Use a Silicone Manual Breast Pump Correctly for Peace of Mind! Breastfeeding Mothers, Avoid These 2 Pitfalls

Posted by

Le good baby

September 1, 2025

On May 25, 2022

Silicone manual breast pumps—no need for electricity and compact in size—are a "lifesaver" for breastfeeding mothers, whether at home or on the go. However, many mothers fail to express milk effectively and end up hurting themselves due to incorrect usage.

Pitfall 1: "Prolonged Suction"

Many mothers think the longer the pump stays attached to the breast, the more milk they’ll get. In fact, silicone manual pumps rely on negative pressure suction—10-15 minutes per use is sufficient. Exceeding this time can compress the mammary glands, disrupt milk production, and even cause breast tenderness or milk stasis.

Pitfall 2: "Incomplete Cleaning"

After expressing milk, never just rinse the pump with cold water and put it away. Breast milk contains protein, and cold water will cause the protein to coagulate in the silicone crevices—over time, this leads to spoilage and odors.

Correct Cleaning Steps:

First, rinse off surface milk stains with warm water.
Apply a small amount of baby-specific bottle cleaner, then scrub the pump’s inner wall and suction opening with a soft brush (or silicone brush).
Finally, sterilize by scalding with boiling water for 1 minute.
Dry it thoroughly before storing it in a sealed bag.

Additionally, when carrying it out, do not store it with keys, phones, or other items—this prevents the silicone surface from getting scratched, which would compromise its suction ability.