Used PIS safe to use/buy?

[KayleeZoo]

I am currently using a friend's PIS but would like my own- found one on local CL that is like-new for a good price. I have new tubes, etc- the only "used" part that I would be using is the pump itself. Is this safe/sanitary from someone I don't know? Is there ANY chance my baby could contract any disease, etc. from the pump itself?

[cmhermes]

The PIS is not a closed breast pump so milk and bacteria can back up into the pump itself, so yes there is a chance, albeit small, that your baby could be exposed to germs/illness from a used pump. The Ameda Purely Yours/Lansinoh Double Pump is a closed system pump. It has been approved for use by more than one person.

[KayleeZoo]

Thanks Christine, I didn't know that the PIS wasn't a closed system. Now to find a good deal on a new PIS. Ugh.

[cristeen]

Originally Posted by KayleeZoo

Thanks Christine, I didn't know that the PIS wasn't a closed system. Now to find a good deal on a new PIS. Ugh.

Don't expect to find it. Medela restricts the sales price of their products, so you won't really see any difference in price from place to place, particularly in their pumps. The best I've done is to keep an eye out at consignment stores - found a new "used" pump that way.

[KayleeZoo]

found a store selling the pis for 224- that's decent, right?

cristeen, i'm keeping my eye out at consignment stores, too

[ChetMC]

Used Pumps

My number one concern with a used pump would actually be how much it was used. The motor is only designed to be good for a certain number of hours. It would be lousy to buy a used pump only to have it loose suction or stop working altogether before you're done with it.

My PIS looks brand new, but it's been well used. This is my third baby with it, and although I've never pumped full time or anything, I'm still a little paranoid that it will konk out before I'm done with it.

I've also heard that yeast can be transmitted by sharing single user pumps. Yeast won't kill you or your baby, but it can cause plenty of problems.

I did get my PIS on sale 30% off. This was in Canada, nearly five years ago now, but one of the drugstore chains here used to do 30% off all Medela products sometimes. I'm a little suspicious that the PIS wasn't supposed to be included in the sale, but I wasn't about to complain.

Do you have insurance? When we were living in the US our health insurance would cover the cost of a breast pump.

[KayleeZoo]

Julie, I inquired about our ins- a Dr has to write a RX and a note to the ins co. explaining why there is a medical need for a pump Since I have no "medical need", my OB wouldn't write the note. Thanks for the info. re: yeast- I wonder how long it can live outside/off of the body? Wouldn't want to chance it though, you're right!

[PatioGardener]

Originally Posted by KayleeZoo

Julie, I inquired about our ins- a Dr has to write a RX and a note to the ins co. explaining why there is a medical need for a pump Since I have no "medical need", my OB wouldn't write the note. Thanks for the info. re: yeast- I wonder how long it can live outside/off of the body? Wouldn't want to chance it though, you're right!

Ummm... feeding your baby breastmilk isn't a medical need? Does your OB not know the health risks (to mother and child) of formula feeding? Would your baby's doctor write a note?

[cmhermes]

I agree with the motor statement, too. My Ameda pump was used for full-time work through 2 babies-about 2 to 2.5 years. By the end the motor was worn. It looks good, but I'd be afraid of someone buying it and thinking they didn't have an estalished supply because they couldn't pump that well.
Would you consider an Ameda or Lansinoh? They work just as well as the PIS. What about WIC. Do you qualify? I think they give out hand pumps for SAHM and lend a hospital grade one or give you a personal double if you work.

[ChetMC]

Originally Posted by KayleeZoo

Julie, I inquired about our ins- a Dr has to write a RX and a note to the ins co. explaining why there is a medical need for a pump Since I have no "medical need", my OB wouldn't write the note. Thanks for the info. re: yeast- I wonder how long it can live outside/off of the body? Wouldn't want to chance it though, you're right!

Maybe ask around and see if there is another OB who recognizes the medical need for a baby to have breastmilk and who freely writes prescriptions for pumps. Or could you get a prescription from a lactation consultant?

As for the yeast, I'm under the impression that the spores can be viable for a very long time. I think the expiry date on bakers yeast is usually years after you purchase it. Yeast spores are everywhere, but your body is accustomed to the strains in your house. Somebody else's pump may be colonized with different or more virulent strains.