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March 2013 Moms
Nicole</br>
So excited for Baby #1 due March 10, 2013.
Do YOU think I'm weird?
So... breast pumps. 
I knew I wanted a Medela so when my boss mentioned that she was selling hers and said it was up for grabs, I was like HECK YES. Without hesitation. The one I had registered for was $299.99 and she has the $349.99 model PLUS the gift set. So I bought it for $100 today.
My hubs has now asked twice if I "think that's weird." I really don't. Every piece is washable, I have been to my boss's house a half dozen times, and we're actually quite close... Especially since I told her about baby.
What would you do? I'm not the kind to get insulted if you say "gross"... Just curious! Personally, I'm pumped. No pun intended. 
Nicole</br>
So excited for Baby #1 due March 10, 2013.
This discussion has been closed.
Re: Do YOU think I'm weird?
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BFP#1 11/12/11 ~ No heartbeat 12/12/11 ~ D&C 12/19/11
BFP#2 3/25/12 ~ Heartbeat 141 4/16/12 ~ No heartbeat 4/25/12 ~ D&C 04/30/12
BFP#3 7/16/12 ~ EDD 3/26/13 ~ It's a BOY ~ DOB 2/26/13
The Medela PISA is not a closed system, so there is no way to ensure that there is no milk in the pump parts, etc. There is no way to sanitize those areas either. I would take a used pump from my sister, but not from a co-worker. I would be sure to replace the tubing.
It sounds like with the obama health care bill, that insurance will be paying for pumps once your insurance plan is renewed (typically Jan.) so you may have been able to get a new one for free.
I like having more than one pump, so I can leave one at work or in the car. So I have asked my sister for hers when she is done. So you could always use it as your spare.
My two boys are getting a surprise May 2015!
I actually opted not to buy a used pump (which was also being offered for $100). I know you can, and should, purchase all new tubing, but that was not really the issue. I emailed a friend about what her thoughts were, and she told me that Medela will tell you the pumps are really supposed to only last about 1 year or so and then they start to loose their suction. Now I know some STM may disagree with me, but this is what I got from her and she has two kids. In addtion, the warranty is voided if there is a second user-so if your suction goes down and they find out you are a second user, they may be less inclined to assist you in fixing the item.
Finally, I called my insurance and a pump will be 100% covered as of Jan. I am wondering what the catch is. She told me I have to get it through a durable medical goods supplier and a quick google search did not pull up Medela Freestyle. I know that does not mean I cannot get one or that the hospital lacation center does not qualify, etc., but I guess I am too skeptical to think insurance cos are going to start paying for everyone to buy a freestyle.
Either way, I have opted not to buy used as my primary issue is whether or not it will even do a good job as a result of their apparent short lifespan.
ETA: This assumes a non rental pump.
No catch. It's a requirement under the Affordable Care Act (federal health reform).
https://www.hrsa.gov/womensguidelines/
BFP#1 11/12/11 ~ No heartbeat 12/12/11 ~ D&C 12/19/11
BFP#2 3/25/12 ~ Heartbeat 141 4/16/12 ~ No heartbeat 4/25/12 ~ D&C 04/30/12
BFP#3 7/16/12 ~ EDD 3/26/13 ~ It's a BOY ~ DOB 2/26/13
It only says on that link that they are covering the cost of renting breast feeding equipment not purchasing it. I already have mine so I am asking out of curiosity.
That's a good question. Since I haven't called to ask about it yet, I'm not sure.
BFP#1 11/12/11 ~ No heartbeat 12/12/11 ~ D&C 12/19/11
BFP#2 3/25/12 ~ Heartbeat 141 4/16/12 ~ No heartbeat 4/25/12 ~ D&C 04/30/12
BFP#3 7/16/12 ~ EDD 3/26/13 ~ It's a BOY ~ DOB 2/26/13
I would be thrilled if I could buy one of the better model Medela pups from a friend for only $100. That's an awesome bargain.
ETA: After reading the other responses about how you can't completely strip out the parts that have come in contact with milk, I am no longer comfortable with this.
Hey ladies! I SO appreciate your feedback. You did get me thinking about the inside... Should have done more research. I assumed for that much $$$ it would be a closed system. Thankfully, I did find this:
I would totally keep it- you can get the suction tested and find out if its functioning properly (call to LC's in your area and see if any of them can do this). While a PIS or PISA is not a closed system I have never known anyone who had milk get anywhere NEAR the pump itself. Its rare for milk to even get in the tubing but that can be easily replaced. I wouldn't buy a pump used from a stranger just b/c its a medical tool essentially and I am hesitant about buying from strangers in general but it doesnt sound like your boss is just a random person. The concern would be if your boss POTENTIALLY had something that could be transmitted via breastmilk (like HIV or hepatitis) and it POTENTIALLY got in the pump (never heard of this happening). As for the pump only lasting through 1 kid...unless your boss exclusively pumped for over a year I would say that you will still get some good use out of it.
I have friends that have passed a PISA through 4-5 different kids before it finally crapped out. Even friends who HEAVILY used their PISA's were able to get through at least 2 kids before needing to replace it. Obviously get all new tubing and flanges but you would need to do that anyway b/c the flanges and all that are size specific to the mom and tubing is often offered in the hospital (at least around here it is). Might be worth asking your OB if there will be breast pumps in your hospital room after delivery and if there are I would guess the hospital will provide you with new tubing.
ETA: I just read pp post- she had a great point! Even if milk got in the pump that milk would never be fed to your baby nor would it be coming back down out of the pump to contaminate any milk you would be pumping into the bottle. The few times milk got up in the tubing (which was literally like a few drops) it was VERY hard to get the milk back OUT of the tubing it doesnt just drip back down into the bottle you are pumping into. Also- its recommended that tubing be replaced with each kid anyway b/c condensation and water moisture can develop in the tube over time so you would need new tubing regardless. HTH!
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