Frequently Asked Questions Here are some of the questions you might ask about using and caring for our breastpumps. You can email us if the answer to your question isn't here. For fuller information about how and when to express milk, store milk or about breastfeeding, go to the 'help and advice' section of the site or contact one of the organisations listed here. How noisy is a breastpump? Manual breastpumps make virtually no noise at all. Electric breastpumps make a mild, rhythmic humming sound. It's not very loud, and it won't wake your baby. Some people find the sound is quite soothing! How do I sterilise a collection set? You only need to sterilise the parts that come into contact with your milk. The tubing, the dual kit connector and the snap-on lid, and the pump casing do not need to be sterilised. These parts can be kept clean and hygienic with plain warm water and a cloth. There are three sterilising options: 1. Steam steriliser using the manufacturer's instructions. There is a steam steriliser available here which takes 12-14 minutes. 2. Immersion in a pan of boiling water for 10 minutes. 3. Cold water sterilisation with a tank filled with a sterilisation solution in cold water, according to the instructions on the sterilising fluid/tablets. Ameda don't recommend microwave sterilisation, as it can cause the items to become mis-shapen. Can I put the collection set in the dishwasher instead of sterilising? Unless your baby is ill, or in special care, or very young, when sterilisation gives a higher standard of cleanliness, your dishwasher will clean the set adequately. The problem is that excessive use discolours the polycarbonate. Thorough hand washing in very hot water followed by careful rinsing and air drying is an alternative. How long can I expect the collection set to last? Long-term, repeated sterilisation will eventually damage your collection set, so if you're planning to express for a long period of time, it's a good idea to buy two sets. How many times a day do I need to express? If you're building up a milk supply because your baby is unable to breastfeed direct, you'll need to express at least eight times in 24 hours, including at least once in the night. The more often you express, the more milk you will produce. Frequent, shorter sessions, no more than 20 minutes, seem more effective than longer less frequent ones. You can find more information about when and how often to express here. What if I have too much milk? If your breasts are engorged or feel very full, and your baby has difficulty fixing on, express a small amount only - just enough to soften the areola around the nipple. A breastfeeding counsellor, midwife or health visitor will be able to help with more information or see here . What if I can't produce enough milk? Expressing after a feed may help to increase your supply. The more effectively, and the more often, milk is removed by the baby or by expressing, the more milk you will make. A breastfeeding counsellor, midwife or health visitor will be able to help with more information or see here. Which is better, hiring or buying? There is no difference in performance between the hire products and the products for sale. The only difference is price. If you will be using the breastpump for less than two months and it's unlikely you will need a breastpump ever again (because, for example, you're not planning on having any more children) then hiring is the cheapest option. If however you'll be using the breastpump longer term, or if you are planning on having more children, buying a pump will be cheaper for you. How can I become an agent? In order to become an agent you need to be a member of NCT (National Childbirth Trust), ABM (Association of Breastfeeding Mothers) or the LLL (La Leche League). See here for contact details [link to organisations]. If you are a member of one of these groups you may then contact us and we'll then send you an application pack. You'll need your membership number and date of renewal in order to complete it. Where is my nearest agent? We can give you the name and contact details of your nearest agent if you phone, fax, mail or e-mail us and supply your address. Or get in touch with one of the groups of agents via their telephone helplines.