Would you buy a used pump?

[Raene]

And please feel free to leave comments.

[mamassong]

I voted no. An aquaintance gave me a Pump in Style, so I looked it up to get some tips, look where to buy new tubing, etc., and the Medela website warns not to share pumps. Also LLL warns not to. I guess because the internal parts can be sprayed with BM particles and cannot be replaced or cleaned. I know the risk is probably small, but I couldn't knowingly do it. Maybe I would with my sister or mom, but thats about it.

I had a conversation with some other moms about this, basically asking them the same question, and they ALL said they would share /have shared pumps, and they didn't know or didn't care about a risk so small. One mom said "thats like saying you can get HIV from a public toilet seat"

Hmmm..I don't know if you can or not, but I don't let my kids sit on a bare public toilet seat.

I don't know. I just didn't want to do it.

[Llyra]

What exactly IS the risk? I would never have hesitated to buy a used one, from anywhere, as long as it was in good condition, and I'd just clean the parts that come in contact with milk. I wasn't aware the tubing came into contact with milk-- it didn't, not on the pumps I had, but mine were rentals, so maybe it's different? Anyway, maybe I'm just misinformed, and there IS a risk, so maybe I'm wrong. I don't know.

[jocelynr]

Originally Posted by Llyra

What exactly IS the risk? I would never have hesitated to buy a used one, from anywhere, as long as it was in good condition, and I'd just clean the parts that come in contact with milk. I wasn't aware the tubing came into contact with milk-- it didn't, not on the pumps I had, but mine were rentals, so maybe it's different? Anyway, maybe I'm just misinformed, and there IS a risk, so maybe I'm wrong. I don't know.

One time when I was pumping milk got suctioned into the tubing. I was leaning forwards and I'm not really sure how it happened. It didn't get close to the pump though, so I don't know how much it would really risk.

[RunnerDuck]

The Ameda pump is a closed system and milk can't get sucked in to the guts - FWIW.

[mamassong]

Also FWIW, From Breastfeeding.com:

"According to the FDA, if a breastpump is labeled a "single user" or "single patient" device, that pump is only intended for one user and cannot legally be resold. By selling a pump that has been designated "single user" by the FDA, the pump is not being used in accordance with the FDA and is being "mis-branded," which is against the law, and the FDA could take action.

The reason the FDA designates many breastpumps as "single user" devices, is that there is no complete way to clean certain pumps to ensure that the breastmilk of the original user is not still within the pump system. Because some diseases have been shown to exist in breastmilk, the possibility of transmitting diseases through a used breastpump does exist, although it appears that no such cases have been documented.

To find out if your breastpump has been designated "single user" by the FDA, please consult the operating instructions that came with the breastpump when you purchased it.

Here are some common breastpumps that are labeled "single user" devices:
The Medela Pump In Style Breastpump
The Isis Breast Pump by Avent

Some breastpumps that are not labeled "single user" devices:
Medeal Classic Breastpump
Medela Lactina Breastpump "

[CallMeMommy]

I used my sister's friend's pump with my first. This time I bought an Ameda PY, only because I wasn't able to borrow one.

[LittleBlessings]

I have in the past purchased a used pump and did not think anything of it. I was unaware of the risks.

[WantRice]

I thought that people often rented pumps from the hospital. I guess I'm not seeing the difference. Or is there something special about the hospital pumps?

[CallMeMommy]

Originally Posted by WantRice

I thought that people often rented pumps from the hospital. I guess I'm not seeing the difference. Or is there something special about the hospital pumps?

Those are closed-system, multiple-user pumps. Made to share. And uber-expensive compared to a PIS or PY.

[junipervt]

Originally Posted by RunnerDuck

The Ameda pump is a closed system and milk can't get sucked in to the guts - FWIW.

that's what I was going to say. that is the only pump I'd buy from a stranger.

I would buy a medela pump from a friend.

[kriket]

I would buy a good looking (I know that sounds strange) pump from a stranger and replace the tubes/shields etc. Finances are my major motivator. I can't afford a new pump and can't afford formula, my only other option is a used pump.

Of course, I would rather have a new one, thats not always an option!

[Raene]

Originally Posted by kriket

I would buy a good looking (I know that sounds strange) pump from a stranger and replace the tubes/shields etc. Finances are my major motivator. I can't afford a new pump and can't afford formula, my only other option is a used pump.

Of course, I would rather have a new one, thats not always an option!

Yeah, me too...finances are tight. But I do have the option of renting a pump from our local diaper store and they charge a really reasonable rate (hospital grade).

[chi_mama]

I used a medela PIS and even though it's a single-user pump I don't see how anything could be spread if you replace the tubing, horns and rubber-flanges.
The internal part (where really no milk can get out of even if it gets in....) can still be wiped down if you pop off the face plate. I mean, the pumps pulls milk out, nothing goes into the bottle from the pump, tubing etc. I guess if you wanted to be really careful you might discard milk from any session where you somehow got milk into the tubing.

anyways, I would replace the parts mostly b/c they wear down and make the pump less effective. I pumped about 6 times a day for a year and had to replace almost everything at least once to keep the pump working it's best.

Lastly, HIV only can live outside the body for a short time... even hepatitis can only survive around 10 days. So unless your taking turns sharing the pump I'm not sure how much risk could really exist.

That's just my opinion, I know it goes against the manufacter and LLL.

[Raene]

Great info, Chi Mama. I have always thought the manufacturing companies just say that so you'll buy a new one and they'll make money off of more people. Not sure about LLL though and their beliefs.

[LaughingHyena]

While I don't think it is a big risk I just think it would always be on my mind. I would worry too much (I am a worrier though).

I don't know what I would do if I wasn't able to afford a new pump.

That said does this apply to manual pumps too? Since the whole of my Avent pump goes in the steriliser it seems that it should be OK.

[Say]

My best friend gave me her Medela Advanced Pump n' Style. I bought all new tubing and breast shields and when I phoned Medela and told them it was used, they told me how to clean the inside membrane in case it had accumulated dust.

It's just all a question of liability. The same way all Medela, Gerber and other baby products (bottles, nipples, etc) say to boil them for ten minutes before use - everyone just wants to make absolutely certain beyond a paranoid doubt that they aren't responsible for anything. It also doesn't make much business sense to tell people they can be resold, especially when they cost between $350 and $400 new.

Of course, I can see why LLL and the FDA would say 'no' based on hypothetical possible risks under certain circumstances, even if there has never been a single, documented case of a problem. I just can't worry that much!

[Raene]

Originally Posted by LaughingHyena

That said does this apply to manual pumps too? Since the whole of my Avent pump goes in the steriliser it seems that it should be OK.

Good point, but my issue is that I breastfed my daughter 2 1/2 yrs, but NEVER could I get a drop out with a pump...whether it be hand pump or Pump In Style.

I do think maybe this time could be different, but I am doubtful that a handpump would suffice.

[mclisa]

I did. I have one at home and one at work.

[kriket]

Originally Posted by Raene

Yeah, me too...finances are tight. But I do have the option of renting a pump from our local diaper store and they charge a really reasonable rate (hospital grade).

oh, that sounds like a good idea! I wonder what they would charge! I have also heard that state health care will purchase a pump for you if your DR writes a prescription. I've been battling if I want to go that route or not.