Quote"It is unsafe to share a pump. The Medela is an open system, therefore cannot be cleaned thoroughly which would put the buyer's baby at risk. Thought you would want to know."

I have used a used pump before with out problems and never heard of anyone else having trouble. Besides I never used the tubing just the single pump. The flaps can be replaced and I think this comes with extras and I never had trouble sanitizing it.
Has anyone else heard about this risk before?

Added Mine is the (Medela Lactina Double Breast Pump System Manual)

that is Medela's official stance on it.

The use of a pump by more than one user voids the warranty (on the Pump In Style types, not the pumps intended for multi-use, like the hospital grade Lactina).

Te theory that since it is an open system, breas milk (and it's contaminates, say if someone had an infectious disease like Hepatitis) could be harbored in the valves, etc. and passed on.

I bought my PIS from a very close friend who barely used it for four month, but it was a personal choice. I couldn't even begin to afford a new one.

The instruction manual says (on the PIS, anyway) that milk can overflow, down the tubes, and into the pump itself. Therefore, it is a single user pump. The Lactina and classics, however, snap hand pumps into them, so a used Lactina or Classic just would need the new personal parts, and would be good as new. (these are the ones usually sent out by rental companies, etc).

After loaning out my pump to a friend and finding milk in all kinds of places that I couldn't figure out how it got there, I would NEVER buy a used pump. Just not worth the risk in my opinion. In fact, I thought that it was illegal in some places to sell a used breast pump (other than those designed to be multi-user, of course).

Yes, it's true.

Originally posted by emilytoys
that is Medela's official stance on it.

The use of a pump by more than one user voids the warranty (on the Pump In Style types, not the pumps intended for multi-use, like the hospital grade Lactina).

Te theory that since it is an open system, breas milk (and it's contaminates, say if someone had an infectious disease like Hepatitis) could be harbored in the valves, etc. and passed on.

I bought my PIS from a very close friend who barely used it for four month, but it was a personal choice. I couldn't even begin to afford a new one.
Mine is the Lactina So it is for multi-use. So it should be fine correct?

Originally posted by ferretwomen
Mine is the Lactina So it is for multi-use. So it should be fine correct?
Yours are just the horns, tubing, and piston, right? Those are the parts that are single user. You have to buy your own kit to rent the electric part of the lactina pump.
So, no, the pump you are selling is a single user pump. There are still plenty of people who would buy it though.

Originally posted by quidnunc
Yours are just the horns, tubing, and piston, right? Those are the parts that are single user. You have to buy your own kit to rent the electric part of the lactina pump.
So, no, the pump you are selling is a single user pump. There are still plenty of people who would buy it though.

It says Manual (Not electric) I bought it new, used only a few times in 6 months. that was a couple years ago.
Complete!
Not kit. Whole system! Both pumps Manual Pumping kit included. Single or double pumping to save you time. Can be converted for use with the MiniElectric Breast pump (sold Separately).
I never used the tubing. Just one pump and the bottles to manually pump one breast at a time.

gosh now im worried cuz i dont know WHO had the p.i.s breast pump before me since i had bought it used at a local thrift store for a wonderful price and theres no way i could afford buying a new one .... i plan on bf'n on demand but wanted to have a bp available incase i had to be away, or had to go back to work ect

i bought all new tubing and horns ect all thats used still is the actual bag/machine so thats pretty much the most important part... i wiped down the case inside and out ... i need to pull it back outta the closet soon anyways .. now you got me kinda worried and wondering

what would be the signs of having a problem with it since its been used before... just getting a sick baby i suppose huh which isnt good ....

im sure if i have problems i could get assistance from a local place and rent a bp made for multiple users ....

thanks for a heads up didnt think too much about it i guess before

yes - Medula's are single user pumps unless they are the big hospital grade ones and then you need to buy new horns/tubing and so on in between.

It's why I bought an Ameda Purely Yours instead as they have diaphrams that prevent milk from backing up into the pump - so they can be used by different users. I'm planning to hand mine down to my sister once she has kids.

The one I have says Personal Accessory Kit for use with a Lactina rental breastpump. The number one choice of hospitals #67094
Contains Breastshields and inserts; valves; membranes; pistons; cylinders; vacuum regulator ring; rubber seals; pump connector; tubing with adapters; collection containers; lids; container stand; breastfeeding information guide; and instruction booklet. Autoclavable. Now is this or is this not intended for multi-use?
Now I know I am clean and have no Heb b or anything. Guess I will think about this.
again I didn't use the tubing or much. Only a breast shield and hand pump and bottle.

what you have is a Personal kit for one user.

