June 2015 Moms

Used Breast Pump?

FTM here

I am wondering if any of you have purchased a used breast pump. Around my area we have all sorts of buy, sale, trade websites where I have been seeing multiple breast pumps for sale.

I have heard of some people buying a used one and replacing some of the parts (tubing). However, I am looking for other opinions.

In my opinion, it seems a little weird to buy one used, but I can understand the financial benefit.

I, also, have used the search function and could not find any information on buying used.

Re: Used Breast Pump?

  • The affordable care act made it so that women can get a free breast pump covered by their insurance. If you have a deductible the cost of the pump will be applied towards it.
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  • Don't do it. Closed system pumps are usually hospital grade and very expensive, so it's unlikely you would find that. Otherwise, you never know what's gone on with it. Also, PP are right about insurance.
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  • PenguinMG said:
    I never considered buying used because it's covered by my insurance, so I'll just get one through them.
    Yep, this.
    TTC #1 June 2014
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    BFP-10/25/14, EDD-6/23/15 7/6/15
  • Guys..You're somewhat right about insurance covering pumps. My insurance plan has been grandfathered so we don't qualify for an electric breast pump at all.

    I purchased a MEDELA PISA from my local swap group, I'm going to replace everything but the actual pump and things that cannot be boiled. If it's closed circuit, I'd totally give it a shot, especially if you're going to have to pump at work. It'd be nice to have a cheap one to leave at work!

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  • I rented one from a local lactation store (it was a hospital grade one) and my insurance covered it. 
  • If you can get a used one, I say go for it. My pump was used. Had I bought new it would have cost me over $300 (that I didn't have). I replaced all the tubes, etc. And I am so glad I was able to save the money because after a month of pumping, tears and doctors - I wasn't able to even breastfeed.
  • Pumps are normally a one person use thing. Not necessarily because of the contamination but because pumps are only made to work for a year or two. I used the one I had with my DD again after I had my DS and while it looked like it was working it actually wasn't working for me. My milk supply plummeted, I couldn't figure out why until I was taking a course to become a lactation counselor. They said that pumps have a certain number of hours like between 300 hours of pumping and 800 hours of pumping before they lose suction.
    I personally will be buying a new one this time and seeing what my insurance will cover.
  • SchnuretteSchnurette member
    edited January 2015
    I bought a used one with DD and just replaced all the tubes and little valve things and sterilized the rest in boiling water (not the microwave thing) multiple times. I just inspected it and made sure there was nowhere that milk would go that I couldn't really sterilize.

    Edit: the parts I replaced probably cost me $20 total and I bought the pump (regular price was $400) for $100.
  • Pumps are normally a one person use thing. Not necessarily because of the contamination but because pumps are only made to work for a year or two. I used the one I had with my DD again after I had my DS and while it looked like it was working it actually wasn't working for me. My milk supply plummeted, I couldn't figure out why until I was taking a course to become a lactation counselor. They said that pumps have a certain number of hours like between 300 hours of pumping and 800 hours of pumping before they lose suction.
    I personally will be buying a new one this time and seeing what my insurance will cover.

    This. I used my sisters that she had used for her 3 kids and used a hospital grade one. Big difference! Dr told me it's not going to work as good as a new one.

    Question for those who are getting one through insurance. Have you already started the process for that or do you wait until further in the pregnancy to get it. Definitely taking advantage of having insurance cover this one.
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  • I borrowed my SILs and replaced the tubing. But I would also feel comfortable giving my kids her breastmilk (not that I would). I know her history, no drugs or alcohol use. I liked her Medela PISA way better than my hospital grade one that I rented. This time around, I'm going to have my insurance cover it.
  • Does medicaid pay for breast pumps??
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