Breast Buddies Natural Parenting And Breastfeeding Support Forum. Attachment Parenting
Welcome to Breast Buddies. Friendly breastfeeding forum to help mothers and mothers to be.
Login or sign up today!

Breastfeeding tip : Recognising a growth spurt

* You feel as though you haven't got enough
* Baby getting upset at the breast (though can be a sign of other common problems)
* Baby is breastfeeding often or almost nonstop (feel like baby is always wanting to feed)
* A baby who was previously sleeping through the night is now waking to breast feed several times
* Baby will latch and unlatch, fussing in between

Please join today for support and advice.



To get rid of the ads please join free today! Smile

Join the forum, it's quick and easy

Breast Buddies Natural Parenting And Breastfeeding Support Forum. Attachment Parenting
Welcome to Breast Buddies. Friendly breastfeeding forum to help mothers and mothers to be.
Login or sign up today!

Breastfeeding tip : Recognising a growth spurt

* You feel as though you haven't got enough
* Baby getting upset at the breast (though can be a sign of other common problems)
* Baby is breastfeeding often or almost nonstop (feel like baby is always wanting to feed)
* A baby who was previously sleeping through the night is now waking to breast feed several times
* Baby will latch and unlatch, fussing in between

Please join today for support and advice.



To get rid of the ads please join free today! Smile
Breast Buddies Natural Parenting And Breastfeeding Support Forum. Attachment Parenting
Would you like to react to this message? Create an account in a few clicks or log in to continue.

Breastpumps 101 continued

Go down

Breastpumps 101 continued Empty Breastpumps 101 continued

Post by Kasia80 Mon Oct 01, 2007 4:07 pm

Cleaning Your Breastpump

The following is considered adequate for cleaning of breastpump parts if your baby is healthy: Sterilize all pump parts that will come in contact with breast or milk before the first use unless your parts came in a sterile package. Sterilizing can be done in a hot dishwasher (water temperature greater than 140 degrees) on the top rack or in boiling water for 10-20 minutes. After each use, wash these same parts in hot, soapy water and allow them to airdry or dry them with a clean paper towel if a faster drying time is necessary. Every third to fourth use - or at the end of a work day - sterilize these parts again. Electric and microwave sterilizers provide a faster, more convenient method of sterilizing breastpump parts; however, some pump manufacturers (including Medela) do not recommend this route of sterilization and will not guarantee their pump parts if sterilized in this way. Any part that does not come into contact with breast or milk does not need routine cleaning or sterilization. This would include any tubing that may be used with the pump. Tubing only needs to be cleaned if milk enters it. Then it should be boiled for 10-20 minutes. Following sterilization it is also recommended to "shoot" rubbing alcohol down through the tubing to hasten drying and prevent mold and mildew growth. Any parts of your breastpump which require routine cleaning and which can be separated should be for each cleaning.
Note: If you or your baby are being treated for thrush, it's recommended that daily boiling of all breastpump parts that come in contact with breast or milk take place.


Is it safe to use a previously-used breastpump?
No pump manufacturer recommends this practice. Here is what two major companies, Medela and Avent, have to say on this subject:

Medela, Inc.:

" Many mothers have asked if they can safely sell, purchase, or use a previously owned breastpump. Medela is concerned about the health and welfare of breastfeeding mothers and their babies. Breastfeeding is certainly the best way to feed your baby, and is the gold standard of infant nutrition. There is some evidence, however, that certain serious viruses* may be transmittable through breastmilk. For this reason, it is not advisable to use a previously owned breastpump. Breastpumps are single-user products, or personal care items, much like a toothbrush, and are registered with the FDA as single user items. For safety, breastpumps should never be shared, resold, or lent among mothers. Medela strongly discourages mothers from re-using or re-selling previously owned breastpump equipment. The Medela Pump In Style Breastpump has an internal diaphragm that cannot be removed, replaced, or fully sterilized. Therefore, the risk of cross-contamination associated with re-using a previously owned pump such as the Pump In Style cannot be totally dismissed. Multiple use of single-user breastpump automatically voids the warranty of the Medela product. Each mother who wishes to express milk with a pump should use a clean, uncontaminated breastpump. This is the safest way to eliminate any risk of cross-contamination. Rental pumps such as the Classic‰ and Lactina pumps are made to be safely used by repeated clients who each use their own clean personal rental kit, therefore avoiding any possible cross-contamination. Rental pumps, when used according to the Medela instructions, are safe to use by multiple mothers who have their own personal kits."

