Healthy Breast Pump Use

A multiple user device such as a hospital grade breast pump has a high possibility of being a source of contamination. There is always a possibility of contamination when more than one person handles these devices.

A personal is kit is very important while using hospital grade breast pumps. The kit must be designed in such a way that it prevents the backflow of milk into the pump during use. It is extremely important to note that the kit is not for multiple users and is only for single patient use. This is because if milk flows back into a pump, the chances of it providing a medium for organisms to multiply is present, which becomes a potential source for contamination.

It is suggested to use clean equipment, collection kits, and containers for the milk to reduce the possibility of contamination. The mothers must always wash their hands prior to collection. Also, the mother must make it a daily practice of cleaning the breasts with a laundered washcloth. Always read the manufacturer\'s instructions relating to the pump and the collection kit. It is important to take good routine care of the pump, as well as the kit, by wiping the controls or on/off switch with an appropriate cleanser or disinfectant.

There is a possibility for cross-contamination by some of the viruses that can be within breast milk like HIV AIDS, HTLV-1, and CMV. But using a medical device breast pump can prevent cross contamination. The most important component in preventing the cross-contamination by using medical breast pumps that are shared is the kit.

The manufacturer must always label the breast pumps with possible measures to be taken to prevent cross-contamination. The label must clearly indicate that a personal kit for mothers is required with the use of that particular type of breast pump. The manufacturers must provide some kind of description leaflet that provides detailed information concerning the usage and the measures to be taken with the device being bought.