Fourth Trimester
Your Breastfeeding Journey Series: How to Care for Your Breast Pump and Accessories
How to Care for Your Breast Pump and Accessories
As a mom, one of your biggest concerns is keeping your baby safe and healthy. You might not realize that one of the easiest ways to do this is by making sure you are properly cleaning your breast pump. We have some answers for you. In fact, the CDC has issued specific guidelines about how to keep your breast pump clean, and your baby safe from any harmful germs. The complete guide can be found here and is based on what you should do for a healthy full term baby. If you have a premature newborn or your baby has any other health concerns, please seek the advice of your health care providers for tips to safely pump.
It is recommended you print and hang the easy-to-follow guide somewhere in your kitchen, but we’ve summarized the key points below.
It’s also important to note that before you start your pumping process, you should always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for 20 seconds, then assemble your breast pump kit and clean your pump dials, power switch, and countertop with a disinfectant wipe.
Quick Steps: How to Clean Your Breast Pump Kit
- All parts should not be washed in your sink, but rather in a separate wash basin that is only used for washing pump parts to ensure that no food bacteria can get onto your pump parts.
- Use a brush that is only used for cleaning infant feeding items, like this one.
- Once the parts have air dried completely on an unused dish towel or paper towel, place them in a bin with lid.
- Remember to wash your basin and brush every few days to ensure proper cleaning measures. If your basin and brush are dishwasher safe, it is recommended to use that washing method.
When to Sterilize Breast Pump Parts
Luckily, for moms who pump close to 12 times a day the CDC guidelines do not call for pump parts to be sterilized after each session on top of being carefully cleaned as stated above, unless your baby has health conditions. Focus on these two key factors when it comes to sterilizing your pump parts:
- Sterilize daily if your baby is under 3 months old, preemie, or is sick.
- Sterilize every few days if your baby is full term, healthy, and older than 3 months.
When to Change your Breast Pump Parts
When you replace your breast pump parts will vary depending upon on how often you pump throughout your day. However, a good rule of thumb is to replace your pump parts every 90 days. With that said, keep in mind that worn-out breast pump parts are one of the main causes of low milk supply. This is because parts can wear down over time, which can result in a loss of suction when pumping. A loss of suction over time can then impact your supply, given that you are not releasing as much breast milk. If this happens, understand this is not your fault, and you can simply replace your parts right away to resolve the issue.
Average Timeline to Replace Breast Pump Parts
- Valve Membranes need to be replaced every 2 weeks to 2 months depending on how much you pump.
-Pumping once per day = replace every 2 months.
-Pumping multiple times per day = replace every 2-4 weeks - Duckbill Valves need to be replaced every 1 to 3 months.
-Pumping once per day = replace every 2-3 months
-Pumping more frequently = replace every month - Backflow Protector Diaphragms should be replaced every 1-3 months
-Pumping once per day = Replace around 2-3 months
-Pumping more frequently = 1.5-2 months - Tubing should be replaced every 6 months or:
-If there are tears/cracks/leaks
-If there is any indication of mold/condensation/mildew
-When the tubing easily slides on and off the motor and backflow protector - Breast Shields/Flanges should be replaced every 6 months
-It is important to keep an eye out for cracks or tears suggesting you need to replace your flanges ASAP.
*** Please note that regardless of suggested timeline, if any mold or mildew appears, you should replace the entire pumping kit immediately.
What should you do with your breast pump parts when you are done with each?
- Tubing – Dispose in trash can, not to be recycled
- Ducks Valve – Dispose in trash can, not to be recycled
- Backflow Protectors- The exterior clear plastic part can be placed in a recycling bin; the white membrane portion should be thrown away
- Plastic parts like flanges, collection bottles, and milk storage containers can all go in your recycling bin.
If you own a Medela pump, you can participate in the Medela Recycles breast pump recycling program. Through Medela’s website, you can arrange to ship your breast pump motor and power cord to a third-party processing center where the unit will be broken down.
