Sterilising

Hi guys, I’ve recently started pumping to top up baby because of his weight loss since birth and my partner has taken over the sterilising of things whilst I pump and recover from my C-section. Unfortunately, I’ve realised today he’s sterilising things then touching them so for therefore, counteracting the sterilising. I’ve only just realised a couple of days in and told him how to sterilise them again. I’m just worried if I should be concerned that babies bottles haven’t been sufficiently sterile for the last few days?

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In the most non condescending sounding way - the pump parts and bottles need to be touched once sterilised to put together? With my first I used the Milton cold water steriliser, I would then take the parts out and put my pump together, so it would have to be touched x

The mam bottles have a way for example using the lid of the bottle to push down the rubber in the bottom so you’re not touching it. I thought because of that you avoid touching anything inside the bottle and are only touching the outside if that makes sense? I guessed there was a reason they make that available to you to avoid interior parts of the bottle being touched? I’m an anxious first time mum so this is new to me and I was just going off instructions 😩

I don’t think it’s a major issue , I’m not super careful when I put the bottles together. I figure I touch my boobs that he drinks from; my boobs touch my bra and my top which isn’t always clean, etc etc

I didn't realise this! I also used MAM bottles and have the same this time, I would just always make sure my hands were clean when building the bottles or pump parts. I wouldn't worry personally but obviously I know we are all different! X

I would say as long as your partner has washed his hands before touching them that it’s not much of an issue! X

I use the cold water steriliser so once done I have to go in to the tub and get the stuff out. I try and limit it as much as possible obviously with clean hands. Reassembly the bottle (MAM) again minimal apart from putting teat in but I just touch the rim to pop through. I am sure this is ok?

Honestly they're never sterile. The second they come out of the steriliser and are exposed to air they're not sterile. So making bottles with clean hands is fine. You're just aiming to kill bacteria that would have grown in the bottle from the milk. Once they've been through the sterilising process they're fine. Babies drink from boobs that aren't sterile.

Also some lactation consultants say you don't need to sterilise if you're only using breastmilk.

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