Whether you are pumping at work or on the go, there are some things you need to know.
For starters, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends, “When away from your baby, try to pump at the same times or as often as your baby is breastfeeding. This will help remind your body to keep making the amount of milk your baby needs.”
This can make going on a day trip or going back to work quite challenging because not only do you need to bring a breast pump back and forth in tow, you also need breast pump parts, bags or bottles to store the milk, a cooler to store the milk if you won’t have access to a fridge, etc.
I’ll dig deeper into more details in later blog posts but today I wanted to share with you 4 tips for cleaning your breast pump parts on the go!
SOAP AND WATER: This is obviously the best option when it comes to cleaning your pump parts. I liked using Honest Company Bottle Soap because of its clean ingredients. But sometimes you don’t have access to a sink or a clean on for that matter.
REFRIGERATOR OPTION: @Pump_momma_pump explains the hack like this: “Do not rinse, that could only introduce bacteria! Simply pour milk out into a storage container/bag, reattach bottles, wipe any drips, and refrigerate until next pump. Wash once a day. Sanitize as necessary.
NOTE: Many mommas store in fridge in ziplock bag, and some use a Tupperware container or just stick them in their fridge uncovered. This eco friendly momma likes to use the stasher bags which are reusable and washable. The small one fits the flange and a bottle, the large one fits multiple parts comfortably.
MICROWAVE SANITATION: Medela sells these steam storage bags you can find them here. Unfortunately you do need to have access to a microwave but if you are pumping at work this may be an option. Per Medela, the steam bags: “Thoroughly disinfects in about 3 minutes.
Steam cleaning eliminates 99.9% of most common bacteria and germs.
Requires just a microwave and water.
Each bag can be used up to 20 times.
Ideal for storing pump parts between pumping sessions .”
- ON THE GO SPRAY or WIPES: I have both of these options in my diaper bag. This is a great option if you are out and about and just keeping the parts in your diaper bag and want to give them a quick cleaning. You can find the spray here. You can find the wipes here.
Please also note the CDC guidelines for keeping your parts clean – you can find them HERE. I have also included their guideline chart below:
Feel free to shoot me a message if you have any questions on how I manage breastfeeding and pumping at work. I hope this was helpful!
xo E
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