It is getting dark outside which means I have spent far too much time at the computer today. Yes, yes, yes Jan Barger, I heard (or read) your mail. I have always told my children "do as I say, not as I do". This sterilization issue is another one I have difficulty with. If a mother picks up pacifiers, nipples, bottles, etc. off the shelf at the store, does she have to sterilize them?? are they pre-sterilized?? I do understand companies have to cover themselves, unfortunately due to this suite crazy society. That is why M_______ has recommendations for Cleaning and Sterilization. If you look carefully though, the recent instructions and videos state "follow these instructions in the hospital or at home UNLESS you are OTHERWISE instructed by your physician or another medical professional". Therefore, if you want to recommed something else, you can. As Jan Barger mentioned, we have studied breastmilk and the immunological properties do protect the milk!!! I strongly agree with Diane that before opening a pump kit, have mom wash her hands or at least you wash your hands. If the kit is sterile that doesn't mean you can't handle it. Sterilizing it means that it has killed all the bugs that might have come from the packaging person or anyone else that might have touched it while packaging it. I remember Terry Asquith, milk bank director from San Jose, CA telling me "Pat, you open a kit in the hospital, you know how many bugs, bacteria, etc. from the air get on that kit". It has always stuck with me. We get so crazy over things instead of focusing on what is really important- a healthy baby receiving breastmilk. Pat Bull, RN, IBCLC/The Breastfeeding Connection [log in to unmask] Naperville, IL