Do you sterilise your Breast Pump?

**MummyNaomi** · January 28th, 2013, 07:58 PM

Currently I do after every pump (well the bottle/flange part anyway), I just have a microwave steriliser for bottles and pop the flange and bottle bit in)

I wonder though, Is it necessary to sterilise all the time?

**Chrispe** · January 28th, 2013, 08:01 PM

I was told in hospital (when pumping for my prem)
Wash in warm soapy water after each use & sterilise once a day.

If you take longer than 24hr between uses its sterilise it each time.

**Barb Glare** · January 28th, 2013, 08:05 PM

No need to sterilise your pump or bottles that contain breastmilk. breastmilk is tough stuff and doesn’t grow bacteria very easily. And lets face it - she has all your household germs anyway. (and that’s a good thing) From birth, all you need to do is rinse in cold water, hot soapy wash, rinse and you are done. No boiling or microwaving necessary. by 6 mnths babies are just starting solids - you wouldn’t be advised to sterilise bowls and spoons.

**MummyNaomi** · January 28th, 2013, 08:15 PM

No need to sterilise your pump or bottles that contain breastmilk. breastmilk is tough stuff and doesn’t grow bacteria very easily. And lets face it - she has all your household germs anyway. (and that’s a good thing) From birth, all you need to do is rinse in cold water, hot soapy wash, rinse and you are done. No boiling or microwaving necessary. by 6 mnths babies are just starting solids - you wouldn’t be advised to sterilise bowls and spoons.

Lovely, thanks Barb, we'd just started solids too, and you are right, I don't sterilise the bowls and spoons! Shall save myself a job and just wash as you've suggested

**Mum2twoBoys** · January 28th, 2013, 08:20 PM

I used to til I read that the aba said you didn't have to sterilize if its used solely by you, just a good wash.

**peanutter** · January 28th, 2013, 08:20 PM

No.

**blessedatlast** · January 28th, 2013, 08:26 PM

I did for a while, but haven't for ages..

**chody47** · January 28th, 2013, 08:28 PM

I'm glad to read this. I was just about to sterilise after this pump. I'll get to bed slightly earlier

**lilima** · January 28th, 2013, 08:28 PM

I never did. We are so busy with newborns, it is great to have one less thing to worry about!

**Babyluv** · January 28th, 2013, 08:38 PM

I wash mine in soapy water, rinse and then put them into a bowl of boiling water for 5 mins, it's no trouble but sounds like I don't need to do it

**OceanPrincess** · January 29th, 2013, 02:06 AM

Nup, never did.

**Taurean** · January 29th, 2013, 02:30 AM

I did once, the very first time I used it with DD1 then never again

We were told by our midwives that sterilising is no longer suggested.

**lady_neon** · January 29th, 2013, 04:51 AM

I never have.

**~ Mylitta ~** · January 29th, 2013, 09:15 AM

I put mine in the dishwasher

**dusty** · February 11th, 2013, 05:54 PM

Wow I never knew this fact! Great info and thanks for asking the question

**Eenee** · February 11th, 2013, 06:04 PM

I do if I'm donating it but if its just for my kids then I don't bother.

**~TT40~** · February 11th, 2013, 06:04 PM

nope never. i just wash the bottle and cup bit in warm soapy water (with the rest of my washing up) and air dry (cause last thing i want to do after washing up is dry up...so everything air/drip drys)

**Mumma T** · February 11th, 2013, 07:22 PM

I am so disappointed in the midwives from DS's birth. They told me I had to and because I couldn't walk let alone stand to wash/rinse then load the steriliser was one of the major reasons I stopped BF.

Thank you for asking this, you have helped make my next bf experience a better one