A breast milk collector is a device designed to catch leaking breast milk that would otherwise be lost during breastfeeding or between pumping sessions. This milk often leaks from the breast not being nursed on while feeding, or when breasts are full between nursing or pumping.
There are different types of milk collectors, including:
- Silicone breast milk collectors These can be attached to the breast via suction, drawing out milk passively while you nurse on the other side.
- Breast shells: These are worn inside the bra and gently collect milk that leaks naturally during the day.
Milk collectors help mothers save every drop of breast milk, reduce waste, and relieve pressure in full breasts. The collected milk can be stored for future feedings. They’re especially useful for increasing milk supply or building a stash for later use.
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.
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.
Cleaning:
What is the best way to clean the breast milk collector?
Wash, after each use, by hand or dishwasher.
Sanitise, your Silicone Breast Milk Collector, by boiling in water for approximately 3 minutes or using the Medela’s Quick CleanTM Micro-SteamTM bags before first use and once per day.
What does a breast milk collector do?