Would you buy a used breast pump?

clayjackson10 · August 2014

There are lots of used Medela Pumps for sale on my local yard sale groups and on craigslist.. Is this a valid option or is it gross?

kefttsc · August 2014

I'm glad you asked this! I have seen a few around here too and have been thinking about this. I can't decide if it is gross or not!

thegoodpotato · August 2014

I say yes to the pump - you can buy the parts separately (i.e. the flanges/tubes, etc.). The pump never actually sees the milk or anything; it just creates the suction. You want brand new parts, though - the flange that fits on your boob, and the little mechanism, plus new bottles.

I've rented pumps from the pharmacy before, so I don't think it's weird to get a used one. Just get new parts for it.

jennjilljo · August 2014

You can buy new tubes and heads for the pump. Also, I always found mine easy to clean. The head is the only pay that touches milk and it breaks down into small pieces that can be easily scrubbed.

ksgsmu · August 2014

Remember that you might not need to buy a breast pump at all... under the new healthcare law you insurance should give you one... you can upgrade if you don't like the one they provide etc... call your insurance and ask!

Irishcurls · August 2014

Yes. Very little of the whole shebang touches skin or milk. The suction dealies and the bottles, buy new. The very expensive pumping motor? Used for sure.

StephanieLBerg · August 2014

My dad is sending me my step moms used breast pump. Normally I would have just passed, but its a really nice expensive one that she used only once. And knowing how germaphobic and meticulous she is, I'm sure they have sanitized it something fierce. However, when I get it, just in case, I will be sanitizing it as well. No harm in making sure.

Irishcurls · August 2014

ChickenOnSunday said:

thegoodpotato said:

I say yes to the pump - you can buy the parts separately (i.e. the flanges/tubes, etc.). The pump never actually sees the milk or anything; it just creates the suction. You want brand new parts, though - the flange that fits on your boob, and the little mechanism, plus new bottles.

I've rented pumps from the pharmacy before, so I don't think it's weird to get a used one. Just get new parts for it.

You rented a pump designed for multiple users. Not the case with every pump.

Oh interesting, I just learned something. I stupidly thought they all had replaceable parts!! Looks like I got lucky!

Alygohome · August 2014

I have been thinking about this, my gut reaction is ew gross. But my friend was telling me how she got hers used and she sanitized and bought new parts and It saved her hundreds so I may think about it. I am really into reusing and baby will have very little new stuff (car seat, crib mattress ect) not because we can't afford new, but I think its wasteful for something that will only be used for a little while. I still haven't decided on the pump though...

Mrs. Zee · August 2014

Definitely talk to your insurance-I spoke to mine and it is as easy to going to the Target pharmacy, showing them my insurance card and they will let me know what my insurance covers and order it. Or I can go directly through the manufacturer by getting the info from the insurance company. They did say I have to wait until 30 days before my due date. It is worth a shot!!

modernfairytale8709 · August 2014

SS here.

I might, but only if I knew the person I was getting it from, and approved of their level of cleanliness.

mishka29 · August 2014

thegoodpotato said:

I say yes to the pump - you can buy the parts separately (i.e. the flanges/tubes, etc.). The pump never actually sees the milk or anything; it just creates the suction. You want brand new parts, though - the flange that fits on your boob, and the little mechanism, plus new bottles.

I've rented pumps from the pharmacy before, so I don't think it's weird to get a used one. Just get new parts for it.

This! I got mine from my sister and I just bought new parts to go with it.

thegoodpotato · August 2014

ChickenOnSunday said:

thegoodpotato said:

I say yes to the pump - you can buy the parts separately (i.e. the flanges/tubes, etc.). The pump never actually sees the milk or anything; it just creates the suction. You want brand new parts, though - the flange that fits on your boob, and the little mechanism, plus new bottles.

I've rented pumps from the pharmacy before, so I don't think it's weird to get a used one. Just get new parts for it.

You rented a pump designed for multiple users. Not the case with every pump.

Yes. It was the Medela Symphony I think. It was a good one. Not that I liked pumping, but it was comfortable and worked well.

