Breast pump cleaning?
LolaBelle515
member
OK, tell me if I'm doing something wrong?
I have a Medela PISA. I'm already on breast pump nozzles #3...got rid of the first two sets because they started to seem dirty. Now, the same thing is happening with this set--part of the teeny tiny crevices of these nozzles are starting to look dark (possibly moldy?).
I used a toothpick to see if I could clean out the dark patches in the tiny holes, but there is nothing to remove-it's stained, basically, I think?
I rinse the nozzles with soap every time I use them and I sanitize them once a week...I pump 3 times a day, Monday through Friday.
Is this normal wear and tear? I want to nurse/pump for the next 6 months and I just wonder how many more nozzles I am going to buy...I'm fine with it if this is normal, but if I'm doing something wrong, I'd like to know!
Thanks...
Re: Breast pump cleaning?
What do you mean by 'nozzles'? Do you mean the horns that physically touch your body or the yellow parts? I use a bottle brush to clean them as well as the little fuzzy cleaners (kinda like a pipe cleaner) that come with dr browns bottles and clean the smaller parts with that. Sterilize once in a while. I've only ever seen mold 1x in almost 7mo. How do you allow the parts to dry? I usually leave mine out unless I'm at work and then they get stuck in the fridge until I use them next.
I EP and don't know what you are referring to. I use a PISA and symphony (same parts) and pump 5-6 times a day with them. I have to wash them after each pump because of recurring mastitis (couldn't just store in fridge).
Where is the mold you are seeing? I put mine (minus the yellow valves and membranes) in the dishwasher a lot of times. Have you tried the sanitizing bags?
I don't have the same pump as you, but I have found mold in some of my parts before. It's usually when I bag my parts before they're dry enough or if they sit in my bag over the weekend (especially when it was warmer). I also use the dr browns little brush thing (it's a pipe cleaner, save your money) to get to those nooks and crannies. I also boil the parts that are allowed to be boiled, and brush them while they're still hot to get more scum off. I also pump 3 times a day Monday through Friday and have 3 sets of parts. Two of my flanges have cracks in them (from dropping them), and sometimes mold will settle in there. I have to buy new dr browns inserts because even those are getting moldy!
I guess my only suggestions would be the pipe cleaner after boiling and make sure you don't pack them away until they are completely dry. Mostly, I wanted to ensure that you're not gross for getting mold on your parts, because I'm getting mold on my (pump) parts, too.
ETA: Ensure was not the right word choice there. I'm sorry. Reassure. That's the one.
Micah Leonard
The dark is at the end of the cone furthest from where it attaches to me, when the plastic curves down. It makes sense to me that the dirt gets stuck in the bend where it is hardest to clean.
Thanks for not judging me!
Hmm I feel dumb but even after your description I am not sure what you mean. I also have a PISA. It sounds like you mean part of the yellow bit that attaches to the bottle? But then your mentioning cleaning them with toothpicks makes me think of the yellow bits on the tubes themselves.
I boil all my parts every night in a pot of water on the stove. I have replaced the white membranes and recently replaced the tubes as one of the tiny connector bits got in the garbage disposal (damn cat), and it was only $15 for two. Plus it seemed like they may have had some milk in them.
I have started leaving the pump running for a couple minutes after I detach myself, it doesn't take extra time because I just leave it run while I get the bottles off and put the milk away.
Also a couple times I boiled the tubes as well and let them hang dry then put them on the pump for 10 minutes.
But when I went to buy the replacement tubes, the LC said you aren't supposed to boil the tubes.. though the Medela instructions say you can. So I'm not sure what to think.
do you have the one piece falange-connector or 2 piece? Mine are 2 pieces since I need a bigger falange.I think they are easier to clean.
I also soak mine in hot soapy water when I get home from work then use the bottle brush or put them in the dishwasher.