If you own a pump by another manufacturer, contact your local recycling center or electronics recycling site to see if they will accept your pump.
You’ve Got This!
Understanding how to safely maintain and care for your breast pump kit is the first step toward healthy breast pumping and feeding for your newborn. We know you’ll do great, and if you need help along the way, we’re here for you.
Thank you to Mom.com for featuring us in your latest article about pelvic organ prolapse, a condition that often goes undiscussed. It may sound scary, but with the right support it is manageable! Visit link in bio to read the full article.
#postpartum #postpartumsupport #pelvicorganprolapse #pelvicfloorphysicaltherapy #pregnancysupport
Did you know that your menstrual cycle is more than just the main event – your period? It’s actually a series of four different phases that each play a role in your reproductive health. Getting in touch with your cycle can help you with planning for pregnancy and even detecting other health issues. Swipe right to learn more.
The fertility awareness method (tracking of your menstrual cycle in order to prevent pregnancy) has been gaining traction on TikTok and other social media channels of late. But, does it work? Axia Women`s Health OB/GYN, Dr. Daniel DiSabatino, explains what you need to know about the risks/benefits in a recent interview with Yahoo! Swipe through to learn more.
#fertilityawareness #birthcontrol #naturalfamilyplanning #cycletracking #contraception
With many different options for prenatal vitamins available on the market, it can be difficult to know which one to choose. Swipe right to learn the top expert recommended ingredients to support you and your baby.
Finding a healthcare provider who you trust and feel comfortable with is so important. At Axia Women`s Health, we`re proud to build relationships that span decades - from puberty through pregnancy. Thank you, Brittney, for sharing your experience with us! 💙
credit: @mrs_kochanski89
‘Tis the season of giving thanks, and we couldn’t be more thankful for our incredible patient community! 🙏🏻💛Thank you for trusting us with your care. Through the happy moments and the sad, from puberty to pregnancy and even into the golden years, through challenges and joyous moments, we thank you for allowing us to be a part of your journey.
#thankful #appreciationpost #patientcare #givethanks #pregnancy #obgyn #gynecology
All moms know that holding your baby is an important part of bonding emotionally. But did you know it can also provide physical benefits? Kangaroo Care, a specific form of skin-to-skin contact, can have benefits for both preemies and their parents. Research shows that holding a baby to your bare chest can help regulate the baby`s heart rate, breathing, and body temperature as well as promote bonding. To all of the NICU mamas, we see you and salute your strength!
#worldpreemieday💜
Do you know the physical signs of ovulation? If you`re trying to get pregnant, tracking ovulation can go a long way to helping you conceive. Beyond that, knowing your ovulation patterns can clue you in on other potential health issues like PCOS or thyroid conditions. Swipe right to learn the signs.
#ovulationtracking #ovulationsigns #TTC #ovulation #ovulationstest #tryingtoconceivetips #tryingtoconceive
Pregnancy and infant loss is a uniquely personal and complicated experience that affects each woman differently. No matter your experience, we`re here to remind you that your grief is valid and you`re not alone. Save this post as a reminder anytime you need support. <3
#pregnancyinfantlossday
It`s sexual health month, so 🎶let`s talk about sex 🎶 post-baby. Perhaps, you`ve had your 6-week-checkup but still aren`t feeling ready to be intimate again...that`s completely okay!
There`s so much to navigate as a new mom. 🤯It can be challenging to find the time or energy to be intimate with your partner. 👩❤️💋👨
But, if you`re feeling ready and are bothered by symptoms like pain or discomfort, don`t be afraid to speak up! Your Axia Women`s Health provider is here to help.
The truth is because PCOS can disrupt your normal menstrual cycle, it can take longer to get pregnant...but it`s not impossible! 💫👩🏽🍼
Some women may be able to conceive naturally after managing PCOS symptoms, while others may find help in assisted reproductive technologies like IVF. 🔬
Wherever you are in your journey with PCOS, don`t give up hope! 💜 Stay tuned as we shed light on more common myths surrounding PCOS throughout the month.
