Used Medela breast pump? Safe?

laura3462 · May 2010

I found a used Medela (pump in style) breat pump at a consigment store for $90 vs the $240 new. The store owner said it normal for people to buy used breast pumps. What are your thoughts on this issue? The Medela website states:

Personal use pumps that you buy at the store are personal care items, much like a toothbrush. Personal use pumps should never be resold or shared among mothers. The Medela Pump In Style Advanced has an internal diaphragm that cannot be removed, replaced, or fully sterilized. Therefore, the risk of cross-contamination associated with re-using a previously owned pump such as the Pump In Style cannot be dismissed, even when using a new kit or tubing. Similarly, the Medela Single Deluxe breastpump has an internal motor that cannot be removed, replaced or fully sterilized. Another consideration when deciding to borrow or even lend a previously owned electric pump is the pump?s motor life. A high quality electric double pump might last through the breastfeeding of your second child, or even several children. However, like computers or other electronic products, an electric breastpump has a limited lifetime. Medela guarantees its pump motors with a one year warranty. If you use an electronic pump that has been used for more than one year, there is no guarantee that it will generate as much speed and vacuum as it did earlier in it?s life. By using your own pump, you can compare the pump?s performance with each child. However if you borrow a pump, you cannot gauge its performance to ensure it is operating at full capacity.

calex33 · May 2010

There are certain things that I will not buy used and a pump is one of them.

Ankea97 · May 2010

The only kind I would consider is the Medela Freestyle or another "closed" system pump because no part of the milk goes through the pump. You can just get new tubes and the other accessories.

https://www.artofbreastfeeding.com/?p=16

Ankea97 · May 2010

If you want to save some money, find an authorized seller online (they can't post their prices but they are WAY cheaper than BRU/Target/Amazon). Just email them for the price list.

One option:

https://www.hackleyhme.com/

pharmacygirl · May 2010

I would not do that. If you are unsure that pumping is going to work for you and you don't want to spend alot, rent it from the hospital. They are totally safe and you can test it out when you deliver the baby. They also help bring your milk in better than any automated pump you can buy. It BF works then spend the money and buy one NEW.

Leathergirl_21 · May 2010

I bought my Medela Pump-in-Style on ebay for my firstborn 5 years ago... and paid about $75. You can purchase all new attachments on various nursing websites! What's the big deal?

I'm not able to afford to spend over $300 on a new one so that's what we did... and I have had WONDERFUL success breastfeeding and pumping.. now on baby #2 and still going strong. I purchased new accessories for baby#2 as well. I don't have an issue with it. There is NO WAY body fluids can get INSIDE this pump to contaminate it. Because of the liabilities involved with that however (and how are they going to make ridiculous amounts of money off you if you just hand your pump down or resell it to another mother??).. no pump company will recommend buying a used one. *shrug*

Kelekia · May 2010

As long as you get a closed pump mechanism (like the Freestyle), you are fine. You will need to purchase your own tubing, shields, bottles, etc.

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Used Medela breast pump? Safe?

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