We didn't get a bottle sterilizer for the microwave. They didn't recommend one in our newborn class and DH and I are content with hot soapy water washing. I'm glad to see there are several other mamas on here that don't sterilize.
That being said, do I need something to sterilize breast pump parts? I know Medela makes some sort of steam bags... is that really necessary?
My pump is a PISA and I am truly clueless about pumping (planning on learning a LOT from the LCs while we're in the hospital).
Re: s/o Sterilization
Micah Leonard
Just a warning. I don't think you're supposed to sterilize the tubing in the PISA. My sister melted her tubing that way. I never sterilized mine. Milk doesn't touch them. I did replace it in between babies, though.
I am hoping this is true. Since I'll be pumping several times a day once I return to work, I was hoping to get away with a quick rinse after each use and then actually washing the parts in the evening when I get home.
Medela also sells "quick clean wipes" that you can use at work in between pump sessions. I bought them and never used them because I only pumped at home.
It's true. I pumped 3 times a day at work and didn't have a sink available. I wiped out the parts with a burp rag so nothing dripped but they were only actually cleaned at night. Breast milk can sit at room temperature for ...it's been a while but i think 8 hours. That means that the stuff still in the pump parts is perfectly safe as long as your pumping is done within 8 hours.
Ok good to know ladies! I will look into the wipes and also how long they could stay out, for some reason I thought BM could only stay for 5 hours at room temp. I need to do my research and review my stuff again. I'm wondering if at work I can store my parts in a cooler type bag instead of the fridge. I am scared of forgetting them at work.
The PISA tells you the same thing. It was pretty easy, and DH ended up having to put it together in the middle of the night.
5 cats. 1 baby.