How and when to clean/prepare breast pump for use?

[MtnBikeChick]

Hi there
I got a second hand Medela Freestyle pump from a friend who only used it 3 times, which has saved me a lot of money! This may sound like a silly question, but when and how should I clean all the pieces? Should I sterlise it now? My baby isn't due for a couple of weeks so seems pointless sterilising now as it won't stay sterile after out of the steriliser. Also is it even necessary to sterilise a breast pump? My brother and wife had all their kids in the US and never sterilised anything! Should I just put all the pieces in the dishwasher now and get them nice and clean and sterilise before I use it after baby arrives? This may seem very obvious to lots of people but I am confused!! Thank you

Hello

I have read from many sources that it is 'advised' to just exclusively breastfeed for at least the first four weeks before introducing bottles. Of course if you are going to bottle feed with expressed milk for day one that you need to sterilize everything at most 48 hours in advance. have you got one of those electric sterilizers or are you boiling everything?

I would wash it now, and then sterilise it just before you use it.

Yes I am planning to breast feed exclusively for the first 3 weeks then try and introduce a bottle (this is on advice of a maternity nurse - but I know everyone has different opinions about these things). So this is a bit of an advance question really! Thank you for the help tho. I have an electric sterliser which will make things easier.

Well just run it through the dish washer now and leave it until your ready It wont stay sterilized if you do it now. Good luck!

I'd do what the PP said - dishwasher it now and then sterilise it before first use. Make sure you leave it dry thoroughly after washing it.

Some people just don't bother sterilising but it is recommended for up to 6 months at least, and gastroenteritis can be very very serious for a tiny baby. Personally I wouldn't take the risk.