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January 2012 Moms
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Used Breast pump- 2nd time mom?

jsliger83jsliger83
in January 2012 Moms
I am considering purchasing a gently used medela pump off craigslist as they are so much cheaper (like $70-$100.00). I figure what's the difference between used and rented. I do plan on buying new tubing and shields and bottles which I can get at BRU pretty cheap.Is there something I should be looking for in a pump? I am a FTM and have never seen let alone used a breast pump.  I just dont want to buy one that does not work right. Any suggestions would help. TIA!!
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Re: Used Breast pump- 2nd time mom?

  • Jess084Jess084 member
    I am a FTM but I went to my breastfeeding class last week. The lactation consultant warned against buying a used Medela or Avent electric pump (unless hospital-grade, of course) because even though the parts can be replaced, breastmilk can backflow into the motor. She did recommend a brand called Hygeia, which is safe to be used by multiple women.

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  • AliW220AliW220 member

    It's ultimately up to you. Yes there are the chances that milk can back flow into the system. But really.. then shouldn't we have to completely break down the motor and clean it along with the rest of the parts after every pump to avoid bacteria growth?  I think the majority of the concern is made up by the pump manufacturers & hospitals have too much liability against them if they told you it was ok to reuse pumps. I spoke with my lactation consultant about this, and she said if you're comfortable doing so and you pretty much know the person's health history then you're ok.  The main concern in HIV and hepatitis contamination, which from a stranger you can't rule out.  Another concern (which applies for 2nd time moms who are re-using a pump) is mold growth in the motor. To check for that in Medela pumps, you just pop off the face plate of the motor - there's a little finger tab type thing that you pull on.  

    I will be using a "used" PISA pump. My MIL bought it for my SO's ex-w (follow that? :)  )  She used it for a couple days before giving up on BF.  Half of the stuff was still in the original packaging. I plan on getting new tubes, flanges, diaphrams, or whatever.  No biggie. But I also know that she didn't have anything in her milk that might contaminate the pump.  HTH!

     

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  • summer1117summer1117 member

    imageJess084:
    I am a FTM but I went to my breastfeeding class last week. The lactation consultant warned against buying a used Medela or Avent electric pump (unless hospital-grade, of course) because even though the parts can be replaced, breastmilk can backflow into the motor. She did recommend a brand called Hygeia, which is safe to be used by multiple women.

     This, but also the lactation consultant at my hospital said that the pumps are only made to work at full capacity for one year of regular use.  After a certain amount of usage, the pump isn't as efficient and can affect your milk supply. 

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  • DataJaneDataJane member
    I think most of the scary info about re-using pumps comes from the pump manufacturers, of course they want you to buy a brand new pump! If it gives you any peace of mind you should know that there has never been any report in the US of any infant contracting a disease from a used pump and Ebay and CL are full of them. I say just replace the parts that can't be sterilized and definitely get new tubing and you will be fine.
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  • ames243567ames243567 member

    imageJess084:
    I am a FTM but I went to my breastfeeding class last week. The lactation consultant warned against buying a used Medela or Avent electric pump (unless hospital-grade, of course) because even though the parts can be replaced, breastmilk can backflow into the motor. She did recommend a brand called Hygeia, which is safe to be used by multiple women.

     

    I was told the same thing in my breast feeding class

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  • PsyDr04PsyDr04 member
    My friend gave me her Medela for free (can't beat that). I bought new tubing and have some new membranes for it. Other than that, I sterilized the shields, bottles, and all the other removable parts. I hate it when people try to scare you about what you should and shouldn't do. As long as you take reasonable steps to clean and disinfect as much as you can, I think you should be ok.
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