Allow the clean pump parts, bottle brushes, and wash basins to air-dry thoroughly before storing to help prevent germs and mold from growing. Once completely dry, the items should be stored in a clean, protected area to prevent contamination during storage. Wash hands.
The 3-3-3 rule refers to a strategy often used when managing breast milk: pump every 3 hours for 3 days and keep each session going for at least 3 minutes after milk stops flowing. This helps signal your body to produce more milk and is especially useful for moms trying to boost supply during a temporary dip.
It is important that all residual moisture dries completely. Breast pump tubing should not be washed. If tubing has water drops /condensation in after pumping, leave the tubing attached and run the pump for a few more minutes to quickly dry it out.
Rinse: Make sure all soapy water is removed by rinsing under running water, or by submerging in fresh water in a separate basin. Dry: Allow all parts to air-dry thoroughly on a clean unused dish towel, a clean paper towel, or a clean drying rack.
Allow the clean pump parts, bottle brushes, and wash basins to air-dry thoroughly before storing to help prevent germs and mold from growing. Once completely dry, the items should be stored in a clean, protected area to prevent contamination during storage. Wash hands.
“If you cannot clean your pump parts thoroughly after each pumping session, you can rinse and then refrigerate pump parts for a few hours between uses to help slow the growth of bacteria.” This means the used pump parts can stay in the fridge for only a short-period, typically up to 24 hours.
A: In a room with good airflow (70°F/21°C), most parts will be bone-dry in 2-3 hours. Dense silicone pieces like duckbill valves or the thick flanges of a wearable pump may take 3-4 hours. Humidity is the biggest variable; in humid climates, drying can take 50% longer.
All breast pump parts that come in contact with breast milk, such as bottles, valves and breast shields, should be cleaned after each use. It is not possible to completely sterilize breast pump parts at home, even if you boil them. However, sterilization is not necessary to keep these parts safe and sanitary.
Improper cleaning of pump parts has caused harmful bacteria to grow in breast milk or breast milk residue on pump parts and has caused infants to become ill. Thus, cleaning your breast pump parts after every use is the best way to protect your baby.
Before you stash your pump parts in the fridge, it's important to give them a quick clean. Even though refrigerating helps slow bacterial growth, any leftover milk can still harbor bacteria if not rinsed away properly.
Lack of lubrication from fluids causes the seal faces to experience excessive friction. This results in seal failure due to overheating and wear. Avoid running pumps dry entirely. Even a few seconds without lubrication can cause damage.
Over-pumping may lead to engorgement, clogged ducts, or even decreased supply if it becomes stressful. Most of your milk is expressed in the first 15-20 minutes, especially after letdown. Anything longer rarely improves output unless you're working to increase supply under a lactation consultant's advice.
Common Signs
It is more important for you to get in eight or more pumps in 24 hours than for you to evenly space them every two to three hours. That said, ideally you shouldn't go longer than five to six hours overnight without pumping until six weeks postpartum or later.
Air-dry thoroughly.
Place pump parts, wash basin, and bottle brush on a clean, unused dish towel or paper towel in an area protected from dirt and dust. Do not use a dish towel to rub or pat items dry!
After a full feeding or pumping session, many moms can nurse or pump again within 20 to 30 minutes and still get milk. However, it typically takes about 1–2 hours for a more significant refill — enough for another full feeding — when your breasts may feel noticeably fuller or firmer.
The average amount of milk pumped in a typical 20-minute session is usually 3–5 ounces (90–150 mL) total from both breasts once your milk supply is established (around 6 weeks and beyond). If you're in the first month postpartum, output is often lower.
Generally, it is recommended to refrigerate breast pump parts no more than once between cleanings. This means that after each pumping session, you can store the parts in the refrigerator to keep them cool and reduce bacterial growth.
Using a pump that can express milk from both breasts at the same time will save the most time. It may take about 15 minutes to pump both breasts instead of 30 minutes or more to pump each breast separately. Double pumping also provides very strong stimulation to keep a good milk supply.
Wash and Dry Your Hands
You do not need to wash your breasts before you pump unless you have been using a cream, ointment, or other product on your breasts that must be removed first. Check the labels on products you have been using and ask your doctor for advice.
Pump 8-10 times in 24 hours, every 2-3 hours during the day and every 3-4 hours during the night. *Pumping from both breasts at the same time with hands on pumping is recommended for maximum milk production and pumping bra is highly recommended.
The 4-4-4 Rule. Or the 6-6-6 rule. Basically, breast milk is good at room temperature for 4 or 6 hours, in the refrigerator for 4 or 6 days, and in the freezer for 4 or 6 or 12 months. Different professional organizations have varying recommendations.
The fridge hack means placing your used pump parts in a clean container in the fridge between pumping sessions. Cold temperatures slow bacterial growth, so your parts can safely wait for the next pump without an immediate wash.