. Notes before using the breast pump

Before using the breast pump, wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds. Check and assemble the pump parts clean. If the suction line is moldy, remove and replace immediately.
Wipe the pump dial and power switch with a clean cloth, especially if using a shared pump.

2. Clean the breast pump after each pumping session

At this time, it is necessary to store breast milk safely in the refrigerator. The milk bottle cap or milk collection bag should be marked on the box or bag with the date and time of milking and immediately placed in the refrigerator, freezer or with an ice pack.
Clean the breast pump, especially if using a shared pump. Clean the dial, switch power, and table top with a clean cloth. Remember to disassemble the pump tube and separate all parts that come in contact with the breast, the mother's milk source. After that, it is necessary to wash the pump parts that come into contact with breast milk by:
Hold under running water to remove any remaining milk. Note: Do not place the machine parts in the sink. Clean the parts of the machine that come into contact with breast milk after collection as soon as possible. The pump parts can be cleaned in the dishwasher or cleaned by hand in a sink specifically intended for cleaning breast pump sets. Use washing up liquid and pour hot water into the basin. Scrub items according to the pump kit manufacturer's instructions. If using a brush, use a special brush that is only used to clean items for babies. Rinse by exposing removed machine parts under running water, or by submerging in water. After washing is complete, rinse the breast pump parts once more with boiling water for sterilization. Dry thoroughly. Place the pump, sink, and brush components in a clean, dust-free place.

Note, let dry naturally in the air, do not use shared dish towels to scrub or dry these items. Clean the sink and scrub the milk bottles. Rinse them well and let them air dry after each use.
After cleaning the breast pump, disinfect it using hot steam, boiling water or a dishwasher with a disinfectant setting.
Special attention should be paid to cleaning the breast pump when the baby is under 3 months old, was born prematurely, or has a weakened immune system due to illness or medical treatment.

3. Store your breast pump safely

Keep pump parts dry, such as: clean milk bottles, wash basins are completely dry before storing. This helps prevent germs and mold growth to ensure it is safe for children to use.
Cleaning the breast pump will help ensure the best health of the baby and limit gastrointestinal diseases. Therefore, in the process of taking care of small children, mothers need to pay special attention to the above issue.

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Reference source: cdc.gov