Those are the parts you are supposed to purchase for yourself when you use a mulit-user pump motor from a rental agency or the hospital.

That said, I see very little issue with boiling the horns and bottles to sanitation.

Tubing is another matter -- too tough to clean.

Originally posted by emilytoys
Tubing is another matter -- too tough to clean.

Good thing I didn't use the tubing then. LOL I couldn't afford to buy or rent a motor to dual pump. I only used like 3 pieces out of the entire box and it cost me over $50.00 to buy new at my doctors office. I didn;t even use them much unless I was out some place that gave me a hard time about breat feeding in public. UGH!

The Ameda pumps are all safe. They're closed systems and very easy to clean.

Tricia, what you have is definitly a one user kit that is made for a multi-use pump. IMO, this is unsafe to sell.

For everyone, in this article, the author states that "Second-hand, single user pumps cannot be legally resold in the United States." It also talks about that the original user can be liable if a subsequent user gets ill.

Second-hand brest pumps: Are they safe? (http://www.parentsplace.com/expert/lactation/qas/0,,166427_258670,00.html?arrivalSA=1&cobrandRef=0&arrival_freqCap=2)

I guess that this is one of my soapbox issues because of my experience. I just don't think any amount of money is worth the risk. ( An Avent Isis can be purchased new for about $50 and I loved the one that I had). I just don't want anyone getting sick or their baby to get sick!!!!!

ETA: Here's another link...
http://www.breastfeedingonline.com/pumps.shtml
It states that the Ameda is not a closed system.

Originally posted by sveasmommy


For everyone, in this article, the author states that "Second-hand, single user pumps cannot be legally resold in the United States." It also talks about that the original user can be liable if a subsequent user gets ill.

Second-hand brest pumps: Are they safe? (http://www.parentsplace.com/expert/lactation/qas/0,,166427_258670,00.html?arrivalSA=1&cobrandRef=0&arrival_freqCap=2)



Then I think Ebay needs to do something because they are being sold there for dollars (used).

Originally posted by ferretwomen
Then I think Ebay needs to do something because they are being sold there for dollars (used).

I TOTALLY AGREE!!!!

I noticed the document said "Though there have not been any documented cases of mothers or babies being infected through the use of a second-hand pump, I don't believe sharing single user pumps is worth even a very small or theoretical risk. "

I will take my pump off the for sale list. Rather then throwing it away I will keep it and see if I am successful in getting pregnant again and can use it. IF not I guess it will go into the garbage.
THank you for the info mama. I wouldn't want to get anyone sick.

Originally posted by Mama2miracles
yes - Medula's are single user pumps unless they are the big hospital grade ones and then you need to buy new horns/tubing and so on in between.

It's why I bought an Ameda Purely Yours instead as they have diaphrams that prevent milk from backing up into the pump - so they can be used by different users. I'm planning to hand mine down to my sister once she has kids.

That's why I bought the Ameda PY too...I bought a used Medela off of eBay when ds was a baby and it WREAKED of rotten milk...it had backed into the pump itself and no one cleaned out the bag or pump...so it got nasty. I researched and found the Ameda one. I thought it worked better than the PIS too.

But I think it's up to the person if they want to buy one used IMO. If it's clean and well taken care of...then someone else could benefit. If someone has a yucky one, please ditch it! That means you might have to inspect inside carefully too. I just HATE the thought of throwing a $100-$200 breast pump away when so many cannot afford one...kwim? Yes I understand the backed up milk issue (as I indicated above)...but man what a waste. :(

Oh and many diseases just don't stay alive long enough to contaminate someone else...however, bacteria that grows in dark gloomy places and tubing can be harmful...but either buy new tubing & horns or boil the heck out of the used ones. As far as the motor...again if you're selling...make sure there's no issue with the motor...if you're buying ask a lot of questions...or inspect it well if found in a thrift store, etc. (I've seen many PIS or medelas in thrift stores for super prices).

All JMHO.

Is your pump the Lactina? The blue one?? Looks like this one at the top of the page?

http://www.medela.com/NewFiles/pumps.html

If so, it's perfectly safe to sell it. It's a multi-user pump designed to be a rental pump. Whomever buys it, can buy a new pump kit to use with it. Milk cannot get inside this pump. Your milk only "touches" the disposable pieces in the pump kit.

