Are used breast pumps safe?

potterybygrace · January 2014

I sometimes see expensive pre-breast pumps listed on Craig's list. Are they safe to use? Is there a way to sanitize them?

diagonalley · January 2014

I believe you just get new tubes for them or something? I had a friend offer to let me use hers, but she's TTGP, and by the time I would need it for returning to work, she could very well have a new baby, so I registered for my own.

Mowill59 · January 2014

Not 100% sure but I think if you change out the tubes and everything else that breast milk would go through you'd be okay. I would research it though! I know a lot of second hand shops that carry maternity/baby things will not take breast pumps. so it might be best to just save up for a new one!

mookie_moose_10 · January 2014

If tubes are new, which you can buy fairly cheap there is no problem. I bought mine new but i did give mine to someone. I wouldn't do something like that if i felt it was unsafe. I read allot about it. But like hampire said, you can get them through insurance. Although it dose depend on insurance and how soon you can get it prescribed, i heard of people having to wait till baby's first appointment so there was a small laps in time. I would rather be ready and have mine. But check your options.

LegalLadyBug · January 2014

hampire said:
Breast pumps are covered under insurance now. I'd go that route before used.

edit for linkage:
https://www.healthcare.gov/what-are-my-breastfeeding-benefits/

This. Check with your insurance companies. Most cover Medela brand pumps but may have others available.

SchoolPsychSteph · January 2014

I checked on my insurance coverage today and called a local medical supply store. This particular place will not give you the pump until after the baby is born. You could even have someone pick it up for you while you're still in the hospital. The lady said they carried a Medela brand double electric pump that Medela specifically made for insurance plans. It's not all fancy like the ones at the store, but you could buy a bag and extra pieces just like a store bought Medela. Just information to share.

As far as second hand pumps, I believe if you just replace the tubing and shields you'll be fine as pp have said.

Shineoncrazy · January 2014

My SIL offered me hers and my aunt (who is heavily involved in Le Lecha) was adamantly against it. Something about milk particles and viruses, etc., and the fact that only "closed systems" can actually be sterilized.

As others have mentioned, check with your insurance. Given it's something used frequently and the output will be ingested by my baby, I figure it's worth the investment.

MissBHaven1024 · January 2014

You can definitely use used breast pumps, but it is probably best to get them from a reputable source (hospital, friend). You do need to replace the tubes for sanitation purposes though.

Sareynoo · January 2014

I know that with my breast pump (Medela Pump in Style) the milk doesn't actually run through the machine. I would use one like that second hand if I could purchase all new accessories for it. I'm not familiar with other systems.

babySchmidt · January 2014

We did exactly as above mentioned. The hospital sent us home with the tubes/cups that we used while in the hospital because, well, what are they going to do with them... We bought a Medela Pump in Style for $60 off craigslist, sterilized the buttons/outside of machine and used the tubes/cups from the hospital. If you can get a GOOD brand new pump through your insurance, by all means go that route. Whatever you do, get a quality pump!

zipscheer07 · January 2014

My breast pump is used from a friend. She bought me all the new tubes and accessories that need to go with it. I dont know if I would get it off craigslist though.

kimmyberly26 · January 2014

It depends on the brand and it it is a closed system or not. With my Medela, the milk never touches the pump so like PP said, you are really buying just the motor but I would replace everything else.

chloephoebecali · January 2014

Sareynoo said:

I know that with my breast pump (Medela Pump in Style) the milk doesn't actually run through the machine. I would use one like that second hand if I could purchase all new accessories for it. I'm not familiar with other systems.

This. I used a used medela pis with new tubing with no problem. Intended to get a new one if it all worked out (nursing) but I never really needed it. I got a new freestyle for ds but still preferred my pis.

snowpants · January 2014

What @hampire said. Definitely check with your insurance first because you might (should?) be able to have them cover a new pump.

FWIW, I got a used pump for my first baby and I was an exclusive pumper (not by choice) for 11 months so I used the heck out of it. As others have mentioned I bought all new tubing, bottles, valves, etc and sterlized everything before using it. I was totally comfortable in that decision and saved a ton of money. I'm looking to perhaps get a new pump this go round, espeically if I end up using it so much again, and I'm hoping to have insurance cover it.

hollygb22 · January 2014

i nursed DD for a year and used a used breast pump. If was from a friend who didn't use it that much. I bought all new parts and new tubing. The tubing was tricky to find..I think I bought it on amazon.

I heard mixed reviews about used pumps but it was from someone I trusted. I don't know how comfortable I'd be buying it used from a stranger unless it was new

SarainColorado2013 · January 2014

Just called my health insurance provider (Blue Cross) and learned that I can order a brand new pump online that is 100% covered by my insurance and will be shipped to my door before baby is born. I get to choose between several different brands. Thanks Obamacare!

Definitely call your insurance before you buy.

Lynnja616 · January 2014

Personally a pump is something I would never buy second hand. And I don't have to, my first pump was covered by insurance 100% and this one I will get after #3 is born will be as well. I also have access to hospital grade pumps at work, so I just buy the hookup kit and don't have to bring mine back and forth every day. I just have one for incidental home use, travel, etc.