Pump Site Infection Prevention

[Anne]

We have been using bacitracin and band aids to help prevent pump site infections and so far it has worked. I was wondering if this is what most of you use or if you have any other/better suggestions? Also, are pump site infections inevitable? (Just wondering since the doctor asked if we had any after only 2 months of pumping.) Since my son is allergic to 2 families of antibiotics, I really want to do all I can to prevent them in the first place!
Thanks,
Anne

[Kirsten]

Hi Anne,

We don't put anything on the site to prevent infection. I think it's more important to make sure the site is clean before insertion. We haven't had one after 1 year of pumping.

Kirsten

[Chase's mom]

We haven't had one yet but we have only been pumping for 4 months. We always change the site after he gets out of the shower so I know he's clean. If the site looks a little red I will but neosporin on it and it always goes away within a few hours.

[Hollyb]

In a year we've had one site that was a bit red and bumped up after removal (and Aaron thought it had got yanked on by accident). Used hot compresses and neosporin and it cleared up by the next day. We never use bandaids, but fairly often a dab of neosporin after removing a comfort (which leaves a bigger "hole").

I think site infections typically occur while the set is in place, not after removal. So like Kirsten said, making sure the insertion site is clean and you don't contaminate the sterile needle by touching or coughing on it is probably the most important.

[Kaylee's Mommy]

we've had 1 site infection in 10months of pumping and I'm pretty sure that site was not cleaned very well before hand.. we use neosporin on the site afterwards if it looks funny... most of the time we dont use anything, and we don't use bandaids or anything.. the one time we had a site infection it was before the 3 days were up.. we were trying a different set and I could see through the 'window' on the set that it wasn't looking right.. very red.. and when I went near it kaylee freaked.. she was put on cefilexcin?? for it..

Like someone else said I think the most important part is making sure its clean before insertion:)

[Anne]

Thanks to everyone for all your help and tips. Much appreciated!
Anne

[EmmasMom]

Using IV Prep on the site before insertion will help a lot in preventing infection. It is much more effective than alcohol alone and will also help the tape stick better, which will keep bacteria from getting to the site.

Once the cannula is out, the risk of infection is much lower, so as long the area is clean it should be OK. If we ever have a site that looks a bit red when we pull it I use neosporin or bactroban cream on it once or twice.

So far we haven't had a site infection in 17 months of pumping. and that's even with them under her diaper where they occasionally get... well, let's just say messy.;)

My husband has been pumping for about 5 years and has only had one pretty minor site infection. Since he's been using IV Prep he's never had another one.