How to Wash Breast Pump Tubing Before Use
Many nursing mothers rely on breast pumps to help them express milk. An electric or battery-powered breast pump uses clear plastic tubing to transfer the suction from the machine to the breast shields. Only air passes through the tubing. You do not have to wash breast pump tubing before you use the breast pump for the first time. However, if milk backs up into the tubing or if you notice mildew or mold in the tubing, you will need to clean and sterilize the tubing before you use the breast pump again.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Pot or saucepan
- Clean water
- Microwavable sterilizing bags (optional)
- Microwave (optional)
- Rod or hanger
- Rubbing alcohol (optional)
Instructions
-
Instructions
-
1
Remove tubing from the breast pump by gently tugging on it where it attaches to the pump.
-
2
Bring a pot of water to a boil. Coil the tubing and place it in the boiling water. Be sure the tubing is entirely covered with water.
-
-
3
Boil the tubing for 10 minutes.
-
4
Let the water cool, then remove the tubing from the water. Shake the tubing gently to drain the water.
-
5
Hang the tubing over a bar or hanger to air dry. You can also pour a small amount of rubbing alcohol through the tubing to dry it quickly.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Instead of boiling the breast pump tubing in a pot, you can sterilize it in the microwave. Coil the tubing in the bottom of a microwave sterilizing bag. Cover the tubing with water and follow the instructions on the bag to sterilize the tubing in a microwave.
After every time you use your breast pump, remove the breast shields and run the pump for a few minutes to dry out any condensation in the tubing.
If you notice any mold or mildew in your breast pump tubing, discontinue use immediately, discard any milk you pumped using that tubing and sterilize the tubing.
Breast pump manufacturers recommend that you do not use a breast pump that has been used by another person, even if you sterilize all the parts.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit infant, baby image by Natalja from Fotolia.com
