cleaning pump in between feedings

So I just got my Medela Pump in Style breast pump and sterilized all of the parts. After using it for the first time I sterilized the parts again, since I already had the water heated. Obviously I'm not going to boil water every time I pump. So how do I clean it in between feedings? Can I just wash the parts with hot soapy water and then throw them in the dishwasher periodically?

Re: cleaning pump in between feedings

For the first 3-4 weeks I boiled between every use.

I know, I am a freak. But I was told to sterilize between uses (bottles, too).

Re: cleaning pump in between feedings

OK, then I guess I'll have to sterilize. It's just seems like such a pain in the arse to do every 2-3 hours.

Re: cleaning pump in between feedings

no, we just washed in between uses and dishwasher occasionally. I was surprised that a lot of pumping moms on the kellymom website said they didn't even wash in b/w they just kept the supplies in the fridge so that they were ok to use again in a few hours.

Re: cleaning pump in between feedings

I just wash in between with hot soapy water. I throw them in the dishwasher when there is room and I sterilize in the bags about once a week.

Re: cleaning pump in between feedings

Hot soapy water here. I pumped full-time (like 5 or 6 times a day) for 6 monhts. There's no way I could have gotten anything else done if I had to sterilize every time :)

Re: cleaning pump in between feedings

I used hot soapy water. I also got the Medala microwave steam bags and would put the parts in there to sterilize once a day.

Re: cleaning pump in between feedings

I sterilized mine every single time I used it. I wouldn't risk it with a newborn, maybe in a few months...but not with a newborn

eta..I also pumped full time for 7.5 months and I pumped 3/4 times a day, I didn't find it a very big hassle to throw it in the steralizer after I used it. Also, my husband was very well trained to steralize.

Message edited 11/4/2006 5:50:08 PM.

Re: cleaning pump in between feedings

I have a bottle sanitizer that after you clean all the parts you can toss it in the microwave for 5-8 minutes - it's easier than watching water boil.

Re: cleaning pump in between feedings

the pump in style makes microwave sterlizer bags...
they work pretty well- in 3 minutes we're good to go.

Re: cleaning pump in between feedings

I still sterilize the parts after every use in my Avent microwave sterilizer, it's so easy with the sterilizer. My son is 5 months. I can imagine that boiling water would be a PITA.

Re: cleaning pump in between feedings

I bought a steam steralizer for home and a microwave one for work. I don't always streralize, but usually I do.

Re: cleaning pump in between feedings

I used the Medela steam bags and they worked great.

Re: cleaning pump in between feedings

I sterlized between each pumping but I only pumped about 4 times a day. They do sell a micorwave bag to sterilize.

Re: cleaning pump in between feedings

I wash with hot soapy water after each feed & sterlize a few times a week in the microwave sterilizer.

Re: cleaning pump in between feedings

Re: cleaning pump in between feedings

Re: cleaning pump in between feedings

I must have been a dirty bad new mommy to my newborn

I only sterlized my Medela for the 1st use. Evertime after i used it, i washed it in hot soapy water. I only sterilized again when I packed it away.

I am pretty sure DD is just fine