Re-Using Breastpump

Perfect Sonnet · June 2015

I asked this on the breastfeeding board, but didn't get too many responses. Have any STMs used or plan to use their breast pump again? If so, did you replace all of the little, supportive parts? Or just clean the current parts? I have a Medala Something (the one in the tote bag). I bought new valves and membranes, and plan to just steam clean the tubes, suction thingys*, and whatever else is on it. This should be fine, right? I am not sure if there is anything else I should do to it to prep it. It has been sitting in a closet for 2.5 years.

*Apologies for my super accurate terminology

ewiwoo · June 2015

That's what I plan on doing. I too have Medela I think its Freestyle ( in a tote as well). I bought new membranes but other than that I'll keep everything. I will propably rinse it in hot water. I hope it does work well although I think the suction might not be as strong. With my first I didn't change the membranes and slowly had less and less milk I blame the suction for it. If it doesn't work I will order one from my insurance since breast pump is covered.

jlsweets · June 2015

I have a medela that I used for DS before insurance covered a pump. Mine too has been sitting in a box for a couple years but can't see it not working properly.

I just plan on cleaning the parts but don't plan on replacing anything. I did also order a pump from my insurance, can't hurt to have 2 on hand right?

PixelPosy · June 2015

Although I am getting a second pump through insurance, I plan to use my Freestyle still as well. I will replace the membranes, but the hard plastic pieces will get sterilized and reused. I haven't looked into if the tubing can be sterilized, if not I will replace that as well.

kettlekitten · June 2015

I have a medela one, will probably wash the parts in hot soapy water and boil them a few minutes to disinfect. Assuming they still look in ok condition when I pull them out of the cupboard, if not, they're not too expensive to replace from recollection.

Perfect Sonnet · June 2015

Thanks, all. I am glad I am on the right track. Medala sells steam cleaning bags to clean the parts, which I guess should work fine, but I like the hot soapy water idea too...I think I remember it being kind of hard to get the tubing dried though.

@ewiwoo, I never replaced my membranes last time either and the suction got a lot worse. I am going to try to better about that this time.

lilhoek · June 2015

My Medela will be used for the 3rd time! (Backup is being ordered from insurance- just in case it dies). I will replace the membranes and steam clean everything else.

jessandandy09 · June 2015

I was just starting to wonder about this. Mine has been in storage for 2 years+ too. Where did you order new parts from?

Perfect Sonnet · June 2015

@jessandandy09, I just bought new membranes/valves and steam bags from Buy Buy Baby (only ~$6 each I think). I think I saw everything else for sale too...except for maybe the tubes.

emmacake08 · June 2015

I've been thinking a lot about this too because I used my pump so hard for 6 straight months. I only got it through insurance 1.5 years ago so I'm not sure if they'll cover another. I need to call and see incase mine craps out.

As for the tubing, after you sterilize hold them in the middle and swing them rapidly in a circle to remove trapped water droplets.

Perfect Sonnet · June 2015

emmacake08 said:

I've been thinking a lot about this too because I used my pump so hard for 6 straight months. I only got it through insurance 1.5 years ago so I'm not sure if they'll cover another. I need to call and see incase mine craps out. As for the tubing, after you sterilize hold them in the middle and swing them rapidly in a circle to remove trapped water droplets.

Thanks! that always drove me nuts.

BabyD316 · June 2015

I would worry that the plastic has broken down some. Wouldn't hurt to try it and if the suction isn't good get all new parts. I am sure the motor is just fine.

cosplaymom · June 2015

Do NOT clean the tubes. Moisture will get trapped inside and you'll have nasty stuff in there in no time!

Just buy replacement tubes if you want clean ones. Your insurance might even cover it.

e1223 · June 2015

I re-used between kid #1 and #2, and bought all new parts. I won't be reusing this time since I'll get a new pump through insurance and my original one is nearly 6 years old now. I got all the parts on Amazon.

emmacake08 · June 2015

You can clean the tubes but if they don't dry properly and get moldy then you absolutely should replace them. I was even taught how to clean them from a LC after I got milk in the tubing.

Perfect Sonnet · June 2015

I didn't see the tubing at Buy Buy Baby, but it looks like they sell them on Amazon for $6-$10. It makes sense to wash them...I think the reason I started was I noticed moisture getting stuck in there after pumping anyway.

I may buy some new ones for this go around since I know how to clean/dry them properly.

jesselayne8 · June 2015

I used the same pump for baby 1&2 but I got a new pump for this baby. I feel like mine was running out of steam.

J0C0TX · June 2015

I used the same pump (medela pump in style) for dd1 and dd2. I got all new tubing and valves (the little white flaps) but that was it. Washed all the bottles and we were god to go. There is 2 years between my dds.

This time I got the pump & tubing (again a pump in style) through insurance and I'm still reusing the bag and bottles I already had. getting some extra valves as those suckers get lost easily, but that's about it!

you can buy tubing at medela.com or kellymom if I remember rightly. hth

Bailey1823A · June 2015

@Perfect Sonnet check with your insurance company too. Mine offers a free pump with every pregnancy, but you can't order before 30 weeks and if your Drs office doesn't have them I need a pre auth from my dr.

Perfect Sonnet · June 2015

Bailey1823A said:

@Perfect Sonnet check with your insurance company too. Mine offers a free pump with every pregnancy, but you can't order before 30 weeks and if your Drs office doesn't have them I need a pre auth from my dr.

I checked with my last one and they said they didn't cover it. I only breastfed for 4-6 months last time and haven't used it since, so hopefully it is not in too bad of shape.

Lalala2326 · June 2015

I'm getting a new one through my insurance just cause they will only cover it 30 days before/after delivery, and I don't want to miss the chance if my old one craps out early. I'm also ordering a new set of Medela parts to use with my old pump should I need it (also been in the closet for a while now...)

breezymeema7 · June 2015

Most definitely. I only pumped for the occasional bottle so I would be choked if I had to shell out more cash for a new one.

WSatisfiedP · June 2015

I am reusing my pump..same medela tote sounds like. I bought all new valves membranes & tubes. Reusing the suction cups.

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