Simple Steps to Cleaning Your Ameda Breast Pump
Keeping your breast pump clean is not difficult but in the life of a busy parent, it can feel quite tedious. Luckily, there are only a few steps required to care for your Ameda breast pump. We’ll go through how to sanitize your pump before first use, which parts need regular cleaning, and which ones can do without.
Sanitize Your Ameda parts Before the First Use
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. If your pump kit package is not marked “sterile”, you will need to sanitize before using it for the first time. Start by putting all the pieces that will come into contact with your milk in a pot, cover with water, and boil for 20 minutes. With an Ameda breast pump, this includes the bottle, flange (the part that goes on your breast), white valve, and silicone diaphragm. All Ameda pumps use the same HygieninKits so this will apply to both personal use pumps or rental/hospital pumps. It is best to let the parts air dry so make sure you set aside a bit of time for this. Good news, unless your doctor or hospital has told you otherwise, there is no need to do this again.
Everyday Cleaning of Your Ameda Breast Pump
Ameda breast pumps don’t require you to boil, microwave, or use disinfecting wipes on a regular basis. Instead, after every use, rinse the pieces that come in contact with your breastmilk with cool water followed by a wash in warm, soapy water (using mild detergent). Rinse them again this time with clear, warm water, and allow them to air dry. Alternately, you can clean your pump parts in the dishwasher.
Tip: it’s a good idea to get one or more extra pump kits and wash them all at once at the end of your day. This way you won’t be spending valuable time washing parts after every pumping session.
To clean your pump motor or bag, just wipe it with a clean, damp cloth. This is also a good way to clean the outside of your pump tubing if milk drips onto it.
No Tubing Care Required
Ameda breast pumps have Proven Airlock Protection™ making it the world’s only breast pump with an FDA proven protective barrier. This means that you don’t have to clean the narrow tubing. During pumping, Ameda’s diaphragm keeps the air from your pump from coming in contact with your milk. For mothers using a breast pump with tubing, any moisture in the tubing can contaminate their expressed milk with bacteria, mold and viruses. Please ensure that you always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for caring for your breast pump.
Adapted from Nancy Mohrbacher, IBCLC, FILCA, Lactation Consultant, Ameda Breastfeeding Products
Coauthor of Breastfeeding Made Simple: Seven Natural Laws for Nursing Mothers
