Used Breast Pump

I have a used Medela Pump and it has been doing fine for the last 9 months. I had a hospital rental with my first child. The rental was slightly more comfortable. With the Medela I got new tubes and other parts. I suppose it is theoretically possible to get milk in the tubes and cause contamination, but the tubes are a foot and a half long and I have never seen the milk get more than an inch or two into the tube and even that is rare.

I actually lent mine out to a close family friend between my first and second child. I hadn't gotten much use out of it and didn't want it to go to waste. When I got pregnant with #2, I got it back and used it. If you watch it, the milk doesn't even go anywhere near the pump.

Hi S.,
I agree with Krista (and so did my lactation consultant!). She said that you only need new tubes and bottles etc. Clearly, most women don't replace a functioning pump after the birth of a second child (and don't worry about that at all!). I bought a new pump for home use and borrowed a friend's pump to use at work (it saved a lot of wear and tear on my shoulders b/c I walk to work in NYC).
Good luck to you!
J.

I was offered a used breast pump and initially accepted. Once I got it I decided not too. I couldn't get past the idea that someone elses milk was pumped from it. So I purchased my own and was so glad I did. Once you use the pump yourself you will see how milk splashes on it, the tubes get clogged and milk can actually go BACK INTO the pump. Yes, you can definately clean and sterilize it but I would still take all this into consideration when making your decision. For me it was worth buying.

I'll probably hear from others that say it was not the right thing, but with my first child I borrowed the medela dbl pump from a friend in the LaLeche league who had lent to to another mom 1st. I didn't replace anything I just sterilized the tubes and parts. I used for over a year with no probs then passed it along to another mom who is using it with no probs. When I found out I was having another I bought the same pump from craigs list from a woman I had serveral conversations with and trusted was a clean heathy person from a nice town. Sterilized it and have not had any probs in the past 4 mos I have used it. They say you are not supposed to do that, but quite honestly not many folks have the spare $300 for the pump. I guess it depends on your financial situation, but I have done it twice and neither of my kids had ANY probs. IF you know this person I would say you are ok to do it. Good luck with your decision.

If you feel really uncomfortable, then don't do it. but I have 2 used medelas thAT

I had a used one from a good friend of mine and it was just fine. Replace the tubes, and the shields and all the parts where the milk flows through or that would touch the breast. As long as you have your own clean brand new parts, you should feel comfortable. You'll save a lot by not having to buy a new pump.

My understand is that Medela breast pumps are not a closed system (like a rental pump) and the breastmilk can and does get into the system. I would NOT ever use a used breast pump. I would save in other places and buy a new one. FWIW, Ameda pumps are great and a lot cheaper. Most hospitals around me use their pumps instead of Medela and the lactation consultants I have worked with recommend it.

I bought a used Medela pump in style when I had my daughter. I boiled the tubing and other parts that come in contact with the milk (although most people recommend replacing them). It worked great. I later sold it to the wife of someone I work with, not sure if they sterilized the parts or replaced them. So long as the pumping mechanism seems to be working well, there is no need to replace the pump.

Take it! I borrowed mine as well and I assure you there's no way to cross contaminate ( :

My sister is currently using mine... bought new "pieces" and I gave it a thorough cleaning before passing it on! Think of it this way, if I were having my second child, would I go out and buy another pump b/c mine was in the attic? Nope- I would buy new tubes and cups. As long as you are comfortable with the person who is offering, I say go ahead and save yourself the $$!

you can totally use it & feel safe. all that you are using is the motor since you will buy new parts. i used my friends & glade i did. it saved me $300!

People rent them from companies all the time. What's the difference. You can replace the hoses and wash everything in boiling water.

Hi -

I would recommend seeing if you could send it to the manufacturer to be reconditioned. It won't cost as much as a new one and it would be sterile.

Good luck!

I know lots of people who have borrowed pump and have had no issues. I also know many people who won't use a used pump.

Maybe you should go to La Leche League and see what they suggest or ask your hospital's lactation specialist for her advice. Also, your pediatrician should advise you as well.

I used a pump my friend had used for her first two kids for my two kids and then she had a third and I gave it back. The pump itself is just a motor, the tubes are the part where the milk passes through, so just replace the tubing and get yourself some bottles to pump into and you will be fine. Congrats on your pregnancy and save the money for something else.