As incredible as breastfeeding can be for bonding with your baby, it`s no secret that it can come with some challenges. That’s why we`re sharing our support during #breastfeedingmonth. Whether you breastfeed, chest feed, bottle feed, or do a mix of both, we salute you! Swipe right for some of our favorite resources on this topic.
Many women are seeking to better understand how the Supreme Court reversal of Roe v Wade may impact their reproductive health. At Axia Women’s Health, we’re actively involved in conversations with other leading health authorities and are committed to helping you navigate the future of your care. We’re here for you, and we encourage you to contact your Axia Women’s Health provider to discuss your individual needs.
To learn more about where abortion access currently stands in your state, follow @kaiserfamilyfoundation or visit their website at www.kff.org. News outlets like the @NYTimes also offer up-to-date tracking on their website at www.NYTimes.com.
Please know that birth control (when used for preventing pregnancy) and emergency contraception (like plan B) are not currently banned in any states, though it is an evolving situation, and may change in some states. Please refer to information regarding your specific state’s regulations, or speak with your Axia Women’s Health provider for the most current and accurate information.
Please note: This information is accurate as of July 21, 2022, and may change.
It`s true that during pregnancy and around our menstrual cycles our natural balance of progesterone and estrogen can be disrupted. This imbalance can create an ideal environment for Candida fungi, the bacteria involved in yeast infections, to grow. 🤔
Fortunately, several over the counter medications can help the infection clear up within a few days. 💊
But if you`re experiencing recurrent infections, it`s a good idea to chat with your Axia Women`s Health provider. 💬
#yeastinfection #vaginalhealth #whatsupdownthere
The invention of birth control was a game-changer for women`s health..in more ways than one. Did you know that certain birth control can provide benefits other than preventing pregnancy?
In fact, up to 50% of birth control users rely on it for reasons other than contraception. Your Axia Women`s Health provider can help you learn more and determine the best option for you!
#birthcontrol #periodpain #menstrualmigraine #acne #womenshealth
If the national baby formula shortage is causing you stress, we`re here to help. Swipe through for helpful tips and resources from @healthychildrenaap to keep in mind as you navigate this challenging time.
#formulashortage #formulafeeding #infanthealth #parentingtips #parenting #babyhealth
Many women wonder, "is it safe to dye your hair while pregnant?" Daniel DiSabatino, DO, from Axia Women`s Health spoke with Forbes Health to shed some light on this frequently asked question. Good news: you don`t have to completely forgo your beauty routine while pregnant, but it`s best to wait until the second trimester to use any hair dyes or bleach.
#pregnancytips #haircare #beauty #healthylifestyle #pregnancy
Join us next Thursday, May 26 at 12pm ET for a real talk about women`s mental health. Megan Lobsinger, a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor at Axia Women`s Health, will be sharing advice on navigating emotions around infertility, pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause. Have a question you want addressed? Comment below or DM us privately.
#IGLive #mentalhealthmonth #womensmentalhealth
Today, we`re honoring all those who "mother." We know each woman`s path to motherhood can be different. Whether you`ve given birth, have experienced loss, are actively trying, or have taken on the role of a mother, we salute you!
#mothersday #mothersday2022 #happymothersday
Have you ever wondered if playing music during pregnancy can support your baby`s development? The short answer is: we don`t really know, given inconclusive data. But we do know that music can be calming and soothing to the carrier, providing comfort during pregnancy. Dr. Thomas Dardarian, an OB/GYN with Axia Women`s Health, spoke with the LoveEvery podcast to further explore the topic of the "Mozart" effect. Visit link in bio to listen to the full podcast.
#pregnancy #mozarteffect #childhooddevelopment #parenting
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