If you are sterilizing your Ameda Breast Pump for the first time, you might be asking yourself where to start. The Ameda Purely Yours has quite a few attachments. Find out how best to sterilize your Ameda pump parts and which parts need cleaning and which ones can do without.
Why Sterilize Breast Pump Parts?
Why is it important to sterilize breast pump parts? They come sealed in most cases and look like they should be ready to use but unfortunately, they are not okay to use out fo the package. The long and short answer as to why is that they are not sterile and you would not want to introduce any bacteria to your milk inadvertently while pumping.
So you need to sterilize before using the parts for the first time.
Now after you initially sterilize the parts, it is not necessary to sterilize them after each use. You only need to wash with warm water and soap. It is best to sterilize every so often. The frequency will depend on how often you pump.
When I pumped every day while working, for example, I liked to sterilize my pump parts every week to two weeks.
(Related: Read These Tips for Pumping at Work!)
How to Sterilize Ameda Brest Pump Parts
Because the Ameda Purely Yours is a closed system pump, there are a few parts that you do not need to sterilize or wash since they are never exposed to breast milk.
Here is a list of parts you NEED to sterilize and wash:
- Breast Flange
- Collection Bottles
- Locking Ring
- Locking Disk
- Diaphragm
- Valve
You DO NOT need to Sterilize or wash:
- Tubing (or tubing adapter which is connected to the end of the tubing)
- Adapter Cap
(Related: Need a Pumping Schedule? Use ours!)
Step 1 – Boil a Pot of Water
Get a large pot, fill it with water, and boil. Simple, right?
Step 2 – Take the Parts Apart
Make sure you take apart all the parts. The diaphragms and valves, for example, are connected to the flanges. All the parts should be separated before boiling them.
Step 3 – Place All Parts into the Pot of Boiling Water
Carefully place the flanges, diaphragms, valves, locking rings, locking disks, and collection bottles into the pot of boiling water.
Step 4 – Boil for 20 Minutes
Step 5 – Remove Parts from the Pot
I find it easiest to use tongs when pulling the parts out of the boiling water. That way you can drain any water from the parts (like the collection bottles) without burning yourself.
Step 6 – Let Parts Air Dry on Clean Surface
A good old paper towel will work just fine for this or a fancy drying rack for baby items works too.
While sterilizing your pump parts can be inconvenient, it really doesn’t take that long. Popping the parts in the boiling water and walking away for 20 minutes is easy peasy.
If you are pregnant and wanting to be prepared with a clean and ready to go pump for the birth of your baby, then I would suggest sterilizing a week or two before your due date. Store the parts in your pump bag until you need to use them.
As always, if you have any questions or comments, drop them below. I would love to hear from you!
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Elizabeth says
Hi!
Do you leave the water boiling for the full 20 minutes, or do you turn the burner off and let the parts sit in the hot water? I have seen both online.
Any advice for cleaning breast pump parts at work? How do you dry the parts inbetween pumping sessions.
Thanks!
Heather Grace says
Great questions!
I let it boil the full 20 minutes. I have always felt the temp of letting it sit without the burner on wasn’t enough to sterilize.
So the advice for cleaning pump parts at work is going to really depend on the set up you have. I personally did not have time to wash parts between each feeding and sometimes didn’t have access to a sink. I would store the entire milk collection kit in a zip lock bag and put it in the refrigerator or cooler. Since it is refrigerated, the milk on it is fresh and find to use the parts again without washing. I would wash the parts each night after work though with hot soapy water and sanitize every few days by boiling again.
I hope this helps!
Pamela Cipriana G. Fulache says
can I use steamed sterilization or microwave instead of boiling?
Heather Grace says
Hi Pamela,
Yes, you can use steamed sterilization and/or microwave according to the manufacturer’s directions as an alternative to boiling. Be sure you double-check with your pump’s manufacturer as some do not recommend using the microwave sterilization. I hope that helps!