Lightly used breast pump...to buy or not to buy?

duvall05 · December 2014

I have two friends that both offered me their breast pumps that they only used a short time. One was 7 weeks max. Is there anything wrong with buying used? I was told by another friend that the previous mothers milk could still be in the pump and it's not a good idea. Any thoughts?

taahira · December 2014

Used breast pump isn't for me, but then neither is used underwear either.

pistachio&blush · December 2014

Even if it was only used one time it would still be gross.

keifekm · December 2014

Silly question... If the issue is bacteria staying in the pump then that means a second time mom can't even reuse her pump from first child? Does insurance issue a new pump for each pregnancy?

duvall05 · December 2014

Clairhuxtable and mbm1983 thank you for your intelligent responses. I was given the one along with a bunch of other stuff that my friend had. I can go the insurance route and have really thought about it. I just wasn't sure if there would be any health risks or not. Thought I'd post on here before talking to my doctor at the next appt.

fourthtimesacharm · December 2014

My sister bought one gently used from a friend, but she also bought new tubing and attachments. Depending on the type you won't necessarily be exposing your breast milk to the machine if you get new tubing.

ally3242 · December 2014

There are some things you just don't buy used...and I feel like a pump is one of them. I had a friend...and I use the term friend loosely when describing this woman, ask me if she could borrow my pump for a few weeks until she got paid and could go out and buy one, since her hospital loaner had to be returned. I'm usually not one to say no to folks, but she got a big fat "hell no" from me.

mooreamanda6213 · December 2014

I wouldnt personally buy a breast pump used. As @claitehuxtible said, insurances now cover it. I would call and see what they say and go from there.

This and that · December 2014

Just be aware that depending i insurance and your plan, they might not cover as much or what you want. My insurance only covers a manual pump. I still have mine from last time, but I would like one for home and one for work so I checked into insurance.

lindsayanne14 · December 2014

A friend gave me her pump (she used it for two babies). I bought all new tubing and accessories. In my particular pump the milk never comes in contact with the pump itself, and shouldn't even come in contact with the tubing, or you are supposed to replace the tubing. I used it multiple times a day for a year with no breast related health issues. At the time my insurance wasn't covering it and she gave me the same model my hospital would have rented me. I'm hoping my insurance will get me a new one this time around!

eponte · December 2014

I would caution against it for the reasons others listed. But, I will also say that the Hygeia pump is actually approved for multiple users because it is a closed system (I believe that's the term). If that is the brand, then it is approved by the FDA to be "shared" I you're providing your own tubing, etc. any other brand/model that isn't approved in this way I, personally, would shy away from. As others also said, I would check with your insurance to see what they will cover as well. It may be a mute point. Good luck!

Elise6686 · December 2014

My insurance only covers a breast pump every 5 years so I will be reusing the one I used with my first. Personally, I'd buy new parts, and as long milk doesn't come into contact with the pump itself, I would assume it's safe.

bowman958 · December 2014

The motor is the part that is truly expensive, I think. If you buy new tubing, phalanges and collection bottles, I wouldn't see any problem at all with a gently used pump motor. Most pump manufacturers sell these parts on their sites. I would avoid a motor that has been through heavy use because it may not be as effective in emptying the breast.

mary62108 · December 2014

clairhuxtable said:

No, I wouldn't buy it. I think insurance has to give you one now so I'd rather buy new than used.

Not all insurances cover pumps so this isn't exactly true. I already called and talked to several people at my insurance company and they don't cover one. It would be great if they did!

karboss · December 2014

I called my insurance through BC/BS of Illinois. I am covered for a hospital grade breast pump with zero deductible and zero copay for up to 1 year or $1000. Whatever comes first. I checked and that is for EACH pregnancy--even if they are essentially back-to-back. I was impressed. The woman on the phone told me that yes--with the new Affordable Care Act--a breast pump MUST be covered. However--it is up to your provider to decide how it is covered. It could be a single manual pump for rent with a deductible and copay or it can be a brand spanking new double milker just handed to you without a cent for each pregnancy. Some are rentals/loaners like mine will be and others are to keep. So I would call your insurance company and see what is offered. In my case--any single problem and I simply return it for a new one...no questions asked. Seems like a good deal all around.

Edited because words are hard and I don't make sense after my bedtime.

Duffgurl · December 2014

I've heard of people buying used ones and getting all new tubes and accessories. I think if one does not have insurance or cannot afford a new one....why not...if you take precautions.

Sharon&Paul · December 2014

There are different types of systems. You need to look for a brand that has a closed system. In a closed system the milk never contacts the machine. In an open system their is a chance of contamination and bacteria. Medela has an open system (except their hospital grade). Ameda has a closed system and can be used by multiple users.

I would first find out what type of pump they have and then check to see what type of system they use. In a closed system you still want to buy new tubing and flanges. Though if you ask to pump in the hospital they will give you a new set.

Sharon&Paul · December 2014

Open Systems

In an open system breast pump the end of the pump tubing is exposed to milk collection so there is a chance that expressed milk will drawn into the pump’s tubing. This can be an inconvenience for many mothers since the tubing will need to be washed, sterilized and air-dried before it can be used again.

Unfortunately, small amounts of milk may be drawn into the tubing and go unnoticed. If this should occur, mold can begin to grow in the tubing.

Sharon&Paul · December 2014

Closed Systems

Closed system breast pumps have a diaphragm in between the collection bottle and pump tubing that creates a barrier, which prevents expressed milk from leaking into the tubing and prevents outside air from contaminating the expressed milk.

These barriers make closed system pumps more hygienic since expressed milk is not exposed to the pump tubing or motor at anytime. Additionally, the pump tubing never needs to be cleaned or sterilized.

CivilMommy · December 2014

milk CAN get from tubes to the pump "bladder" in a Medela PISA. It is rare, but can happen if you have a blockage or backup issue with the tubes. Typically the tubing never gets milk in it. In pumping for 27 months, I only had this happen 2x - once with a bad membrane and once when I overfilled the bottles. It is likely that in a 7week use time - this NEVER happened.

I would use a pump from a trusted friend/sister, but not a stranger.

Get new tubing, inspect and wipe down the bladder of the pump with disinfecting wipes (medela makes cleaning wipes for pump parts) and you should be good to go.

Want a personalized experience?

Lightly used breast pump...to buy or not to buy?

Re: Lightly used breast pump...to buy or not to buy?

Open Systems

Closed Systems

_________________________________________________________________

DD 7/2010, DS 3/2012, #3 due 4/24/2015

Choose Another Board

Search Boards