Used Medela Pump in Style questions

[flg mama]

So I just received an older Pump in Style from a neighbor that I was planning to pass along to a friend (if I can) and I have lots of questions. The pump is in a shoulder bag so I think it is the Advanced System. It has two shields and separate tubes to connect to the faceplate. It seems like there are maybe parts from another pump though and the instructions are for a Spring Express, Lactina Plus, and Classic Breastpump but the pieces I have don't seem to exactly match any of those systems. There is a piston and cylinder to manually pump. There is a cylinder holder from a Lactina Plus and the Y tubing so you can pump both sides into one bottle.

1. Is this a safe pump to share? Which parts should be replaced with a new user? Upon receiving the pump I soaked it in hot soapy water with vinegar, scrubbed it and sterilized it in boiling water for 20 min. Is that sufficient? What about the tubing (for future reference, can this be boiled? It was clear and is now opaque, oops, I will replace it.)

[lisa133]

I can't answer whether it is safe to share pumps but many many people have done it.

Call Medela. They have great customer service. Don't necessarily tell them that you got the pump from someone else, but tell them you have an older pump (and the type) and want new parts and they will tell you what you need.

You can probably even go on the Medela website and see what parts you need for it. Definitely get all new parts and even tubing if you can.

oh and they sell special steam bags to steralize parts in the microwave.

good luck.

[flg mama]

Originally Posted by lisa133

I can't answer whether it is safe to share pumps but many many people have done it.

Call Medela. They have great customer service. Don't necessarily tell them that you got the pump from someone else, but tell them you have an older pump (and the type) and want new parts and they will tell you what you need.

You can probably even go on the Medela website and see what parts you need for it. Definitely get all new parts and even tubing if you can.

oh and they sell special steam bags to steralize parts in the microwave.

good luck.

Thank you so much. I am a little timid about calling Medela because I am not so good at selectively telling the truth But I do really want to do something with this thing if I can. Yeah, the tubing will absolutely need to be replaced.

[bender]

My husband disassembled my old thrift store medela pump, and he said it's practically impossible to have breastmilk make it into the internal suction mechanisms (which is what I worried about with using a hand me down pump). I'd replace the tubing, valves, and flanges. Make sure your friend gets measured so she gets the right flange size.

[justKate]

Originally Posted by flg mama

1. Is this a safe pump to share? Which parts should be replaced with a new user? Upon receiving the pump I soaked it in hot soapy water with vinegar, scrubbed it and sterilized it in boiling water for 20 min. Is that sufficient? What about the tubing (for future reference, can this be boiled? It was clear and is now opaque, oops, I will replace it.)

Medela is going to tell you it's a "one user product" and that only the person who purchased it new should use it. Probably because it deals with body fluids. Try taking one through the airport ion scanner--it sets of the alarm like a biohazardous bomb of some sort.

Anyway, pumps are expensive and if someone can benefit from it, I would pass it on. I think the wash you did sounds sufficient. I boiled my tubing and it did the same thing, so I would probably replace that. Not sure if your pump has valves or membranes, but if so, definitely replace the membranes. The flange sizing is hard to do unless you go to the store, and even then its hard to figure out. I think they come with size medium. If your friend decides she needs size XL, PM me and I'd be happy to send them to you or her for free. I bought them thinking I need to size-up but the mediums ended up being most comfortable afterall.

HTH.

[kriket]

like PPs have mentioned. in a perfect world every mother would get her own shiney new pump apon being discharged...

in reality used pumps happen. I probably wouln't even replace the parts that go on you nipples. why don't you hear not to share bottles?

of course the pump makers want you to buy a new one! its like the oil makers telling you to change your oil all the time!

i prefer closed system pumps, i wouldn't want ANYONES milk in there! mine or otherwise!

[Katyajoy]

I used a used breast pump it worked fine, I just boiled the parts (tubes, bottles, breast plates)