Used pump?

ljstandafer04 · October 2011

Hi all. Do you see any problem with purchasing a used breast pump? I see some great deals on Craigslist and wonder if this is a wise idea? If not, why? I hate to sink a couple hundred dollars into a new one because even though I intend to BF, many factors can play a role in not being able to at all or for long and thats a lot of money to throw away

lalalalagirl · October 2011

It's not wise to use a used breast pump at all. They're medical devices and are intended for use by one person. Here's more info on that:

https://breastfeeding.about.com/od/breastmilkpumpingcare/f/usedpumps.htm

I would stay far away from a used one and instead consider renting a pump for the first month or so if you end up needing one and then buy one.

And coming from a momma who had a LO that was unable to BF (or even bottle feed for that matter) while they were in the NICU a couple hundred dollars for a pump is worth every single penny. My DD finally was able to BF, but I had to continue to pump to keep up my milk supply. I had a Medela PISA https://www.amazon.com/Medela-Pump-Style-Advanced-Breast/dp/B004HWXCJS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1318298636&sr=8-1 and I more than got my money's worth out of it. Loads of mommas who are unable to BF are able to pump and give their LO's bottles of breast milk - even if some of the time they have to supplement with formula.

Do your research, and don't buy a used pump!!

EDIT: spelling

katcarls · October 2011

Unless it's a hospital grade, closed system pump meant for multiple users, it's not safe to buy a used pump. In an open system pump, like the Medela PISA and Freestyle, milk can get in the motor and contaminate the entire system. There is no way to clean it and buying new accessories doesn't make it any more sanitary. IMO, it's not worth saving $150-200 when you are potentially exposing you and your LO to mold and infectious diseases. The FDA and LLL strongly recommend against used breast pumps. I wouldn't even take one from a friend or family member but I think it's even worse to buy from a stranger on CL or Ebay. Sure, no one who had a disease would knowingly pass their pump on to someone else, but there are plenty of people out there who are sick and don't even know it.

Since they are only meant for one user, the previous wear and tear on the pump could also lead to poor suction which a FTM might not notice. That could be bad for your nipples and your supply. Plus it's no longer covered by warranty and you'll have to buy a new one anyway if it breaks.

Some insurance companies will pay part or all of the cost of a pump so check with them before you buy. I think they will all be required too cover the cost starting in August of next year under the Affordable Care Act. You could also rent from the hospital to start and then buy a pump later if BF is working out for you.

ljstandafer04 · October 2011

Thank you both for the information. I thought i had heard it wasnt a good idea

greengirl0909 · October 2011

They say that the nature of pumps allows bacteria or viruses to be taken inside the pump where you cannot disinfect it, therefore making the potential for contamination high. They even recommend not sharing pumps between family members. I would only consider sharing with my sister and even she and I went with our own. You might try starting with a less expensive hand pump or consider renting a pump to see if it works for you. My local la leche group has pumps available for people to use free of charge if they are in need. You might start attending meetings and see if that option works for you.

On a side note, I used the website www.awaybabyessentials.com to find a cheaper rate on pumps. This site is run by nurses/lactation consultants who want to promote breastfeeding so they sell their products at near cost, free shipping and no tax. It makes the prices a little more reasonable.

ljstandafer04 · October 2011

Great! Will look into those options! Thank you so much!!

A S-ski · October 2011

Most pumps can be taken back within 90 days. If your milk doesn't come in or if you decide BFing just isn't or you, you'll know very quickly and you don't need your pump for a few days after LO is born. I bought one just a week or so before my EDD and kept the receipt. I didn't open it until BFing was going well and my milk came in.

Temp915122062503143 · October 2011

I wouldn't go used. Then again- I can't even eat my own leftovers...

I got a double electric medela and it has paid for itself 3 times over. You might want to wait to buy it until after the hospital- or buy it and keep it in the box. They have them in the hospital for you to use until you get things figured out.

I BF'd my second and third child until 17 months and I think a huge part had to do with the fact that I had this pump. My first child only lasted 12 weeks and it was because I went back to work and couldn't pump.

MotherMonster · October 2011

If it's by Ameda then you can buy it used. Ameda is the only pump company that makes all of its pumps closed systems. It's the same closed system as the hospital grade ones meaning no breast milk will touch the actual pump itself. So you buy a new hygiene kit for it. Also they give a lot of options for the pumps to make pumping more comfortable and are latex free.

kjnrose · October 2011

MotherMonster:
If it's by Ameda then you can buy it used. Ameda is the only pump company that makes all of its pumps closed systems. It's the same closed system as the hospital grade ones meaning no breast milk will touch the actual pump itself. So you buy a new hygiene kit for it. Also they give a lot of options for the pumps to make pumping more comfortable and are latex free.

This is what I did. I LOVE my Ameda Purley Yours, and was able to get one with new Hygiene kit for $90 shipped on ebay, had lots of extras too. I bought one with my last pregnancy and bought another one for this one,

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