Pumping questions for new mom

[redchicago]

Hi,

I'm expecting my first baby in late January of 2011. I recently announced my pregnancy to extended family and my cousin's wife offered to give me her Medela electric pump. It's one year old and was only used occasionally over the last year.

I plan on ordering the medela accessory kit that includes new bottles, valves, membranes and breast shields. Do I need new tubing as well?

I wasn't planning on getting one used, but since I know the person who is giving it to me, I think it will be okay.

I'M on a tight budget, so getting a lightly used pump would be a huge savings for me.

If anyone can give me feedback about using a used pump. it would be greatly appreciated.

[sahmmie]

As long as you buy new tubing, I think it's fine. In fact a nurse at my doctor's office bought my used pump when I was done with it. Pumps are expensive. I'd take a used one if I could get one!

Oh, and congratulations! I had my first born in January. You'll need lots fleece!

[P.J.]

I just bought a used pump and I have no problem with it. I bought my own brand new bottles, membranes, and cups (or whatever you call those bike-horn looking thingys that go on your boob). This kind has no tubing, but I'd get that new if I needed it.

There's nothing unsanitary or wrong with getting a used pump. In fact, I would say even if you HAD to (for financial reasons) get all the parts used, you just clean them thoroughly and sterilize them and they'd be good to go as far as I can tell.

[larzanna]

I got a used pump from someone that a friend knew. I didn't even bother getting new parts....i figured that if i put them in the dishwasher how different is it from eating out at a resturant? Ya know, i mean those plates/cups are used over and over again by strangers and just washed in hot soapy water. Or think of how many nasty things you may have touched with your hands in your life....you just wash them and you still pick up your sandwich to eat at lunch.
Just my take.

[texmati]

I would do this, as long as I was fairly certian that the mom didn't have any funky diseases I didn't know about.

However-- if you do get a used pump, and start to see supply issues-- suspect that pump first! pumps wear out, and can really affect a frequently pumping mama's supply.

[cocoanib]

My PIS is used and I've had no issues.
I bought some new accessories and everything has worked fine.
I bought new tubing as recommended, but truly don't see what the point was.
Nothing goes through the tubing, only air.
Can someone explain about new tubing?

[Ellien C]

about tubing - I don't know HOW it happened - I was reading a book and double pumping - which is not easy I might add. The pump started making a gurgling sound and when I looked at the tubing SOMEHOW milk had dribbled out of the horn and into the tubing. It was slowing working it's way back into the pump mechanism. I shut everything off and disconnected the tubing from the horn and tried to run air through the tubing. Now I have milk spots in it. It's my own pump - an original PIS and it's 7 years old. It was used for about 10 months with my first child and then not at all. And now again. I wouldn't have believed milk could get in there (and didn't believe it) until it happened to me.

[texmati]

Originally Posted by Ellien C

about tubing - I don't know HOW it happened - I was reading a book and double pumping - which is not easy I might add. The pump started making a gurgling sound and when I looked at the tubing SOMEHOW milk had dribbled out of the horn and into the tubing. It was slowing working it's way back into the pump mechanism. I shut everything off and disconnected the tubing from the horn and tried to run air through the tubing. Now I have milk spots in it. It's my own pump - an original PIS and it's 7 years old. It was used for about 10 months with my first child and then not at all. And now again. I wouldn't have believed milk could get in there (and didn't believe it) until it happened to me.

It *can* happen-- especially with a fast flow, or if the bottles are tilted just right. If you hadn't caught it, milk could get in the motor and grow mold.

Also, keep in mind that you can pop off the top of most PIS, and clean at least the case portion. Or at least have a look see to see if anything looks off or dirty.

[JudiAU]

Tubing, yes.

I assume you know her well enough to tell the truth about any communicable diseases, right?

A local breastfeeding store can double-check the pressure for you to make sure it is still working in peak condition.

[cchrissyy]

Originally Posted by texmati

However-- if you do get a used pump, and start to see supply issues-- suspect that pump first! pumps wear out, and can really affect a frequently pumping mama's supply.

That happened to me! i was borrowing a PIS from my sister in law and it was too weak to keep up my supply. not having any other pump to compare to, I thought I was the problem, didn't even consider the pump might have gotten weaker after a couple years in her garage.

[joycenjackiesmom]

I had used pumps with both of my girls. I did replace the tubing and other parts for my own comfort and had no problems with either of the pumps (other than the first one wearing out after I used it several times a day for a year!).