Originally posted by Tap dancin mama
Is your pump the Lactina? The blue one?? Looks like this one at the top of the page?

http://www.medela.com/NewFiles/pumps.html

If so, it's perfectly safe to sell it. It's a multi-user pump designed to be a rental pump. Whomever buys it, can buy a new pump kit to use with it. Milk cannot get inside this pump. Your milk only "touches" the disposable pieces in the pump kit.
Yes but it is not electric It doesn't have the electric pump. Here is a pic of it.
http://pic3.picturetrail.com/VOL19/1982984/4932367/67579274.jpg
If I can't use it again I wor sell it I will toss it.

Ahhhh ok, it's the pieces to the Lactina pump, "the pump kit". Ok, that part is supposed to be single user, but if you boil it, it's probably safe. I'd still sell it. Not everyone can afford to buy it new. But I'd boil it before I sell it, the tubes can be boiled too.

Originally posted by Tap dancin mama
Ahhhh ok, it's the pieces to the Lactina pump, "the pump kit". Ok, that part is supposed to be single user, but if you boil it, it's probably safe. I'd still sell it. Not everyone can afford to buy it new. But I'd boil it before I sell it, the tubes can be boiled too.
The tubing was never used. I only use a few pieces of it at all.

I too am a freak about used pumps. This is what got me:

Some of the viruses that can be within breast milk are:

HIV - Human Immunodeficiency Virus (AIDS)
HTLV-1 Human T-Cell Leukemia Virus Type I
CMV - Cytomegalovirus


No one knows for sure they are clean, virus free. I have the hollister pureely yours. I was told it can be shared if tubing etc is boiled cuz milk does not get into the pump,

keep in mind some women nurse each others babies. I would never!!!

Originally posted by kaje62
I too am a freak about used pumps. This is what got me:



No one knows for sure they are clean, virus free. I have the hollister pureely yours. I was told it can be shared if tubing etc is boiled cuz milk does not get into the pump,

keep in mind some women nurse each others babies. I would never!!!
I have a PY, too. Actually, if I needed a good pump and was really low on cash, I'd buy the Ameda/Hollister/Egnell HygieniKit and a used pump since there's almost no way that milk is going to back up into the tubing of that kit. The silicone diaphragm would also block any nasties from being blown back into the milk, imo.

ok all you hollister purely yours gals. How much should i list mine on ebay for? i also have a ton of glass avent baby bottles?

Originally posted by kaje62
ok all you hollister purely yours gals. How much should i list mine on ebay for? i also have a ton of glass avent baby bottles?
Avent made GLASS bottles? :confused:

Originally posted by sveasmommy

ETA: Here's another link...
http://www.breastfeedingonline.com/pumps.shtml
It states that the Ameda is not a closed system.

I certainly don't know where their info comes from but this site states that the PY is not a closed system.

Can I just get clarification, please?

I have a Medela Mini-electric that I just loaned to my sister. This pump is a one-user pump? I looked over this breastpump and I just couldn't see how/where any milk could get into it. I was completely convinced that there was no way for the pump to get contaminated with milk. :( I sterilized my horns and other parts, replaced the valve thingie and thought that it would be fine.

So, please post to me right away. Should I call my sister and tell her not to use it? She was supposed to start work yesterday. I also loaned this pump out to my SIL after I was done with it. I need to call her right away.

And eek! I almost bought this style pump used, but decided to get a new one since they werne't all that expensive.

The mini-electric is a one user pump as well. I personally wouldn't worry with family... but I guess it depends on how close you are to that family member too, kwim?

UGH, I was afraid that was the answer.

Thank you. I already have a call in to my sister.

Kristin :(

And as far as the purely yours goes, I have to wonder if the FDA reconsidered their stance on it being a single user pump after this study http://www.hollister.com/us/mbc/breastfeeding/resource/study.html which states, in part-
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reviewed and cleared the claim that the patented silicone diaphragm used in the Ameda HygieniKit milk collection system creates a barrier that protects both:
1. Collected breast milk from potential contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria that may be present in the pump and or kit tubing AND
2. Pump and kit tubing from potential contaminants, such as virus and bacteria, that may be present in collected milk. The Ameda HygieniKit is the only breast milk collection system with FDA clearance to make this strong protective claim.

This is why I'd feel pretty comfortable buying a used PIS for example, and an Ameda hygenikit to use with it. (But I'm a bit more trusting of agencies like the FDA than some are.)

This is why I'd feel pretty comfortable buying a used PIS for example, and an Ameda hygenikit to use with it. (But I'm a bit more trusting of agencies like the FDA than some are.)

