But the CDC isn’t calling for any changes to its recommended best practices for cleaning pump parts, which the agency says can be done either by hand or in the dishwasher, if the pump kit manufacturer recommends it.
“Families should always break down their pump parts before washing them,” said Meghan Devine, a registered nurse, lactation consultant and clinical supervisor for the breastfeeding program at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. “They should wash their pump parts in hot, soapy water and rinse them thoroughly between each pumping session. Families can clean the pump parts by boiling them once daily, using a sanitizing microwave bag, or using the sanitizing setting on their dishwasher.” Must be cleaned using
The CDC guidelines provide further specifics – for example, if pump parts are hand-washed (rather than with a dish towel) they should be thoroughly air-dried. And caregivers should wash their hands before removing clean pump parts from the dishwasher.
Although some parents quickly wipe down their pump parts and store them in the refrigerator between pumping sessions when they’re pressed for time, the agency notes that no studies have shown that this helps. Whether or not it effectively limits bacterial growth.
Many doctors acknowledge that the process of pumping milk and cleaning pump parts is time-consuming and difficult, and it can be especially difficult for women who have limited time to express ( because they are at work, for example) or who must specifically pump and repeat the process every few hours.
“We need to help moms find realistic strategies to keep their equipment as clean as possible, but still maintain a pumping schedule that is practical,” said Dr. Lisa Hamer, pediatrician and lactation consultant at Trinity Health IHA Medical Group. Must also be able to keep up.” in michigan. She often advises her patients to get a second set of pump parts if possible, and noted that few insurers will cover it.
Doctors for this story tried to reassure parents that these types of bacterial infections are rare, despite the seriousness of the new CDC report, and that the benefits of breast milk far outweigh the risks of infection.
“It is an unusual situation, and of course very sad, but as mothers in our society where we no longer have villages, we are burdened with the feeling that we need to be with our children at all times, And it’s feeling like we need to pump our milk when we’re not with them,” Dr. Kellums said. “We’re all doing the best we can.”