I believe the recommendations Deb referred to call for sterile storage
containers but just clean milk collection apparatus so hot soapy water for
collection parts is OK but not for storage.   We too have struggled with the
volufeeds vs. speciman cup issue and lids issues.

Deb asked how to increase compliance with her guidelines.  The problem is
with staff as well as patient compliance.  This is what I did when I first
started at my hospital.   I made up "kits" for pumping moms.  The kit
included a basin for washing in, castile soap, chux for drying on (I don't
like paper towels, bacteria could wick up from a dirty surface and they dry
stuff on window sills, bed tables, etc. despite me telling them to dry in
the basin), the storage bottles and lids, and most importantly written
instructions.   I placed these so it was easier to grab a kit than to gather
supplies.  I wrote on the basin edges with big black permanent marker "FOR
PUMP CLEANING ONLY".   I'd hang the kits on the electric pumps if possible;
if not maybe store them in the same room.   The only thing the staff member
then needs to gather up are the preprinted labels.

Part of my instructions are to wash kit immediately after using "so there is
time for it to air dry before the next pumping session".   I also say to
wash in hot soapy water, rinse well, shake excess water off then air dry.

I used to make these kits up in volume on my work days (I also was not there
every day), then I found hospital volunteers would also make them for me.

I posted the same instructions to the bulletin board and via unit email and
made it a written policy but I think the biggest change agent was the
pre-made "kits".

Carla

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