Quick question re: pumping during night

[belindarose]

First night at home after having DC2. Having to express from one breast as he can't latch onto it yet. Had similar problems with DD so have hired pump.

Question for tonight is: do I have to sterilise the bits of pump each time I've expressed in the night, or is a rinse okay? I've forgotten since last time.

Hot soapy water is fine (rinse in clean water though) unless baby is prem or ill.

Congratulations on your new baby! Have you got any help with the latching?

When I was imn hospital and expressing the mw were minded that just rinsing stuff through under the tap was fine. The lactation midwife thought the pump bits should have a proper wash each time I used them.
I think, in the middle of the night I'd be tempted just to rinse it through over night. You'll have little enough time for sleep without wasting more of it on proper cleaning.

Hope you're enjoying lots of newborn cuddles!

Thanks, I did briefly see your helpful replies in the night. I'm surprised and annoyed that the children's centre have lent only a single pump kit, so even if I wanted to double express, I couldn't. Also means no spares, of course. And reminds me how I should have been organised enough to check the kit before giving birth!

I managed to get some good support re latching overnight in the hospital on the first night ( after some very poor advice - another story!), but we didn't quite manage the left breast. DH and I managed the latching quite well in the night on the right (as did baby himself a few times) and I'm hopeful for the left today when everyone is calm and rested. Will post later for more advice, I'm sure!