Sterilization/Cleaning:
Per CDC recommendations, breast flanges should be sterilized prior to first use and once daily, so this is the guideline Momease provides for PetalSoft Flanges. However, sanitization is most important if your baby is less than 2 months old, was born prematurely, or has a weakened immune system due to illness or medical treatment (such as chemotherapy for cancer). Daily sanitizing of pump parts may not be necessary for older, healthy babies, if the parts are cleaned carefully after each use. When we refer to ‘sterilization’, this means boiling parts in water for ~5 minutes or steam sterilizing (we do not recommend using UV sterilizers for PetalSoft Flanges). We recommend steam sterilization to increase the longevity of your flanges, as boiling can be hard on pump parts. If boiling, be sure to fill the pot with enough water to completely submerge the parts without them touching the hot bottom of the pot. ‘Cleaning’, on the other hand, refers to soap-and-water washing. While pump parts should be sterilized prior to first use and cleaned after each use, ongoing sterilization frequency is ultimately up to each mother and their comfort level based on their baby’s needs. Just note that daily sterilization can be harder on pump parts - especially flexible pump parts - so more frequent replacement may be necessary.
Replacement:
We suggest replacing PetalSoft flanges every 6 months, at the very least - however, frequency of use and sterilization frequency/method will impact part longevity, so you may need to replace your flanges more frequently for optimal performance. Be sure to replace your flanges as soon as they wear out and become cracked, warped, or damaged. Don’t wait for the calendar to tell you to replace your flanges - if your flanges feel different than they used to, or you begin to notice visible surface wear, replace them!
Storage/Handling:
We recommend storing and handling PetalSoft Flanges with care - they are, after all, delicate flowers designed for flexibility! Avoid tossing them into your pump bag underneath heavy parts that may deform or crush them.
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