I would take it and just get the new tubes and bottles. I bought a new one but - really - your milk doesn't come into contact with the electric mechanism. Be Green and go Used! (And use the extra cash on even more adorable little baby clothes!) :)

I had a used pump, and I then leant it to my sister. Both of us have had no problems with sterilization, and no problems with either of our children because of it. If you think about it, if you got a new pump and then used it again for a second child, it would be the same idea. I would use it if i were you, those pumps can be expensive!

Depends on the model. The newer freestyle has a tube that is permanently attached to the motor and then the tube you can replace is attached to that. I regularly saw moisture bubbles passing into the motor through the part that cannot be changed, so I wouldn't take an old one if this is the case.

I would take into consideration where it is coming from. Do you know the person? About how much use has the pump already gotten? A friend of mine had to have her pump (electric Medela) repaired a few times between two children. If it is in great shape and you know the person it is coming from, how much use it has gotten, etc., then you might feel comfortable using it. I know that "they" strongly discourage using a used pump, but I have used friends' pumps and shared my breastmilk (CLOSE friends!). I used an Avent Isis manual pump full-time (pumping five days a week for almost 11 months) with my first, and the same pump lasted about 10 months full-time for my second son. The pump itself finally lost suction, so a co-worker loaned me hers (same pump) which I sterlized and used my parts on. I did NOT want to buy a new pump for two more months of pumping. I was not uncomfortable with this because I knew her, I sterilized it, and I could see that there was nothing trapped on it. So...maybe not too helpful, but some things to think about. Again, go with how well maintained it is, how much use it has gotten, and how well you know the person it is from. One more consideration--if you expect to be pumping full-time for several months or more, and/or for more than one child, you might consider investing in a new one just so you aren't stuck halfway through with a worn out used pump and facing buying a new one anyway. Good luck!

By the Way: As I said, I pumped full-time for almost 2 years (between two kids) with an Avent Isis Manual pump and LOVED IT!!! They are inexpensive, I found it easy to use, and very efficient. I borrowed a Medela electric and did not like it at all. I have several friends who loved their Medela pumps (as much as we are able to "love" those things!). Don't be frustrated if one kind does not work as well or as comfortably as another. :)

There is a difference between the pumps used in hospitals/available for rental vs. the ones that you can buy yourself. The hospital-grade pumps are fine to be used by different moms, but the other types of pumps should not be shared or re-sold. Please read this for more information:

http://www.breastfeedingonline.com/pumps.shtml

There is lots of other baby gear that you can borrow or buy used to save money. This is one thing that you should get new. Look online for coupons, sales, etc., at baby stores/websites to see if you can get one little cheaper... at some stores you get a discount on items left on your registry, so that may be a way reduce the price. Good luck and congrats!

The only part that the milk goes through are the tubes/shield/bottles so I you are save. The actual "pump" is the motor, but they are very expensive. Save yourself the money and borrow it- just get all new plastic equipment- tubes/shield/bottles etc.

I personally bought my own, but I had a single pump..they can be sterilized so you dont have to worry about germs...as long as everything comes apart and can be boiled I would take it...they are very pricey! congrats on your upcoming new bundle of joy!

if it is a "closed system" pump it is perfectly fine. that means that no milk passes through the actual pump, so if you replace the tubing, etc. it will ensure no contamination of the actual pump. if not, and the milk passes throught the pump i would be more cautious. hope that helps!

Hey S.,
I got a used one from someone on freecycle.org...you can even sterilize everything and it will be fine to use also....but yes you can also replace all the tubes....Medela is a great brand and is pricey...
Meg

Congratulations on your new little bundle of joy on the way. I consulted someone from La Leche League, and she walked me through the process of getting a used Medela double pump. She supplied me with brand new packaged pieces, and all went smoothly after that. My son is 10 now, and to this day he has a strong immune system. Good luck in your decision.

I think it's totally fine to use - especially if you boil the plastic tubing / funnel or buy new ones. I bought a used medela pump from Craigslist four years ago when my daughter was born, and I am perfectly healthy!

Medela is the BEST pump. I would deffinetly do it. You can replace the tubing and shields at Target or Babies R US. I plan to give my sister mine and do the same.