Would you borrow a breast pump from a friend?

feistyred23 · August 2011

Would you borrow a breast pump from a friend even if you knew that 6 other babies had used it prior to and it was circa 1999? I've been offered one, but have not made a decision. I obviously buy all new attachments, etc., but just wondering...

NatPhoto09 · August 2011

the borrowing wouldn't botther me at all but after 6 babies and from 1999 I would worry that it would not work. I would probably say thanks but no thanks.

uncjules · August 2011

I did! I was the third person to use mine, but it didn't bother me at all. I ordered new tubing and phlanges (sp?), but once I saw how my pump worked, I didn't really need new stuff. On mine, no milk goes through the tubes and I sterilized the other "used" pieces, so everything was in good shape. DD never got sick from my pumped milk, so I figure that what I did was appropriate and sterile!

ETA: I should also say that mine was at least 10 years old and I had no issues with it working properly.

H&W05 · August 2011

I borrowed mine. I just got new parts for it, like tubes, bottles, etc.

akspriss · August 2011

I would be worried that it didnt work as efficiently so it wouldn't empty your breasts efficiently when you pump. Thats just my 2 cents. My pump is one thing I def. wanted brand new so it worked to its full ability esp. since i ended up EPing

JuberP · August 2011

I was the fourth (child) user of a medela purchased in 1998. The previous users were my sister and SIL. As UNC said, no milk when through the tubes or system, so I bought new parts and was not concerned cleanliness being an issue.

The pump worked fine, but not having anything to compare it to, I think it was on a downward spiral. The suction lessened around 4 - 6 months. It was frustrating because when I had supply issues, I didn't know if it was from the pump being less effective or if it was my body or what.

If we have a #2, I will buy a new pump. So...If I were in your situation, I would decline.

Can you wait until 2013 to have your baby? Then insurance will have to buy you a pump.

dbertagni · August 2011

If you are interested I have a Ameda pump I literally used 5 times. It is brand new, I bought it online 2 years ago. I can let you borrow it to try it out if you are leery about the other one. It is a closed system so none of my milk went into the tubes, but you can order new ones.

feistyred23 · August 2011

dbertagni- Yes! I would love to see how it works. I'll try to send you an email soon. I think I still have yours somewhere.

dbertagni · August 2011

I meant to say you can borrow it and if you like it use it. I have no use for it and I won't really get any money for it if I sell it. My email is dclhomecare@yahoo.com

akspriss · August 2011

I will tell u feisty that the Ameda is an AWESOME pump!! Thats what I have and used with Jack and I EP'ed for over 10 months with it and was very happy with the quality of it. And yes its a close system so no milk goes through the system!! i recommend this one 10 times over.

becki777 · August 2011

uncjules:
On mine, no milk goes through the tubes

The Medela pumps are not closed system, so any milk/moisture that backs up in the tubing goes into the motor. This happened on my Swing. The white valve thing was stuck and the milk backed up. There is a way to open up the pump to sterilize the motor, I read about it in my manual but never did. I will be leary of using my pump again because its been in storage for over a year, I wonder if there will be mold in it.

All that being said, I would probably not borrow a pump from a friend. There are just too many what if factors for me. However, I did feed DS breastmilk from a friend:)

CurbsideProphet · August 2011

I have no experience with this yet but have researched pumps as I plan to use one when I go back to work. I would be a little concerned about the age/amount of use the pump has had. From what I understand they can slowly wear down over time and it could cause issues. It happens slowly, so you may not even realize it.

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Would you borrow a breast pump from a friend?

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