Reusing breast pump/coverage question

MNdesigner · July 2014

With my first child I bought a Medela PISA, and planned to use it again for this baby. But the internet is telling me that it might be moldy, the pump is only meant to last for about a year, etc, etc, etc. I didn't hear any of this info when I bought it! So now I'm wondering if I can use this same pump again, or if I need to get a new one?

A bit of context: my insurance only covers pump rental, up to $500. I had trouble BFing last time, so planned to rent a hospital-grade pump right away, and then switch to the PISA when I return to work. Now I'm wondering if I should just keep renting, OR purchase a new pump at full cost. Has anyone else had experience using the same pump for multiple babies?

Finally, since my own insurance coverage of breast pumps is so crappy, I'm wondering if I could get better coverage through another carrier with baby's plan (she will be on her own insurance plan, because it's cheaper than adding her to my plan). Anyone have experience/thoughts about if this might be an option?

pmpkn219 · July 2014

I would probably use it again. I have a closed system ameda, but it seems plenty of people reuse their medela. Don't plan on baby getting a pump though, as far as I know it had to be the mother's prescription, unless you're made a dependent on LO's plan

Valancyy · July 2014

I've had the same Medela PISA since 2010. I used it A LOT for DS#1, I EP'd until he was 5 months, then partially until 7 months. For DS#2 I used it occasionally to build up a stash and during my 3 weeks of return to work.

I replaced the tubes a couple times, and the membranes. I didn't replace all the parts, I just sterilized them again. Last time I used it, it worked fine. I actually inspected mine for mold after a recent post that mentioned the possibility. I didn't take the motor apart, I just took the pump out of the bag and looked inside the best I could. I took off the faceplate too. No mold.

I have read things about the motor lasting so many pumping hours. I was actually considering getting a new one for free through my insurance. However, I'm a SAHM this time around. I don't anticipate really needing an electric pump. If I do need one for occasional use, the one I have should be fine, plus I have a back up manual.

If I was returning to work, and a new pump was free, I'd probably go ahead and get a new one. If I need to EP again I will too. I hate to get something through insurance just because they cover it if I don't really need it.

In your case, I would try your pump, if it seems to not work as well, I would get a new one. Since it's not "free" through your insurance I wouldn't get a new one unless there's something wrong with your old one.

nycAug2014 · July 2014

I don't know what the insurance is like for an individual newborn plan, but I am assuming the baby is NOT covered for a breast pump, only you would be.

RunningJ · July 2014

nycAug2014 said:

I don't know what the insurance is like for an individual newborn plan, but I am assuming the baby is NOT covered for a breast pump, only you would be.

This. I work with quite a few different insurance policies and the way medical equipment is billed would not allow a newborn to get a pump for mom to use.

MNdesigner · July 2014

Thanks for your input, everyone!

Yeah, I figured it was wishful thinking that the pump would be covered under baby's plan, but a girl can dream! I'll dust off my PISA and see how it goes. It's encouraging that others have used theirs with no problems... I didn't even use mine for close to a full year last time, so hopefully all will be fine.

shevaCC · July 2014

I'm planning on getting a new pump through insurance and also reusing my old one (after sterilizing it and getting some new parts). I work from home some of the time so I hope to leave one pump at home and the other at work.

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Reusing breast pump/coverage question

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