I have a question regarding this discussion on sterilizing pump equipment.
Why
 does a mom need to boil the equipment from a sealed brand new package before
 she can use it? I know the companies will state this in their instructions.
 But why? What is on this equipment that would be harmfull to the baby?
 I have had 2 cases recently where I recommended the mom start pumping, to
 boost their supply and to use their EBM for the sup instead of that horrible
 formula. When I call the moms I find they are still in the process of boiling
 the pump pieces, a time consuming job and a day goes by before they start the
 care plan. >>

Ann,
When I visited a major breastpump company,  I saw them packing the pumps.  The
workers were using their bare hands and touching all the parts.  So you are
potentially exposing the baby and the mom to whatever germs were on those
workers hands.  Would you  risk that?
If you are providing the mother with a brand new sealed unsterile kit, it is
just that . . . . "unsterile".  You have no idea what germs may be on it.  The
only way to be sure the kit is germ free is to buy sterile kits.  Some LCs do
not realize that even if they are not working in a hospital they can buy the
sterile kits.  I use them in my home visits and consults with those moms who
need to pump immediately.  They cost more and I charge the mom more for them.
When it takes families so long to get their kit sterilized, I think you have
to wonder what it means to them, because if it was a high priority they would
get it done.   Also new families do move in slow motion and need help and
suggestions as to how to get things done.

Jane Bradshaw RN, BSN, IBCLC
Lynchburg, VA