2nd+ time moms--reusing breast pump Q?

kross605

Im hoping to breastfeed again for baby #2 and wondering if you know anything about the safety of reusing the breast pump parts from baby #1? My pump and parts have been stored nicely in our attic-type storage but Im a little concerned that the extreme temperatures may have started to break down the plastic and I should just get all new parts for my pump (the pump is still going strong!)....am I being overzealous? Could I just sterilize my old parts and rock on or should I buy new parts? 

Also, I know you shouldnt share pumps/parts with others but what about for your own kids..thats okay right, to use the same pump and parts for each baby?

nealbl

I borrowed for LO#1 from DH's cousin. I bought all new tubing, shields and bottles. That way nothing that had ever touched her milk would touch mine. Although she is a super clean freak and the thing motor and case looked brand new. i returned it to her with another new set of accessories. You can buy a set of just accessories for most pumps. I would do that. This time I have FSA and it covers pumps so I just bought myself one.

 

kross605

Yeah I actually planned to buy new parts and use my old pump but Im wondering if thats the right thing to do.

ownedby3

I hadn't thought about this.  This is a good question.

MichelleL1118

My pump is a closed-system pump (Ameda), but I will buy new tubing and membranes for it before #2 arrives.  I'll reuse everything else, since it can all be sterilized again.

MichelleL1118

kross605:

Yeah I actually planned to buy new parts and use my old pump but Im wondering if thats the right thing to do.

There's no reason not to reuse your pump.  The concerns with pump-sharing are passing pathogens from one mom's milk to another - this is a (very slight) risk in an open-system pump, which all the Medela consumer grade pumps are.  If you are reusing your own pump, the only possible exposure would be to your own milk (again, it's a very slight risk) which is no big deal.

Cooper81

My pump has been in a closet in our house and not exposed to extreme temps, but I am still going to buy all new parts for the pump.  I figure it's been over 2 years since I've used it and the plastic will have broken down some, and its nice to start out with brand new clean parts for #2.  Since pumping has nothing to do with the babies, but is only expose to your own milk it's fine to re-use the pump yourself.

Wally3

I'm just going to sterilze and visulize inspect the parts to see if I need any new ones.  I will get new membranes because they wear out quickly and they are really cheap.

danienross

I think it is fine to use your pump again.  Most pumps sold in stores are considered single user, not single use.  Just based on the condition of my own pump I plan to buy new tubing and the little piece that connects the tubing to the pump.  Of course I don't plan to pump much (since I didn't with DD either).

daronsmommy

I was given a bag that contained all new parts for my Medela pump when I was in the hospital. I ended up not needing to buy anything because the hospital gave it all to me. It was great!

Wally3

daronsmommy:

I was given a bag that contained all new parts for my Medela pump when I was in the hospital. I ended up not needing to buy anything because the hospital gave it all to me. It was great!

They did this for me too at the hospital.  Then again when ds was re-admitted at nine months. He wasn't eating and I was getting ready to bust and so they brought me a hospital pump and parts.

kross605

Thanks for all the thoughts. I have an Ameda as well so its a closed system which gives me even more peace of mind to reuse it, but it sounds like Im worrying over nothing on that point anyway!

I was planning to buy ALL the parts but after hearing all your thoughts maybe Ill just inspect them and if they look good, Ill just sanitize them and buy new tubes and valves only.

amynumbers--I totally know what youre talking about. Im calling them valves but I dont know if thats really what they are. 

BootsOrHearts

If the plastic parts are BPA free you should be ok. If not, I would consider replacing those parts because the extreme temperatures can cause BPA to leech out. Just my 2 cents. I'm a bit BPA-phobic though.

Mrs.G123

They gave me pump parts in the hospital. My pump died though and I think was a POS. I may just buy an Avent this time.

kross605

Mrs.G123:

They gave me pump parts in the hospital. My pump died though and I think was a POS. I may just buy an Avent this time.

I love my ameda pump and it was relatively inexpensive, especially if you get the pump only and not the bag with it. Lasinoh makes the same exact pump but under their name brand instead and its even cheaper ($100-125 i think). 

irish city girl

I have an Ameda that my sister is currently using.  I will be buying new parts for it because she's been using it.  I also think it's probably just a good idea in general.

danienross

kross605:

Mrs.G123:

They gave me pump parts in the hospital. My pump died though and I think was a POS. I may just buy an Avent this time.

I love my ameda pump and it was relatively inexpensive, especially if you get the pump only and not the bag with it. Lasinoh makes the same exact pump but under their name brand instead and its even cheaper ($100-125 i think). 

I have the Lansinoh version and am happy with it.

ownedby3

I think I'm going to sterilizer them again first before buying all new.  I have 2 sets of pump parts from when I went back to work so I'd like to try to use them again before purchasing more.

emaddock

My plan is to reuse the parts and get all new accessories but not bottles--I think I will reuse those too.