Used breast pump - is that weird/gross?

kristynachicago · November 2013

I'm considering buying a used breast pump...just the pump, I would buy all new plastic parts, tubing, etc. Is that gross or weird? I really want the medela pump but it is soooo pricey! I thought I could save myself a nice chunk of money and buy used. Essentially I would just be buying a used motor, right?

Has anyone done this? Or is it just a big no-no? Thanks!

angelsnight · November 2013

Have you checked with your insurance to see what they will cover? If mine does not cover an electric one, I will be buying my friend's pump and just replacing any parts that touch your body/contain milk. I might be a little more weirded out buying from a complete stranger though.

knittinlins · November 2013

I am getting one from my cousin and buying new tubing, etc. it doesn't seem that weird to me.

kristynachicago · November 2013

My insurance only covers a manual pump and I'll need an electric one since I'll be pumping from work and time will be of the essence. Good thought - thanks!

ntdane · November 2013

I used my SIL's. Not weird at all!

VineyardMel · November 2013

I used my SILs with new parts, but I'd be more hesitant with strangers. There are "closed" pumps that are "officially" ok to be shared but the basic ones aren't supposed to be. Obviously I did anyway, but that's where the stranger part might ick me out.

maryhale333 · November 2013

I rented one from the hospital last time. Did not weird me out at all. You buy your own plastic parts.

laurendom · November 2013

Used breast pumps are a No-No. I would ONLY consider blood family, and even them probably not. Commercial breast pumps are not the same as rentals.

https://www.llli.org/llleaderweb/lv/lvjunjul04p54.html

https://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/HomeHealthandConsumer/ConsumerProducts/BreastPumps/ucm061952.htm

wearebirds · November 2013

I got one from a friend that is also supposed to be a closed system. I don't think it's weird...I'm getting all new plastic parts for it so basically what's part of what I got is the motor and a few of the bottles. I plan on transferring milk to bags though, so it doesn't matter that they're not the bottles we are registered for.

It needs a good cleaning (bleach wipes to the rescue!) just from sitting for a couple years...but it still works great and was checked for efficiency just a couple years ago. If we get one from the registry, then awesome!....but I don't think we'll buy a new one unless this one craps out.

AnonymousMotherOfOne · November 2013

My family has shared the same pump for like four children over the past eight years, with new tubing/parts that contain milk with each new mama. Whatever works best for you and baby, I suppose.

I'm only not so worried about it because they're all blood relatives. Aunts, mostly, and one really close family friend.

KariK81 · November 2013

TOTALLY FINE! I personally would suggest you google "closed vs open system breast pump" and read about the issues. Medala is an open system and can be prone to mold, milk, etc getting into the inner workings.

I bought a used Ameda Purely Yours (what the hospital recommended at our breastfeeding class) for my first child. I got it off Craigslist, the woman met with me and explained how to use it. She had used it for a few children. I just bought new plastic piping and vlaves. Got me through 7 months! This time around my insurance covers a breast pump (thanks Affordable Care Act) and they've already sent me a brand new Ameda Purely Yours (I had the choice between the double electric or the manual, I chose electric) and 150 storage bags. I'll be able to receive 90 more bags every so many weeks as well. If you have insurance, check with them to see what they offer. This time around I'll be able to have the one pump at home and keep the other at work so I'm not hauling back and forth

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laurendom · November 2013

TallAsh said:

laurendom said:

Used breast pumps are a No-No. I would ONLY consider blood family, and even them probably not. Commercial breast pumps are not the same as rentals.
https://www.llli.org/llleaderweb/lv/lvjunjul04p54.html

https://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/HomeHealthandConsumer/ConsumerProducts/BreastPumps/ucm061952.htm

Wait, I'm completely freaked out now. Medela pumps are open systems that can grow mold and contaminate the milk?
Supposedly. I don't see how that would actually ever happen, unless you had amazing boobs that could pump huge amounts of milk and you weren't really paying attention to what was going on. The milk would have to reach the absolute top of the bottle to be sucked into the tubing, and that was a pipe dream for me. I pumped into 4 oz bottles and AT MOST I would get 1.5-2 oz on each side. In other words, not nearly enough to reach the top of the bottle...

Wait. Not ALL Medela's I believe Medela Symphony is a rental pump, that is a closed system. You would have to research your specific model. But yes MANY of the pump you purchase are not closed. and you would be surprised at what can reach the motor. I by no means pumped much at each session and I have seen the condensation that builds in the tubes.

Kristen61607 · November 2013

For some reason I'm skeeved out by buying a used breast pump. I pumped for 15 months and know how they work, and if you're buying all new parts and JUST using the used motor, in my head it makes sense and shouldn't be weird.

But I don't know, for me, it still just is!

Plus when you buy new you get medela's awesome customer service if something goes wrong. if you buy used and something happens to the pump, you're SOL.

KariB509 · November 2013

I think it'd only be weird if you DIDN'T buy new tubing and stuff. Those are the parts that you worry about being unsanitary but if you'd buy new ones then I don't think you have anything to worry about. As far as I know, the pump itself is fine as long as you replace the other things. Save some money giiiirl!

MeganFrench120389 · November 2013

I just purchased a Medela (used) from a friend and I'm changing out all the plastic. Her daughter was in the NICU so she had to constantly maintain a clean and sanitary pump. So much cheaper then buying new ($400+) and I can get all the plastic pieces cheap from work.

laurendom · November 2013

Also, here is sort of a PSA. If you know someone that works in a hospital. Especially a children's one, ask if they can get you one at discount. I'm lucky enough to have several friends that work for a children's hospital and they get Medela Pump In Style for $165! Saved me a ton. Might be something to consider if you have that connection

mhilpisch10 · November 2013

My sister is giving me hers. I don't think it's gross. I'm all about Saving money where I can.

mn27mommy · November 2013

Not gross, I borrowed mine to a friend. Just swap out the parts like you are, all the rest is the motor, carrying case, etc.

pepperedmoth · November 2013

Mine is used from a friend. Just doing new tubing. Not gross. I think of it like an IV pump or something.

fish8412 · November 2013

I think it is weird. In my opinion, a used pump does not seem 100% sanitary and I do not want to risk contaminating my milk with anything dangerous. I would rather spend extra money to ensure cleanliness and safety of feeding my baby.

jjt616 · November 2013

I was hesitant but I used a pump from someone else with dd. I did use all my own parts that there new. That one bit the dust so now I plan on using my cousins pump.

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