mulitple pumping - one pump - what do you do in between sessions?

[15milner]

Quick question...

i'm pumping to get enough milk just in case it's needed when i'm tutoring.  I know that I need 2-3 pumping sessions to get enough milk for a feed.

I put the bottle in the fridge with a lid on so I can add to the stash later.

WHAT are you supposed to do with the cone bit / valves etc that are covered in milk but are needed later in the day for another session?

Thanks

alex

[evanskimberley]

I've been putting mine in the fridge intact - ie the cone bit still attached to the bottle, mine has a cover for the 'cone' so its air tight (ish!)
Not sure if thats what you are meant to do though!!!

[15milner]

That's exactly what I mean!

i don't have a lid for mine - do you think cling film would be OK?!!

[Samuel's mum]

It's called 'wet bagging'. I'd say cling film is fine or a ziploc/sandwich bag.

[15milner]

Thanks!

[evanskimberley]

What pump are you using Alex?

[15milner]

Bog standard Avent isis - you?

[woopster]

You don't have to sterilise it in between???  I have 2 pumps and a very slow steriliser. How long can I leave it between sterilising?

[15milner]

Wendy - that's what I was doing and it is such a faff - I was just wondering what others do... sounds like we don't even need to wash the pump in between, let alone sterilise.

Out of interest, what pump are you using? 

Alex

[woopster]

Good ol' Avent isis...

[evanskimberley]

I've got an isis too but am about to stop using i as I've stopped b'feeding now and am just trying to stop my supply without getting mastitis! Would you like to borrow my lid? PM me your address if you do.

Wendy, I usually wash and sterilise every 2 days as it says you can leave breast milk in the fridge for that long ok. So I would wash and sterlise in the eve, say tonight, then use it tonight, Fri night and then wash and sterilise ready for Sat night.

[Samuel's mum]

If you keep it in a fridge inbetween pumping sessions I would certainly feel confident in saying 24-48hrs is absolutely fine to leave it unwashed.
Logically though it could be considerably longer than this as ebm stays fresh in the fridge for at least 5-7 days (for premature babies or babies with low immunity 48hrs is recommended).

Remember that breastmilk has antibacterial properties and there is plenty of literature to support the view that the only time you need to sterilise is when you take it out of the box - I kid you not. The Human Milk Banking Association of America tells its donor mothers that regular sterilization is not required (based on a study examining bacterial contamination of pumps washing and sterilized in various ways).
http://parenting.ivillage.com/baby/bbreastfeed/0,,3x6r,00.html

http://www.lowmilksupply.org/pumping-how.shtml#1

Wash with hot soapy water and dry (best NOT to use a cloth towel or tea towel). The 'dangerous' stage is when the pump is wet after washing and airborn baddies can attach themselves and breed in a moist environment. I'm not saying 'don't sterilize' but just that it may be less vital than you think.

[evanskimberley]

Wow - honestly Emma - how big is your brain? You are a mine of information!!!!! I honestly thought I had to freeze it after 48 hours! Never knew it would be safe for up to a week!!!

[woopster]

Emma, you are wonderful! 

[EllenS]

When I was pumping every feed with a newborn, (so, every 2-3 hours), my lactation consultant said I could leave it out at room temperature and only needed to wash it once a day.  She said that bm stays fresh 4-6 hours at room temp and the parts would be getting constantly flushed with new milk...this is what we did until we didn't have to pump so frequently.  (we were not collecting the milk, but feeding it to the babe at the next feed.  We did make sure to use a clean bottle/nipple after touching the baby's mouth).  I'd love to hear your views on that, Emma.