Hello Moms. We were offered a breast pump to purchase from someone who no longer needs it. She used it with one child and will no longer be needing it. So it's not a matter of swapping or sharing. It was brand new when she purchased it and she used it for over a year. I will be using my own tubing and accessories/parts - no shared parts or tubing. Is this something I should consider purchasing from her? Is it really unsanitary to use a pump from someone else, even if the tubing and accessories are brand new? Has anyone used a used pump before? Or is it not a big deal since we'd just be purchasing the pump only from her? Just curious. We don't really have the money for a brand new one, but I wanted to find out what other moms thought of a used one. By the way, the person offering this to us is a very clean person who takes care of her things! Thanks Moms!
Thanks Moms. Everyone's advice and information is very helpful. Not sure what my decision will be, but I've been doing extra research. I appreciate all the responses!
It would depend on what kind of pump it is. The pumps that are rented out are designed as multi-user pumps. Most pumps that are sold to individuals are designed as single-user pumps.
This article gives a good summary of what to consider when using a secondhand pump:
http://www.lalecheleague.org/llleaderweb/lv/lvjunjul04p54...
I used a friends for a year the first time and bought one at a rummage sale the second time. I used that for a year, my sister used it for two kids and then I sold it at a rummage sale. I boiled any parts that came with it, bought new tubes and that was it. Everything worked out just fine.
AAAHHH! Everytime this Q is asked so much bad information is spread.
Drives me bonkers! ;)
Please carefully read what Meredith linked you to.
It all depends on the pump itself. But if it is a Medela pump I can tell you they make open unit systems. The problem w/ sharing a open unit is that particles of milk get in the motor. And obviously you can't get them out.
Buying new plastic parts-tubing and cylinder thing-y's-makes no difference. Those things CAN actually be cleaned effectively to use again.
Rental grade pumps are closed units. Milk cannot get into the motor. BIG difference.
Ameda makes a closed unit pump.
And yes, as CF said-selling single user keeps those companies in business.
http://justwestofcrunchy.com/2011/01/19/the-problems-with...
Not telling you not to use it...just understand where the problem is. It's not about being clean.
I am curious how much she is charging for it...
Its ok to use it. People rent breast pumps all of the time. As long as you use your own tubing it is completely safe.
Save your money and buy that pump!! With your own tubing, things will be fine. I have a used Medelea Pump in Style... works great!
I would think it should be ok as long as you bought new parts. However, I gave my gently used Medela swing pump to a friend. She called their 800 num to order a replacement accessory kit. They told her that store bought pumps are only intended to be a single person pump and should never be shared. Something about breastmilk getting backed into the motor. She also said the hospital grade pumps were made differently and the motor was protected from milk backing up in it, making it safe to be used by more than one person. Not sure if this is true or just there way to sell more pumps? My friend did end up buying the replacement parts and using my pump!
As long as you have your own tubing you're good to go!
The tubes are what come into contact with the milk, so if you've got all new tubing, and the machine that provides the suction is what you're getting, you'll be fine.
If you use one while in the hospital, you're more than likely using a "used" one! LOL. Anyway, as long as you sanitize the equipment and buy all the stuff that comes in contact with the milk and your body, brand new, you'll be fine. Be sure to get the owners manual. It will detail how to take the whole thing apart so you can clean around the motor if necessary.
Check around to see how much used ones of the same brand are going, so you don't get cheated or pay too much. Medela pumps hold their value and "power" for long time, so you can't go wrong if it's one of those.
Lots of people rent them so if it's cleaned it's ok.
Well there are VERY few pumps that are a closed system. Ameda makes one, lanisoh has one and a few medela ones are... The medela ones are hospital grade ones.
The rest are open systems which means the milk goes through the entire pump. Just to remind you HIV virus can be transported in breast milk and you can't clean an open system. Milk is in the inside and short of taking it completely apart and find someway to sterilize every part inside it's still in there. There are lots of diseases that transfer in milk to child. Medicines of course. All sorts of things. I had one friend that decided she'd somehow get bleach run through the inside... All I could think was yeah bleach is better... But that was her decision I know.
So if you do want to use someone elses you need to get one of the few closed systems like Ameda, Lanisoh or a hospital grade Medela. Otherwise you are being unsanitary plain and simple. If you do get those you need to still replace all the flanges, valves, piping etc. They sell them as a kit for all those pumps by the way.
Yep - absolutely do it. Cheaper and if you change the main components, like you said you would - no worries at all! I did, and it was about $ 200 cheaper. Can't go wrong!
So long as you know the person well and she's honest about it, I don't see a reason why not to purchase it. I wish I had considered it when I was pregnant with my first, as that would have been way less than $350 spent! After using mine for two kids (though I only worked a few days a week) I wouldn't see a problem with using a used one, so long as you knew the person and their habits and any health issues that might cause concern. In fact, I just gave mine to a friend this summer who is working on getting pregnant. Told her that I totally understood if she didn't want it because I wouldn't have considered using one initially, but there was nothing wrong with it and the milk never got near the tubes. Anyway, good luck with your decision!
I borrowed a friend's and purchased my own tubing and accessories. The pump says "single user only" meaning not meant to share but many if not most of my friends and family have borrowed one to save the money. I used it on and off for a year (I'm a SAHM so I only needed in on rare occassions) and was pleased with it, but even more pleased that I didn't have to spend $300 for it. I say buy it.
Me personally? I wanted my own and wouldn't even share with my sister. I think it also depends on the brand. If you are having trouble purchasing one, consider asking your Lactation Center about buying the motor and essentials and not the bag and all the hoopla. Or contact your insurance company to see if it's covered.
I did it but the person just loaned her pump to me. I used it for 9 months and gave it back to her. I have heard though that you are not supposed to use used pumps. I personally did it and say go for it. But it is always up to you!
I had a Medela pump in style and I know they're not advertised as closed pump - they're intended for single user.
HOWEVER... I just don't see how milk could go into the pump and then back into the supply based on how all the tubing worked. And you'd think that any milk in the motor would create some problems...
When I pumped, the milk never got anywhere close to the tubing that was connected to the pump itself. Maybe it will depend on the type of pump you're looking at. Figure out how the tubing works and go from there.
You should absolutely consider this purchase. It is completely sanitary. Did you know that you can rent the really good pumps from your local LaLeche League? You just get the corresponding parts new for you to use. It's fabulous...and CHEAP!
