Is It Okay to Share a Breast Pump?

Updated on September 26, 2006
B.D. asks from Smithtown, NY
7 answers

Hi! I just had a beautiful baby boy 6 days ago who has really taken nicely to breastfeeding. A close friend lent me her Medela Pump In Style Breast Pump and I was all ready to use it until the lactation consultant in the hospital told me that they are for single use only. Has anyone heard of any risks of sharing a breast pump? Thanks!

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D.

answers from New York on

As long as everything is cleaned well and sterilized, I don't see it as a problem. The tubes never come in contact with your breast, just the cups, but everything is dishwasher safe (top shelf only).

1 mom found this helpful
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M.H.

answers from Hartford on

I'm a lactation consultant--definitely use it! We're not supposed to say that but I'm using my friend's. Just get new parts and wipe down the machine. If you have a problem with the pump and call Medela just tell them you bought it yourself, not that you got it from a friend. Good luck and congratulations!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.K.

answers from Boston on

you can share the machine, not the tubes and horns...anything that comes in contact with your milk.

Congratulations on your new son!!
How are you feeling lately? Still living off of the adrenaline?

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.Z.

answers from Boston on

I think the lactation consultants say that because they have to! I also shared that pump from a good friend and just bought all my own tubes and attachments. You can get them at any major baby store, or order the parts online from the Medela website. I don't know the exact web address right now, but you can Google search "Medela breast pump" and it will come up. The pump saved my life, as my daughter didn't stay latched on for very long - true to her impatient personality!

Good luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

E.

answers from Providence on

of course you can use it. How fortunate for you to not have to buy one. Just buy the accessories that are clean and sterile. Congratulations.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.C.

answers from Boston on

Hi B.-
I used someone else's Medela Pump in Style. You will need to get all new(sterile) tubing, etc. I used to work in a medical office and one of the doctor's let me borrow hers and she gave me all new (in a sterile package) tubing, containers & parts that go over the breast. The pump itself just exchanges air as far as i know & the milk doesn't touch the actual pump. Good luck.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.H.

answers from Syracuse on

Yes, share the machine.. not the cups or horns. You will still save loads of cash. Congrats on the new addition, how incredible and exhausted you must feel.

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