how bad is it really to use a used breast pump?

[snoopy5386]

I am getting a PIS from freecycle today. I am going to replace basically everything that is not the pump itself - tubes, shields, membranes, etc. I know that this is a "single user" pump but the milk never enters the pump right? Is it a bad idea to use it? It is saving me like $250.....

[beckyand3littlemonsters]

i could be wrong but would it not be ok to use if you made sure to properly clean and steralise it before use.

[lkmiscnet]

I was loaned a Medela Pump in Style pump and was the 3rd user. I have since returned it, as the original owner is loaning it to her sister in law, who would be the 4th user.

Consequently, I just bought a replacement Medela pump--used. And, the person I bought it from happened to be an OB/GYN.

You just have to buy all new pump parts. Also, specifically on the Medela pump (not knowing how other pumps work), I also lifted off the cover where the tubes plug in, as condensation forms there and I cleaned the out with rubbing alcohol. While I suppose you can sterilize used pump parts, I think it's always best to buy brand new ones.

Also, I used a Medela pump provided by the hospital while my son was in the NICU and the hospital gave me all the pump parts after my delivery, since I indicated I would be b'feeding. All I had to do was just plug the tubes into the motor.

So, I don't see any issue with a used pump. Go for it, in my opinion.

Linda

[PatioGardener]

There are 'theroretical' risks of contanination - which I think is why Medela won't recommend them for any more than a single user. I'm not sure if there have ever been cases where a used single user pump (properly cleaned) caused disease. The hospital grade ones are OKed by the company for multiple users because of the sealed motor.

I guess each mom has to decide how she weighs the small 'theoretical' risk - I'd replace all parts I could and use the pump, but that's sort of who I am Not big on 'theoretical' risks.

[Sk8ermaiden]

Originally Posted by PatioGardener

I guess each mom has to decide how she ways the small 'theoretical' risk - I'd replace all parts I could and use the pump, but that's sort of who I am Not big on 'theoretical' risks.

Ha! Me neither. I think this whole "single-user" thing was invented by the companies to sell more pumps.

[franklinmarxmom]

I used my sister's PIS, but purchased all new parts, including the tubes. The milk itself does not enter the pump, so it wasn't a big deal.

[eirual]

I got a used one off of e-bay and was comfortable with that. Not to mention the $300 difference! There's no way I could have afforded a decent new pump at the time.

[noobmom]

Personally, I would use a "used" one from someone I knew well (sister, friend), but I would not use one acquired from a stranger. I mean, maybe I would, but I would have to be pretty short on cash before I would risk it, however small the risk. $200-300 bucks is less than the discretionary spending I have in 2 months, so I would cut other things first.

[zinemama]

I was the third user of my PIS and it has since been passed along to four other women. (It's somewhere in Kansas now.)

None of us had a single qualm about it. I didn't replace anything when I started using it, just sterilized the loose parts. Never a problem. Imo, all this hyper-vigilance about buying new parts is just a way for Medela to make money.

[boobs4milk]

what amazes me is that the hospitals reuse the pumps but will not accept donated milk because of aids risk. they will not even allow milk from a milk bank because of the risk! i used the hopital pumps...i had little other choice because of the time of day she was born and not having my own pump. i got a pump free from wic, maybe that's an option? it was a new pump with new attatchments.

[phrogger]

I have used a few different used pumps and had no fear at all. I will be giving my sister my pump when she needs it and frankly, I doubt she will buy new parts, but that is a little different as it is coming from her own sister. I would do it.

[georgiegirl1974]

I dont see the problem at all. Right now I'm renting a medela symphony from the hospital. I have my own accessory pack though. The pump itself is so far away from the milk, so I dont think it is a problem. I would totally buy a used PIS.

[Equuskia]

Originally Posted by boobs4milk

what amazes me is that the hospitals reuse the pumps but will not accept donated milk because of aids risk. they will not even allow milk from a milk bank because of the risk! i used the hopital pumps...i had little other choice because of the time of day she was born and not having my own pump. i got a pump free from wic, maybe that's an option? it was a new pump with new attatchments.

Hospital grade pumps can be reused because the motor is completely sealed. There are "one user pumps" that are also sealed, like Ameda and Lansinoh. I can understand if a hospital didn't accept donor milk, but I have a hard time believing that they would reject milk bank milk, since this milk has been tested and pasteurized, therefore, there would be no risk of transmitting HIV.

ETA: I would not purchase a used PIS because milk can back up into the tubes and into the pump, as it has happened to me. As for other brands, I would maybe purchase them used, but I would definitely buy new shields and whatnot, not because of HIV (which, outside of the body, has an essentially zero chance of infecting a person), but because of thrush, since it can remain dormant for years.

[snoopy5386]

thanks everyone. It seems in good shape and I am going to use it. I have too much lipase in my milk and have to scald it anyways
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/pumping/l...essedmilk.html
so I would think that would get rid of anything anyways. I was half debating not getting a pump at all - it was so not worth pumping with DD, she never really took the bottle, I could barely pump anything (rented a hospital pump), the milk scalding, etc.
The only reason I would do it this time around is if I needed to be away from DD2 to do something with DD1, mommy and older kid time.

[Equuskia]

You don't have to use a bottle. You can use a spoon, dropper or cup instead.