Has anyone bought a used breast pump on-line?

Question

I have found several Madella pumps being sold on eBay. I already have the parts that actually come in contact with the milk. My friend bought one that was used "once" and had no problems.

Any input is appreciated. Thank you.

"few bucks" would actually be about a few hundred bucks!

Why are you "NEVER supposed to use other infants CLOTHING"?

Answer 1

Not a good idea. I would only suggest this if the used pump is coming from a friend or relative that you know and trust very well. It doesn't matter if you have a new collection kit.

Most of the breastpumps sold, like the Medela pumps, are considered a "single user item" like a toothbrush. You may have new horns and tubing, but the pump is an "open system" which means milk can back up into the motor itself which can't be cleaned or sterilized. (Rental pumps are different and have a "closed system" so the milk can't back up into the pump.)

This means that you and baby could be exposed to pathogens like Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis, cytomegalovirus (CMV) or fungal infections like candidiasis (thrush).

ETA:
If money is the issue.....
Contact WIC. You may be able to get a pump for free if you qualify.
Get a prescription from your doctor and see if you can get reimbursed for part of the cost.
Consider a rental pump from the hospital.
See if you can buy a new pump with a payment plan.
If you live in the USA, buy from a Canadian website. The exchange rate is really usually quite good.
http://www.kidalog.net/
I got my PIS at that link a few years ago for around $170 US new. (Prices quoted on the website will be Canadian.)

ETA AGAIN:
Tabbie - Rental pumps and the pumps that you purchase are made differently! Rental pumps are made to be used by more than one person. The pumps you can buy are single user items.

Answer 2

The only used pumps I would use are: *A hospital pump (Medela Lactina, Symphony, Ameda Elite) with a brand-new collection kit *An Ameda Purely Yours with a brand-new collection kits The Purely Yours is the only non-hospital grade pump I know of that does not allow milk to back up into the tubing/motor. I would never use a pump that could blow dried old milk particles from the motor through the tubes and into my milk.

Answer 3

ok some people are telling you not to use a pump previously used, but then they say rent one from a hospital. that makes no sense. do you all think the hospitals just throw away the pumps? no they clean them and re-use them. so it would be the same.

there is nothing wrong with buying a pre-used pump. just be sure to wash it good. such as boil the pieces that you can. then hand wash them and put them in a dishwasher. viola...clean.

ok look at it this way: you go to a friends house for dinner. do you bring your own dishes bc their's have been used? no you don't bc you know they are clean. so if you clean the pump, then you should be fine.

do what you feel comfortable with. i used to have two pumps. i gave them both away to the same person. she has no problems with it. infact i had to show her how to use them. and she uses them everyday. and still no problems. this was 3 months ago.

Answer 4

I rented one from the hospital. If a hospital will rent one and feel they are safe to do so, then I see no problems buying used. I would replace the parts that come in contact with the milk (tubing, bottles, etc) like you already plan on doing.

After my second daughter was born, I thought I was finished having babies. I sold mine on ebay. I only used it a handful of times so it was basically brand new. The buyer got a great deal!

Good luck with your bidding!

Answer 5

my sister had order another pump b/c something was wrong with the first and she told the company that she would just keep it, but they told her not to b/c of bacteria. even if you have all the parts the contain the milk some can slip out and bacteria can grow, why chance it. buy new, and as for the clothes i have never heard of that except you should always wash clothes new or used before baby wears them in a soft detergent like dreft.

Answer 6

I got a brand new Medela dbl pump from WIC last week. I get to keep it no contract or anything. I was estatic. Go to WIC and see if you qualify if not hospital's rent them out for around $45 a month. Sounds pricey but much cheaper than formula and a lot healtheir.

Answer 7

The safer the better. Buy new. Remember your child's safety is in your hands! Spend a few bucks more. Your friend may have been very lucky. You're NEVER supposed to use other infants CLOTHING or wear them before washing, so why should you be able to use a used breast pump? Hope this helps!