I actually really like the Avent hand pump my SIL gave me. Very few moving parts. I sterilized everything before use. Trouble is that you let down on both breasts, so you miss the letdown on the one side, but I actually preferred it to the double electric. I'm weird.

ems0523 · August 2014

Most insurance companies cover a breast pump (of your choice) as a piece of Durable Medical Equipment (DME). Check with your medical provider regarding coverage and whether or not a prescription is able to be given prior to delivery. If anyone needs the DME code for Medical Mutual its E0603.

cls78 · August 2014

My cousin offered to give me her Medela Freestyle pump and accessories. I actually got a brand new Medela Pump in Style advance for cheap, but I guess the Freestyle is more portable.

natsgirl12 · August 2014

Only closed system pumps are safe to buy used or take from a friend. Medela pump in style is an open system which means if moisture got into the tubes, mold may have formed inside the system. This potential makes this a bad idea, even if you buy new accessories. Note that if you own an open system pump and use it for your first child, you also have the possibility of mold issues with your pump. Closed system pumps are the way to go. I highly recommend Hygeia. I have an enjoye and it is fabulous. Oh on other thing to note is that the motor power on any pump can lessen over long term use. It's always a good idea to get a lactation consultant to test the suction of your pump before using it with another child. If your suction isn't as good you could hurt your supply.

chickyclg · August 2014

ems0523 said:

Most insurance companies cover a breast pump (of your choice) as a piece of Durable Medical Equipment (DME). Check with your medical provider regarding coverage and whether or not a prescription is able to be given prior to delivery. If anyone needs the DME code for Medical Mutual its E0603.

Not really of your choice, otherwise I would hear about a lot of women owning hospital grade pumps. But I do agree they normally give you a choice.

jk&kiwi · August 2014

Definitely check with insurance first (I know I'm not the first to say this). I called my insurance company yesterday and they gave me a list of medical supply companies that they support; if billed as preventative care, my insurance will cover 100% of the cost.

michelle142 · August 2014

I would buy used if it were a closed-system pump - which most Medelas are not, unless they are hospital grade.

cinderella4282 · August 2014

My first reaction was, EWWWWW NO!!!!!! I wanted a new one of those since I would be using it all the time.

BUT, if you purchase all new shields, hoses, and bottles then it's almost like a new machine. At that point though, you might as well have just bought a new machine........

kimmykaye · August 2014

I did SS. I would say yes to the pump and buy new parts (tubing and such).

natsgirl12 · August 2014

Here's a link to some excellent information on this topic. If you're considering buying/using a previously used pump, please read.

https://kellymom.com/bf/pumpingmoms/pumping/buying-a-used-or-new-pump/

rosieo52 · August 2014

I just called my insurance company (Cigna) to see what was covered. They stated if I sent in my perscription written by my doctor in December I would most likely only have to pay my 10% Co-insurance. Since it's the end of the year I will have most likely met my deductible with doctor appts and at least one more US by then. So with my co-insurance it would only be about $30 for a double electric pump! That's a steal if you ask me. It's mine to keep as well. I know all insurances are different, but worth the 5 min phone call.

ems0523 · August 2014

@chickyclg‌ thanks for correcting, I didn't consider a hospital grade, i was thinking more like the ones peeps buy at the store

natsgirl12 · August 2014

ems0523 said:
@chickyclg‌ thanks for correcting, I didn't consider a hospital grade, i was thinking more like the ones peeps buy at the store

Just like the masses, I really only knew of Medela and was even going to use my bosses old pump in style which she used already for 2 pregnancies. I was grateful for a knowledgeable LC who explained the issues surrounding that pump and recommended Hygeia pumps. I loved my Hygeia pump during my first pregnancy. I pumped until my DD was 18 mos and I donated milk to other babies as well. I will still get the suction checked before I use it for this baby. I can't recommend a Hygeia pump enough. Great company great product.

anamculbertson · August 2014

I pumped with my daughter because she never would latch on. For 6 months. I washed it constantly. It was a bit of a pain. I plan on doing that again with our new baby as well as alternating with formula. But I'm going back to work after 6 weeks so it's going to be a part of life for me. I'm hoping my milk dries up truthfully because I don't know that I will just be able to walk away & pump.

Oem617 · August 2014

I got a brand new one for DS. That being said, SIL curently is using it, because hers broke. So this time even though it's my pump, it will be used by another person. I would have said no to anyone else other than my SIL. The only thing she has is the actual machine. We each have our own parts of course.

crash916 · August 2014

I would only consider if it was a closed system pump. Medela pumps except for hospital grade rental ones are not closed systems. The warranty is voided if you're not the first user. In the US most insurance companies cover a Breast pump in some form. I am getting a new one for this LO through insurance.

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