From eHow.com
Medela's technology has advanced since their first manual breast pump was introduced in 1983. Now the company supplies breast-feeding women with a 2-Phase Expression Technology that better mimics the natural sucking motion of a baby so more milk can be produced in less time. When using a Medela breast pump, it's always important to sanitize the system after each use so both baby and mother stay healthy and free of bacteria.
Instructions
Things You'll Need
Breast pump system
Boiling water (for first use only)
Warm water
Soap
Towel
Medela Quick Clean Microwave Bags (optional)
Dishwasher (optional)
Disconnect all the parts that come in contact with breast milk. These parts include breastshields, connectors, valves, membranes, bottles and caps. It is important to separate the parts so they can be cleaned properly.
Wash all parts in soapy, warm water. Rinse in clean water.
Lay the breast pump parts on a towel to dry. You do not want to store or reassemble parts until they no longer have moisture on them. Once dry, cover the parts until the next use.
Clean the bag and diaphragm cap by wiping them with a damp cloth. Do not use a wet cloth, as you do not want moisture getting into the diaphragm.
Examine the tubing after each use to check for condensation or breast milk. If condensation is found after you are finished pumping, then continue running the pump with the tubes attached for a couple more minutes or until dry. You do not have to clean the tubing after each use, but, if needed, detach the tubing and wash it in soapy water and then rinse it in clean water. Hang the tubing to dry or attach it to pump and run the pump for a a couple of minutes until the tubing is dry.
Tips & Warnings
All parts can be cleaned in a dishwasher. Make sure parts are dry before storing or using them.
Medela Quick Clean Microwave Bags can be used to sanitize the breast pump parts in the microwave. Each bag has directions printed on the back that detail how much water to use and the maximum capacity. You cannot sanitize the SoftFit breastshields in the Medela Quick Clean Microwave Bags.
You cannot wash the pump or powercord.
Before First Use:
Medela instructs breast pumping mothers to clean the unit and parts before the first use. Unassemble all the parts of your breastpump that comes in cantact with breast milk: breastshields, connectors, valves, membranes, bottles, and caps. Put the parts in boiling water for 10 minutes and lay on a towel to dry. You do not have to sanitize tubing before the first use.
