FAQs
Usage
What does a breast milk collector do?
The New Medela Silicone Breast Milk Collector is designed as a collection device to be used in combination with breastfeeding for the purpose of collecting mums’ natural let-down reflex from the breast not fed on.
How does the breast milk collector work?
During breastfeeding, mums’ breasts often let down (milk flows) at the same time. When attached the Silicone Breast Milk Collector applies a gentle suction which takes advantage of the natural let-down reflex and collects the milk from the breast not being fed from.
When should I use my breast milk collector?
Many mums leak or let-down from one breast while feeding from the other, the Silicone Breast Milk Collector is designed to collect the breast milk that naturally flows from the other breast while nursing, to ensure every drop is used and not wasted.
Can I use the breast milk collector overnight?
Do not sleep with the Silicone Breast Milk Collector attached to your breast. With that said, the Silicone Breast Milk Collector can be used at any time in combination with breastfeeding, day or night.
Can the breast milk collector be used while pumping?
Yes, while the primary use of the collector is in combination while breastfeeding, the silicone breast milk collector can also be used in combination with single pumping.
Can I use it in the shower?
While warm compresses and showers can promote milk let-down it is not recommended to use the Silicone Breast Milk Collector when showering as you may inadvertently contaminate your collected milk with shower gels / body soaps, etc.
What is the difference between the Silicone Breast Milk Collector and breast milk collection shells?
Both the Silicone Breast Milk Collector and breast milk collection shells are designed as a breast milk catcher, for the purpose of capturing breast milk that is leaking from the breast not fed on. Collection shells are rounded in shape and must be placed inside the nursing bra cups while in use. The Silicone Breast Milk Collector is elongated in shape and creates a gentle suction on the breast allowing it to stay in place when the nursing bra cups have been dropped down.
Is the Medela Silicone Breast Milk Collector a similar product to other brands silicone breast pump?
Yes. While both the Medela Silicone Breast Milk Collector and what other brands call a silicone breast pump work the same way, Medela’s Silicone Breast Milk Collector has been designed to include three anti-spill features; a clip-on lanyard for added security, a secure suction base to reduce tipping over and double leak proof protection with the silicone stopper and lid!
Storage
Can the breast milk collector be used to store breastmilk?
Yes! For short-term storage the silicone breast milk collector can store breast milk while using the silicone stopper and lid combination. For long-term storage, pour the collected breast milk into a storage bag or collection bottle and refrigerate or freeze. For further guidelines on proper breast milk storage techniques please refer to your instructions for use or our article about milk storage solutions.
Cleaning
What is the best way to clean the breast milk collector?
Wash, after each use, by hand or dishwasher. Sanitize, your Silicone Breast Milk Collector, by boiling in water for approximately 3 minutes or using the Medela’s Quick Clean™ Micro-Steam™ bags before first use and once per day.
How to use
