Title: Reprocessing of Baby Feeding and Expressing Equipment
Authors: Bartolo, Richard; Harwood, Helen-Maree; Petterson, Susan
Affiliation: Mercy Hospital for Women, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Contact: rbartolo@mercy.com.au

Abstract:
Aim and Objectives
The aim is to minimise the risk of transmission of infection from shared breastfeeding equipment. Main objectives are to provide baby feeding and expressing equipment that is safe for re-use between mothers, to promote breastfeeding, and educate mothers to provide adequate and safe nutrition for their infants.

Methods
Assessment of disinfection practices in the hospital environment provided an insight into potential risks to neonates and term infants. Breastfeeding equipment was shared between mothers and disinfected by communal Avent steamers or Milton's solution. This occurred in both the neonatal and continuing care nurseries, and in the postnatal ward setting.
A change of practice was introduced where mothers are given a sterile hospital breast pump kit. This pump kit is washed with warm, soapy water between uses and is replaced with a new sterile kit every 24 hours. Mothers who plan to express for long term are advised to purchase their own equipment.

Change of practice required a multi-faceted approach. All the breastfeeding equipment was printed with the hospital logo, to reduce envisaged misplacement. Additional equipment was purchased to allow for reprocessing. Central sterile reprocessing assured quality control and eliminated the risk of cross infection. Education was organised for nursing, central sterilizing services (CSS) staff and mothers. Finally an audit tool for assessment of effectiveness and compliance.

Results
Averages of 61 pump-kits a week are reprocessed. Insufficient equipment was identified as a deterrent for staff to change practice. This was resolved with the purchase of new equipment. Labeled equipment provided ownership for the hospital and the staff, as well as minimising potential loss of equipment. The introduction of CSS reprocessing decreased the workload for staff in the ward environment and assures quality control.

Conclusions
Avent Steamers and Milton's solution are difficult to control in a hospital environment. By eliminating the use of these communal systems and utilising a central sterilizing service, the risk of infection transmission through contaminated equipment is minimised.