Help! Sterilizing Medela Symphony Tubing

HKDO08

I'm going to be starting work soon and will be using the Medela Symphony in our lactation room.  I got the kit and trying to sterilize all the parts with the bags.  (I'm not too happy with the number of parts Medela has compared to my Ameda Purely Yours!  Those membranes seem so tiny and a hassle too!)  The instructions of the steam bag says leave tubing alone (nothing else added) add 4 oz and make sure covered with water.  No matter how hard I try parts of the tubing always end up above the water!  Even with adding a ton in!  Still okay to steam?  Also, do I remove the tubing from those round caps as well?  (The limited instructions I have with my kits aren't clear on this one.)  Thanks in advance!

meh624

You shouldn't need to sterilize the tubing as milk doesn't go through it.  I have never sterilize mine and a LC I spoke with said it wasn't needed.  

 

 

kymberli00

Separate everything except for the plastic ends on the tubes. I was able to wrap the tubes and set in the bottom of the bag. If they are not covered, I wouldn't steam them...I don't know how much of an issue that would be. I would guess not a big deal but hate to tell you something and then you have to go buy more tubes.

You only have to wash them once a day...not between pumps. After you pump, put in a clean gallon baggie and try not to touch any part that comes in contact with milk. You can place baggie in fridge or leave room temp for next pumping session. Don't waste time with cleaning between pumps...

 

HKDO08

meh624:

You shouldn't need to sterilize the tubing as milk doesn't go through it.  I have never sterilize mine and a LC I spoke with said it wasn't needed.  

 

 

Oops.  I didn't think of that.  Now there are some water in the tubings.  Big deal?  I hope not.    I never used the pump before so I have no idea what I'm doing.  Tomorrow I will be doing a practice run so I'm sterilizing ahead of time.

HKDO08

kymberli00:

Separate everything except for the plastic ends on the tubes. I was able to wrap the tubes and set in the bottom of the bag. If they are not covered, I wouldn't steam them...I don't know how much of an issue that would be. I would guess not a big deal but hate to tell you something and then you have to go buy more tubes.

You only have to wash them once a day...not between pumps. After you pump, put in a clean gallon baggie and try not to touch any part that comes in contact with milk. You can place baggie in fridge or leave room temp for next pumping session. Don't waste time with cleaning between pumps...

 

Maybe I'm having trouble because they're brand new and don't fold up well.  I'm thinking of boiling them in a pan instead.  Thanks for the reminder about the washing at work.  I was planning on detaching from pump and throwing the parts in the fridge between pumps. I also have quick wipes just in case as well.

kymberli00

Try not to keep water in them. Really no need to sterilize. I did in the beginning for the first time I used them but that was it. To dry out the water, swing them...be careful...to try to get it to come out. If you have the pump tomorrow, hook up the tubes and just let them run through with no other parts attached. I do this after every pump to get condensation out. Also, you can run a bit of rubbing alcohol though them and that will dry up water.

Good luck tomorrow! 

HKDO08

kymberli00:

Try not to keep water in them. Really no need to sterilize. I did in the beginning for the first time I used them but that was it. To dry out the water, swing them...be careful...to try to get it to come out. If you have the pump tomorrow, hook up the tubes and just let them run through with no other parts attached. I do this after every pump to get condensation out. Also, you can run a bit of rubbing alcohol though them and that will dry up water.

Good luck tomorrow! 

 

Thank you!!!