Support
Looking after your kit, and getting comfortable
Cleaning steps, storage times, sizing help and answers to the questions we're asked most, plus where to turn for support with breastfeeding itself.
Everyday care
Caring for your kit at home
It only takes a few minutes, and it keeps everything working the way it should.
Before you start
Wash your hands well with soap and water before handling your kit.
Check the parts for cracks, chips, colour changes or wear before and after every use, as these can affect how the kit works. Replace anything that looks damaged.
Cleaning after every use
- Take your kit apart.
- Rinse the parts that come into contact with milk (the breast flange, diaphragm, valve and bottle) with cool water to remove any milk residue.
- Wash gently by hand in warm, soapy water. Do not use solvents or abrasives.
- Rinse well with warm, clean water.
- Do not insert anything into the valve while cleaning.
- Allow the parts to air dry on a clean surface.
- The large plastic pieces (the breast flange and bottle) can be washed on the top rack of a standard household dishwasher.
Three parts to leave alone
The tubing, tubing adapter and adapter cap do not come into contact with milk. Do not wash, boil or microwave them.
The closed-system design keeps the tubing dry, which is why there is nothing to clean on that side of the kit.
Sanitising
If you would like to sanitise your pre-cleaned parts, Ameda CleanEase microwave steam bags are made for the job. Parts must be washed first. Any milk residue left on them will bake on during the cycle.
Cycle time depends on your microwave's wattage: above 1100W, 1.5 minutes; 800–1100W, 3 minutes; 600–750W, 5 minutes. Fill with 60mL of drinking-quality water and seal the zip fully. The bag and its contents will be very hot on removal.
Putting it back together
Once everything is clean and dry, refer to the diagram on the front of your kit's packaging for assembly.
When you are ready to express, centre your nipple in the breast flange and let the flange rest against your breast so it forms a gentle seal.
This is a short guide. The Instructions for Use supplied with your kit are the full version. Please keep them. Ameda Australia, 1300 643 633.
Storing expressed milk
How long expressed breastmilk keeps
These are the Australian Breastfeeding Association's storage guidelines, for a healthy baby born at term. Store milk at the back of the fridge or freezer where it stays coldest, not in the door.
Freshly expressed milk
Milk that has not been frozen.
| Where | Temperature | Keeps for |
|---|---|---|
| Room temperature | 26°C or lower | 6 to 8 hours |
| Fridge | 5°C or lower | Up to 72 hours |
| Freezer compartment inside the fridge | -15°C | 2 weeks |
| Freezer section with its own door | -18°C | 3 months |
| Deep freeze, opened rarely | -20°C | 6 to 12 months |
Frozen milk, thawed in the fridge
Not yet warmed. Never refreeze thawed milk.
| Where | Temperature | Keeps for |
|---|---|---|
| Room temperature | 26°C or lower | 4 hours or less |
| Fridge | 5°C or lower | 24 hours |
Handling and containers
- Use food grade, BPA free containers that are safe to freeze.
- Fill no more than three quarters full. Milk expands as it freezes.
- Label every container with the date, and seal it well.
- Store at the back of the fridge or freezer, away from the door.
- Never refreeze milk once it has thawed or been warmed.
- If frozen milk thaws in transit, use it within 24 hours.
Source: the Australian Breastfeeding Association, based on the NHMRC Infant Feeding Guidelines. An independent service. We have no commercial arrangement with them.
If your baby was born early or is unwell, hospital guidance is different and stricter. Talk to your midwife, your doctor or the ward. Ameda Australia supplies pumps, kits and storage, and does not give feeding advice.
Getting support
Where to get breastfeeding support
Ameda Australia supplies pumps and kits. We don't give feeding advice, and we're not a substitute for someone who can see you and your baby. What we can do is point you to the people who can help.
Australian Breastfeeding Association
1800 686 268Free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Staffed by qualified breastfeeding counsellors.
LiveChat is also available, Monday to Friday 8–10pm, and Monday, Wednesday and Friday 12–2pm AET.
See a lactation consultant
An IBCLC is a health professional accredited specifically in breastfeeding, for latch, comfort, supply and feeding problems that need hands-on assessment.
No referral needed. Fees are not covered by Medicare unless your consultant is also an eligible registered midwife with a Medicare provider number. Some private health funds contribute, so check with your insurer.
Pregnancy, Birth and Baby
1800 882 436Free calls with maternal child health nurses, 7am to midnight AET, 7 days a week. For the wider questions about you and your baby.
PANDA
1300 726 306Support for parents experiencing anxiety or depression. Feeding is hard, and sometimes that's the part that needs help first.
A note on the difference
ABA counsellors and lactation consultants do different jobs. ABA is free, immediate and available at 3am. An IBCLC can assess you and your baby in person. Many mothers use both. Start with the helpline, and see a consultant if you're told the situation needs it.
These are independent services. Ameda has no commercial arrangement with any of them. For anything about your pump or kit, call us on 1300 643 633.
Replacement parts
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Ameda HygieniKit Milk Collection System
Regular price From $40.00 AUDRegular price -
Ameda Breast Milk Storage Bottles - Pack of 4
Regular price $33.25 AUDRegular price -
Ameda Pump'N Protect Milk Storage Bags 180ml - Pack of 50
Regular price $22.50 AUDRegular price -
Ameda CustomFit Breast Flanges
Regular price From $6.00 AUDRegular price
