Renting breast pumps

SoonToBeMsP · December 2011

I had my lactation class last night and the hospital confirmed they will rent pumps for up to a year. It got me thinking, though- why is it ok (preferred even?) to rent from the hospital a pump that has been used, but not to buy a used one off Ebay or something?

I had planned to buy one, but wanted to make sure BFing would work, and everyone told me to wait to buy and just rent. I guess I don't see the difference if you're buying all new tubing and shields.

VABride2008 · December 2011

Hospitals use a higher grade pump than what you buy in the stores. Even with new tubing and shields, etc. milk could get in the motor of a Medela PISA (mine has reverse suctioned before). While the liklihood of having problems with a used pump is probably low, there's always that risk I suppose.

VABride2008 · December 2011

Also, my hospital rents pumps for about $50.00/month. If you plan to BF for more than 4-5 months then you could have easily purchased your own for that price. Just a thought.

Jessiree · December 2011

The LC at the hospital explained that the pumps you can rent from the hospital are a higher grade meaning that there isn't a chance of cross contamination like buying a used pump could bring.

FWIW, I am going to rent a pump for the first month. It's totally worth it to me to make sure it's going to work out before buying one.

SoonToBeMsP · December 2011

I understand that for the hospital grade, but one of the pumps they rent out is the PISA... Just made me think

VABride- you can rent for $50? Our hospital charges $70 for the first two months, then down to $65, etc. I plan to rent for one month, and then purchase assuming everything goes well.

Jessiree · December 2011

SoonToBeMsP:

I understand that for the hospital grade, but one of the pumps they rent out is the PISA... Just made me think

Our hospital only rents hospital grade ones - that surprises me that they rent out the PISA!

SoonToBeMsP · December 2011

Jessiree:
SoonToBeMsP:

I understand that for the hospital grade, but one of the pumps they rent out is the PISA... Just made me think

Our hospital only rents hospital grade ones - that surprises me that they rent out the PISA!

OK, I am happy (?) to hear I am not missing something. And if I have the option of which to use, Symphony it will be!

NiniJ55 · December 2011

The hospital grade pumps are made with the idea that they would be used by multiple users. Most pumps on the regular market are not. None of the regular medela pumps are made so that you can use it with multiple users. Something to do with an open vs. closed system.

I have a Medela Freestle and it is not a closed system - so although I've never had issues with milk/ mold getting into my motor - I would never purchase it second hand. Ameda and Lansinoh are closed systems that you can use with multiple users. I probably would not buy it second hand anyway - cause that's just how I am. Funny because I had no issues using the hosp. pump while I was there and would also have no issues in renting one had I not had mine at home already. But to purchase -- I want something new.

You can rent a pump for $40 per month - by that time you will know how BFing is going and can purchase your own pump. Plus - a hosp. grade pump is much stronger and can really help in brining in your milk supply if you end up with supply or latch issues and need to pump.

ETA: Are you sure they are renting out a PISA? I would NEVER rent a PISA ... only rent a hospital grade pump. You have no idea if the person before you had hepatitis or HIV.

SoonToBeMsP · December 2011

NiniJ55:

ETA: Are you sure they are renting out a PISA? I would NEVER rent a PISA ... only rent a hospital grade pump. You have no idea if the person before you had hepatitis or HIV.

It appeared that way. They had the Symphony and PISA on the table and were talking about them and their use in the hospital. And they finished off saying "and of course we rent out our pumps". I probably should have asked to be 100% certain, but now I'll probably just call and check.

Mrs.MauiBride24 · December 2011

I'm pretty sure they can't rent out an "open system" style pump. The hospital grade ones are closed systems meant to be used by multiple people.

I plant to rent one - even if the money is equal, I want the super strength to hopefully cut down on pumping time. (and I plan to use my FSA $ to rent - or buy - so that helps too!)

AliW220 · December 2011

Ok so this might be a little off topic... but I also had my breastfeeding class last night too!!

As far as used pumps go - I spoke with the lactation consultant about this, because I've been given a used one by my sister. I was told that if you know the person, and thier health history (like they don't have HIV or hepititus) the only concern would be that it was stored in an environment that was too moist causing mold to grow in the diaphram of the motor. Easy way to check - just pop off the face plate of the motor! This applies for anyone who packed up a pump from their first kid, and wants to use it for their 2nd. Yes, you still need to replace the tubing, and flanges and what now, but still, huge money saver.

The whole open system thing is kind of funky to me. If it's that much of a danger to have microorganisms growing within an open system, then why the hell aren't we all having to completely dismantle our pumps and sanitize it all???? Other than the HIV/hep concern, I'm pretty sure most of the hoopla is from manufacturer's so that more are bought.

I just wanted to spread the knowledge... obviously make a decision that you're comfortable with.

SoonToBeMsP · December 2011

Thanks for the input ladies. It all makes perfect sense!

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