need help with tommee tippee manual pump

[Towanmummies]

the instruction manual really isn't up to much- does the handle need sterilising? we used the special sterilising box- put 100ml of water in as per instructions and zapped it, but there's still loads of water left. is that right? and if so how do i dry it?
their "careline" is only open office hours which isn't very caring!!

[LadyViper]

I sterilise the whole thing, there is always water left and i shake i to dry it the best i can, bu figure a bit of water is fine because it is sterile.

hope that helps!

[xMrsSx]

I agree, the manual is RUBBISH isn't it! We just tipped out the excess water and then let the rest evaporate (don't know what you'd do if you needed it in a rush?) since the first use I havent actully sterilised the pump , just washed in really hot soapy water and allowed to air dry. I am pretty sure that is ok as breast milk has antibacterial properties anyway, but I'm sure someone more knowledgable will be along shortly.

[grumpypumpkin]

I have one of those too. I wash in dishwasher and sterilise whole thing in the box with 100mls water, then shake it like LadyViper. Am going to stop sterilising soon anyway as think it will be ok after a good hot wash either by hand or in dishwasher. Seeing what my baby puts in her mouth (and how she survives the doggy kisses) has made me think that sterilising is probably overkill now! She is 4 months though so if your baby is younger you are right to be trying to do it by the book.

[mrsgordonfreeman]

If you are worried about the excess water, don't be. It is fine if it's just microwaved water, it doesn't matter if it's still wet.

I think I sterilised the handle but I gave up on the manual pump after a couple of weeks, too much like hard work.

Have you tried hand expressing?

[Towanmummies]

no haven't tried hand expressing since the colostrum days- he's nearly 5 weeks now and we might be going out next friday (snow permitting)
anyway thanks for advice. i emailed their help desk but he'll probably be at school by the time they email back

[mrsgordonfreeman]

If you are worried about the excess water, don't be. It is fine if it's just microwaved water, it doesn't matter if it's still wet.

I think I sterilised the handle but I gave up on the manual pump after a couple of weeks, too much like hard work.

Have you tried hand expressing?

[mrsgordonfreeman]

Oops..

[Sarahlou8]

Hi, I posted a problem with mine a couple of days ago because I had no hole in the valve, the instructions are naff!

I sterilise the whole thing, the only bit that tends to get water in it is the concertina'd bit and if you gently move the handle to the side you can tip it out.

agree though, that any condensation or leftover water should be fine as it's sterile.

[Towanmummies]

used it this morning and was actually v pleased with it- although DP had to re-assenble it cos i got all dippy. anyway i ony expressed about 1 oz which DS hoovered up this afternoon- no problems switching from bottle/breast and back thank goodness.

but how much should i be expressing for a whole feed for him? he'll be 5 weeks on tues, weighs about 9lbs now i guess, and is on roughly 4 hourly feeds (his routine, not one we've inflicted on him). any ideas??

[Sarahlou8]

Hi Towanmummies, watching this thread now with interest!
I'm getting on really well with mine too, used an Avent one with my last baby and could never get my milk to let down. This one is great. I can express 2oz at each let down and am using the small storage jars to freeze 2oz at a time.
My baby is 5 weeks old too so I'm trying to be careful to match what she takes from the bottle to what I express in the morning so my supply isn't affected. she had her first 2oz bottle last night followed by a top up from me and it was fine.
She was on me for ages actively feeding though so I need advice on what a full feed would be too-I've got two christmas parties in two weeks time.
She's probably getting near 10lb and feeds 3 hourlyish. I'm wondering whether just to tell DH to defrost and warm up each 2oz individually until she is full!

[Towanmummies]

hi sarahlou- see my other post about how much ebm, there's a link to a calculator