Using a friends pump?

angbrienza

Hey ladies.. I've received a hand me down Medela pump and purchased all new tubes, shields, bottles etc... I'm wondering why this is still considered unsanitary? It does not look like the milk or any of my germs could get into the actual machine so I'm confused. I have never used a pump as I was able to breastfeed my other two babies... Any insight would be appreciated !

NurseRieger

I would personally get a new one. I've read that the motors can wear over time and you won't get as good suction. If you have health insurance you should be able to get a free one. There's no milk that goes through the system but I know I drip and get milk on my hands, touch the pump to turn it off. See what I mean? I would just get a fresh one myself.

missemmawoodhouse

Here's a good article: https://kellymom.com/bf/pumpingmoms/pumping/buying-a-used-or-new-pump/

crsanchez87

I found a brand new, still in box, wrapped in plastic Medela PSA on Craigslist in my area for $100 since my insurance wouldn't cover it. Look around, you can find some good deals. 

Cook3133

From what I was told its the pump parts you don't reuse and the pump itself is fine. My first pump was from a friend and it was almost 15 years old. BEST pump I had! My pump now is also a used one (both madela) I just bought all new parts. If you pump at the hospital they roll in a pump and give you a sealed bag of new parts to use. Not sure what the difference is

dramaphile

Cook3133 said:

From what I was told its the pump parts you don't reuse and the pump itself is fine. My first pump was from a friend and it was almost 15 years old. BEST pump I had! My pump now is also a used one (both madela) I just bought all new parts. If you pump at the hospital they roll in a pump and give you a sealed bag of new parts to use. Not sure what the difference is

I believe the hospital grade medela pumps (like the symphony) are closed-system since they reuse them. Regular medela pumps (Pump in style, Freestyle, etc) are not closed system and so are not recommended for use by multiple people. It is the pump unit itself that is the issue, not the parts.

SmrBrd2012

I might use it as a back up if I really needed it (like leaving it at work in case I forget to bring my new one or if new one breaks) however, like PP said, you can generally get one free from your health insurance provider.