Avent America:

"We at Avent America are always striving to provide mothers with quality products at reasonable prices to help them breastfeed longer. Research has shown that breastmilk can transmit many contagious viruses. It is for this reason that we strongly recommend that you NEVER use a previously owned breast pump. The Isis Breast Pump is considered to be a personal care item and has been designed to be for single use only. Mothers should never share breast pumps. Sharing or using a previously owned breast pump could put you and your baby at a potential risk for exposure to serious health risks. Some of the viruses that can be within breast milk are: HIV - Human Immunodeficiency Virus (AIDS) HTLV-1 Human T-Cell Leukemia Virus Type I CMV - Cytomegalovirus When you are using a previously owned breast pump you create the risk of cross contamination. It is for this reason that AVENT AMERICA STRONGLY SUGGESTS NEVER USING, BORROWING, PURCHASING OR SELLING A PREVIOUSLY USED/PRE-OWNED BREAST PUMP. Since a mother's breast milk is the most precious gifts of nutrition/health she can give her baby, DON'T take the chance of sharing someone else's viruses with your baby. "
If you still find a reason to use a previously-used pump, do take some precaution and try to replace every part which might come in contact with breast or milk. While this will not prevent all possible risks, it will greatly decrease them.

What if pumping hurts?
There are several things to consider if pumping is uncomfortable for you:







  • Is your pump of good quality? Many moms complain that lesser-quality pumps hurt. Use the information given above to determine if you have a good quality pump. A good pump should NOT hurt!
  • Do you have the pump suction or speed turned up too high? You should only turn the suction and speed up as high as your comfort will allow. If the pump hurts, try turning the suction and/or speed down some.
  • Is your nipple centered in the breastshield or flange? A nipple that is not centered may rub or be pinched up against the sides of the breastshield tunnel.
  • Are you pumping too long? Most moms should limit pumping to no more than 20 minutes at a time. Pumping for very long periods is more likely to make your nipples tender. Shorter, more frequent pumping sessions do more to increase and maintain supply than longer, less-frequent ones anyway.
  • Are you using the insert piece in your breastshield (if it came with one)? These extra pieces are designed for moms with smaller nipples. If you have been using the insert piece, try taking it out and see if that makes pumping more comfortable for you.
  • Is the breastshield large enough for your nipples and/or breasts? Some pumps may only come with a standard breastshield. This is designed for the "average" mother. Some moms may require a larger breastshield in order to accomodate a larger nipple or allow for more of the breast tissue to be accepted into the breastshield. Many pump manaufacturers make larger breastshields which can be purchased separately. For example, Medela makes the PersonalFit breastshield which can be used in place of the standard breastshield. Medela also makes an even larger glass breastshield if required by a mother. Other breastpump manufacturers may have similar products. Check with your pump's maker.
  • Are you holding the suction too long? If using a breastpump for which you have to release the suction you may be holding the suction for too long. Try shortening the amount of time that you actually hold the suction; and thus make your suck/release cycles shorter, or consider using a pump that automatically releases the suction for you (see information above).
  • Could you have thrush? Discomfort with correct pumping is often a sign of thrush, especially if pumping has been pain-free before.
    </FONT>



One Final Word
When considering the purchase or rental of a breastpump, try to think of it as an investment in your's and your baby's present and future physical well-being. A good quality breastpump is not a luxury but an essential item for any mother who must use a breastpump at all! Compare the price of an effective breastpump to the cost of infant formula for one year (about $1200 for the least expensive form). You wouldn't think of scrimping on a lesser-quality car seat for your baby. You shouldn't try to get by with a poorer-quality breastpump either. Your comfort and your success with pumping and providing your baby with your own milk is priceless! Pumping: an act of love!

http://www.breastfeed-essentials.com/pumps101.html
Kasia80
Kasia80

Female Number of posts : 4575
Age : 44
From : Oxfordshire
Tell us about yourself : \"If breastfeeding in public makes people uneasy because the breasts are considered sexual, then bottle-feeding must be the equivalent of whipping out a dildo\"
Your mood today : Happy
Thanks and Reputation points : 20
Points : 549
Registration date : 2007-08-04

Back to top Go down

Back to top


 
Permissions in this forum:
You cannot reply to topics in this forum