Pump Question; First time mom

RachelB104 · July 2014

So recently someone gave me a hand me down Medela pump which I am very grateful for especially considering the cost of the pumps. She said I could just go to the local medical supply store and get new shields and piping. Is it weird to use a used pump if the actual parts handling the milk are new? Just not sure as a first time mom how this all works.

lookame3639 · July 2014

Medela is an open system so you want to get all new parts which milk has touched. It's not exactly weird but your insurance should cover a new breast pump depending on the insurance (I've heard government insurance and grandfathered in plans don't though) check with your insurance about a pump.

Valancyy · July 2014

Even if you buy all new parts, the motor itself can still be contaminated. The pump specifically warns that it is a single user only product. The only one that can be used by multiple users is the hospital grade one.

Also, I would want to know how often the pump was used. The motors only have a life of so many pumping hours, and then they aren't as efficient.

slippintrippn84 · July 2014

toratoratori said:

lookame3639 said:

Medela is an open system so you want to get all new parts which milk has touched. It's not exactly weird but your insurance should cover a new breast pump depending on the insurance (I've heard government insurance and grandfathered in plans don't though) check with your insurance about a pump.

This. I got a brand new Medela In Style Advanced for $25. Don't go used if you can go new.

Ditto. My insurance covers a pump and I elected to get the upgrade from the basic Medela offered and the tote version for $83. Still mucho cheaper than a new one.

simplein06 · July 2014

I personally would not use a used breast pump from someone unless I would share my toothbrush with that person. The medelas you are are referring to are intended for single person use, only professional grade should be shared.

From medela's website

Personal Use Breastpumps Personal use pumps that you buy at the store are personal care items, much like a toothbrush. Personal use pumps should never be resold or shared among mothers. The Medela Pump In Style Advanced has an internal diaphragm that cannot be removed, replaced, or fully sterilized. Therefore, the risk of cross-contamination associated with re-using a previously owned pump such as the Pump In Style cannot be dismissed, even when using a new kit or tubing. Another consideration when deciding to borrow or even lend a previously owned electric pump is the pump’s motor life. A high quality electric double pump might last through the breastfeeding of your second child, or even several children. However, like computers or other electronic products, an electric breastpump has a limited lifetime. Medela guarantees its pump motors with a one year warranty. If you use an electronic pump that has been used for more than one year, there is no guarantee that it will generate as much speed and vacuum as it did earlier in it’s life.

also on CNN:

https://www.cnn.com/2011/HEALTH/expert.q.a/06/13/safe.breast.pump.shu/