Would you use a hand-me-down Breast Pump?

So my cousin did something awesome for me and gave me her medela pump. So I went to buy buy baby to look for the tubing and the sales person said Medela doesn't sell it because the milk goes through the pump itself and sharing is not recommended. He said I can call and try to get them to send me the tubing, but I would have to lie about the pump not being my own. Is this true about the bacteria being in the pump itself? Would you use a used pump?

Re: Would you use a hand-me-down Breast Pump?

I have been using a hand me down pump for a month with no problems (pump in style). From what I can see when I pump the milk does not go through the tubing or the pump itself.

ETA I bought new tubing and parts on amazon.

Message edited 10/20/2012 10:31:29 PM.

Would you use a hand-me-down Breast Pump?

I had a pump from my first kid... when I went to the hospital on my second one I got them to bring a hospital pump into my room, they gave me the tubing, and other breast pieces which were compatable with my medela home pump and I got to bring them home when I got discharged.

Re: Would you use a hand-me-down Breast Pump?

it's personal preference. i used my sister's pump (medela pump in style) and got all the new tubing and accessories off amazon.

it is entirely possible that the salesperson just wanted to convince you to buy a new pump, too

Would you use a hand-me-down Breast Pump?

I bought a used one and do not regret it at all. You can but the parts on Amazon.com

Re: Would you use a hand-me-down Breast Pump?

i would

Would you use a hand-me-down Breast Pump?

I absolutely would as long as I could get new tubing somewhere. I bought new but I could tell you first hand that there was in fact one single time when some milk did back up into the tubing. I'm still not sure how it happened but it is def possible.

Re: Would you use a hand-me-down Breast Pump?

I would in this situation - I know alot of people have done this and just bought new tubing.

Especially because you know where it came from. I'd be more hesitant to buy off craigslist or something.

As far as bacteria goes - that is not person specific. So if you saved a pump from child number one and went to use it for number 2 - it would have the same chance of bacteria if it was you who used it or someone else.

I think they are trying to rip you off with the bacteria concern and get you to buy a new pump. These pumps are designed to be used for a year (or more) and you are able to clean them within uses. Any bacteria that would grow, would cause a problem while the original person was using the original pump and I have never heard of that. Does that make sense?

Would you use a hand-me-down Breast Pump?

I 100% would if it came from someone I know well. It stinks how expensive they are...and for something I really hate. Lol. If you get new tubing then there should be no issue. I 've never had milk get into the tubing but it's possible. The instructions tell you how to clean the pump if milk gets down into the pump itself.

Re: Would you use a hand-me-down Breast Pump?

It depends. How old is the pump? How often did your cousin use it? Can you borrow it until you know you're going to BF and then buy your own? Most insurance companies cover them now, or will after January.

The saleswoman is right. Medela pumps (except the hospital grade) use an open system. That means that it's possible for milk or milk particles to get into the motor and, over the long term, cause mold to grow.

Also keep in mind that pumps have a 5ish year lifespan, and it's less if the previous owner used it regularly. The motor just starts to die after awhile. You could actually cause yourself some problems by using a pump that's not as powerful as it used to be.

That said, I lent my (barely used) pump to a friend for a few weeks. She didn't use it much and ultimately decided to FF. I'm glad she didn't buy one since they are $$$ and can't be returned. I'm just going to clean it and buy new tubing and call it a day.

Message edited 10/21/2012 8:37:37 AM.

Re: Would you use a hand-me-down Breast Pump?

Many people use the same pump for their second child. Maybe just lie and say it's your second child and you want to buy new tubing. I think the sales person was lying because what if milk got in the tubing? I'd want new tubing! Also the face plate and come of for you to inspect and clean it. All parts can be replaced by calling medela.