Uncommon Toddler Death Tied to Contaminated Breast Pump, CDC Claims. What Moms and dads Should really Know.

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When it comes to keeping the health and safety of their toddlers top of mind, parents must not overlook the risk of contaminated breast pump parts. While uncommon, toddler death has been linked to contaminated breast pumps, according to a recent study published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The study involved a 15-month-old infant in New York who tragically died due to a type of bacteria known as Enterobacter sakazakii (Esak). This particular strain of bacteria is normally found in small concentrations in the environment, however, it has the ability to cause sepsis and meningitis if it gets into the bloodstream.

The CDC investigation revealed that the toddler was exposed to the bacteria by way of a contaminated breastmilk storage bag in the portable electric breast pump. It’s believed that the bacteria was likely introduced from the air into the breast pump motor and then came into contact with the milk storage bag during an automatic cleaning cycle.

The study’s authors note that this is the first reported case of Esak related to a contaminated breast pump. Although they admit that contamination of breast pumps is rare, they stress that in order to avoid any potential risk of infection, parents should make sure that breast pumps are kept clean and consider using pump cleaning supplies that can kill bacteria.

These findings should provide added reassurance to parents that breast pumps are safe and hygienic when correctly handled and kept clean. Moreover, they’re also an important reminder to always be mindful of possible bacteria that can exist in both natural and manufactured environments.

In summary, parents should not ignore the possible risk of contaminated breast pump parts when thinking about the health and safety of their toddler. The CDC’s investigation into a case of a toddler death related to a contaminated breast pump serves as a reminder to the importance of keeping breast pumps clean and hygienic to decrease any potential risk of infection. [ad_1]

But the C.D.C. is not calling for any variations to its advisable ideal techniques for cleaning pump parts, which the company says can both be carried out by hand or in the dishwasher, if the pump kit manufacturer suggests it.

“Families must constantly break down their pump areas prior to washing,” stated Meghan Devine, a registered nurse, lactation guide and clinical supervisor for the Lactation Plan at Children’s Medical center of Philadelphia. “They really should clean their pump components in warm, soapy drinking water and rinse carefully involving every single pumping session. Families must also sanitize the pump pieces at the time every day by boiling the components, using a sanitizing microwave bag or working with the sanitizing environment on their dishwasher.”

The C.D.C.’s pointers deliver more nuance — noting, for instance, that pump components need to be carefully air dried if they are washed by hand (relatively than with a dish towel). And that caregivers should clean their palms just before they take out cleanse pump areas from the dishwasher.

Nevertheless some parents swiftly wipe down their pump components and store them in the fridge among pumping classes when they are pressed for time, the agency notes that no scientific tests have demonstrated whether or not that successfully limitations the progress of germs.

A lot of medical doctors accept that the system of pumping milk and cleansing pump pieces is time-consuming and onerous, and that it can be specially complicated for girls who have constrained time to categorical milk (since they are at get the job done, for illustration) or who are completely pumping and will have to repeat the process each and every couple hrs.

“We have to enable moms come across real looking procedures to keep their devices as thoroughly clean as doable, but also be in a position to almost retain up with the program of pumping,” reported Dr. Lisa Hammer, a pediatrician and lactation advisor with Trinity Health and fitness IHA Clinical Group in Michigan. She typically advises her people to get a 2nd established of pump components if feasible, and mentioned that some insurers will include it.

The doctors interviewed for this tale sought to reassure parents that, in spite of the seriousness of the new C.D.C. report, these forms of bacterial infections are scarce, and that the added benefits of breast milk far outweigh the hazards of an infection.

“This is an strange circumstance, and extremely tragic of system, but as mothers in our society exactly where we really do not have the village anymore, we’re burdened with sensation like we have to have to be with our toddlers all the time, and experience like we will need to be pumping our milk when we’re not with them,” Dr. Kellams said. “We’re all undertaking the finest that we can.”

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