Donate

NICU Lactation Guide: Breast pump kit care

Visit Our NICU

Contact Our NICU Care Team - Call (757) 668-7448

Mom breastfeeding baby in the hospital

Lactation Support for Hospitalized Moms

Give Your Baby the Best Possible Start in Life

Board Certified Lactation Consultants provide lactation support to mothers of hospitalized infants at CHKD. Lactation support services can be accessed by a physician or a registered nurse placing an order for a lactation consult or by calling (757) 668-7405.

Click to Call

Good hygiene will help protect the breast milk that you give to your baby. For the best protection when handling your breast milk, wash your hands with soap and water, and follow the guidelines below for cleaning, drying, and storing your kit. 

How do I clean my kit?

  1. Finish pumping.
    1. While the pump is still running, disconnect tubing from breast shields.
    2. Continue to let pump run for two minutes with tubing attached. This will eliminate condensation that naturally results from humidity.
  2. Take apart kit and store breast milk.
    1. With tubing still connected to pump, separate all parts of your kit that come in contact with your breast or breast milk.
  3. Wash kit.
    1. Rinse all separated parts in cool water to remove breast milk.
    2. Wash all separated parts in warm soapy water or dishwasher.
    3. Place all separated parts on top rack if using dishwasher.
    4. Rinse all separated parts with clear water.

If sanitizing your kit, separate all parts that come in contact with your breast or breast milk and boil for 10 minutes. At CHKD, we provide you with Medela Quick Clean Micro-Steam bags. 

Drying and storing

Allow all breast pump kit parts to air dry in a clean area and store dry parts when not in use. Do NOT store wet or damp parts. Remove bottles from breast shields and store breast milk. Remove the white membranes from the valves. Twist and pull the yellow valves off the breast shields. Separate breast shields if using the PersonalFit breast shields that have two pieces.

When do I care for my tubing?

If your tubing comes in contact with breast milk, clean it by following these directions:

  1. Rinse and run water through tubing to remove breast milk.
  2. Dry tubing by attaching it to pump and running for two minutes or until dry. This will eliminate condensation that naturally results from humidity.

Disclaimer: This information is not intended to substitute or replace the professional medical advice you receive from your child's physician. The content provided on this page is for informational purposes only, and was not designed to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Please consult your child's physician with any questions or concerns you may have regarding a medical condition.

Reviewed on: 6/2024