Nipple shields - do I need to sterilise and if so how?

[MrsBumblebee]

I'm using nipple shields for a few days on one side to give my breast a chance to heal up, but don't know if I need to sterilise them or not. I'm using the Avent ones, which are really thin silicone. Does anyone know if I can/should put these in a microwave steriliser? At the moment I'm just washing them in very hot water before each feed. Thanks .

I put mine in my microwave steriliser and they have been fine. They shouldn't be left in cold water sterilising solution for longer than necessary as they get all slimey. I don't bother sterilising mine too often now my theory is that my nipples aren't sterile and BM is antibacterial and anti-viral anyway. My DD hasn't come to any harm but I'm sure that the HV would tell me off if I admitted my lack of sterilising to them. I almost feel a little naughty

I never bothered sterilising nipple shields for the short time I used them, just washed them in hot soapy water and allowed to air dry....

I didn't see the need as my nipples weren't sterilised.

Thanks! It's good to know I'm not being too neglectful .

i am microwaving mine once a day as I am only home for a couple of hours before going of to feed DS at the hopistal for the rest of the day and evening. I wash then thouroughly after every feed at the hospital and put them back in their container DS seems to be doing fine with this.