Ok, so if I was going to loan by PIS to a good friend to use for awhile, I should be okay if I buy a hygiene kit and use it on the PIS before she uses it and then do it again before I use it when my baby arrives?

Nelle

Ps. I really wanted to be able to help her out. I bought the pump new and used it with my daughter.

The hygenikit is the tubes, flanges, etc that you hook up to an electric pump. A lot of hospitals give them (or at least I know the one I delivered in last time did) as your pump kit.
I'd ask her to pick one up to use with your pump while it's on loan. Its' just this http://www.amedababy.com/product_images/6-10075-17131-6mini.jpg
compared to the kit the OP posted, which is a typical medela double pumping set.
Clear as mud? :)

Are the Ameda parts compatable with the Medela parts? I wouldn't think they were, different opening for the tubing & such.

Originally posted by kaje62
I too am a freak about used pumps. This is what got me:

quote: Some of the viruses that can be within breast milk are:

HIV - Human Immunodeficiency Virus (AIDS)
HTLV-1 Human T-Cell Leukemia Virus Type I
CMV - Cytomegalovirus


No one knows for sure they are clean, virus free. I have the hollister pureely yours. I was told it can be shared if tubing etc is boiled cuz milk does not get into the pump,

keep in mind some women nurse each others babies. I would never!!!

Isn't Hepatitis passed through breastmilk as well?

Originally posted by mommy2maya
Are the Ameda parts compatable with the Medela parts? I wouldn't think they were, different opening for the tubing & such.
You can pop the white connector off of the ameda tubes and just have a round tube opening. It might be harder to work with because it's softer rubbery plastic (or whatever they use) but I don't think you'd need the "paw print" shaped end like most medela tubes have for it to work.

I admit I have no business posting on this thread... I haven't breastfed or pumped in over 8 years! But I do have pregnant friends, 2 who plan to pump, and this thread really got me thinking.

Now I understand about not sharing certain pumps because the milk may get in the pump and spoil. Wouldn't that be a design flaw? I mean, if your milk gets in the pump and gets icky because you can't clean it properly, it could make YOUR OWN baby sick by contaminating the fresh milk you are pumping with the icky rotten milk sitting in the pump.

If the milk is indeed allowed access to the mechanical parts of the pump, and those parts are not cleanable, replaceable, or easily accessed by normal cleaning then I'd call that a design flaw, and a dangerous one at that. I wouldn't want any baby to have milk that has been in contact with old, moldy milk regaurdless of who it came from! It almost sounds like that the "single-user" pumps should be called a one-time use pump or a disposable pump if the parts the milk contacts cannot be cleaned and sterilized properly.

Ok, so what brands *are* safe to use?

I still want to know about the Avent GLASS bottles!!! Who knows where to get them?

my mom wanted me to use my cousins pump n style, kept telling me Susie is disease free, there are 100 viruses that can be shared thru breast milk. no one knows if they are disease free, you can be harboring something without knowing, that is why i would not take the risk.

Thank you to all who posted to this thread. I appreciate all the information. :)

Kristin

I am a dork. My glass bottles are not Avent, they are Even Flo. Sorry about the confusion.

Originally posted by kaje62
I am a dork. My glass bottles are not Avent, they are Even Flo. Sorry about the confusion.
You are such a tease, Kathy Jo!

and who are you quidnunc?

anyway..would avent glass bottles be better than even flo?

Hmmm... I've been thinking about this quite a bit today. Maybe it's just me, but I never have had milk back up into the tubing.

Then again, I've always had a hard time pumping, and generally have to pump twice to get enough for one feeding for dd:rolleyes: Then again, dd always walked away from nursing sessions satisfied, ykwim?

Maybe that's why I've never experienced this problem?

Nelle

I never have had milk back up into the tubing. I never have had milk back up into the tubing.

Then again, I've always had a hard time pumping, and generally have to pump twice to get enough for one feeding

I have. ugh. The tubes were filled up and the milk was all under the clear dome thingy (yes, I'm quite sure that's the correct terminology :o). It's happened maybe twice in about 3 years accumulated pumping at work.

I just read one of the links given earlier.

To be honest, I still wouldn't be totally uncomfortable with using a breastpump from someone I know. Especially a mom of several. Most of the things that can be passed on are tested for at the beginning of each pregnancy. After several years of babies and bloodwork, with knowing the mom and her partner, I think chances are considerably teensy.

However, I did read in the article one reason I will never buy another used pump...yeast! It even mentioned that moms with persistent yeast are sometimes encouraged to dump their pump for a new one. Looks like I'm in the market for a new pump for my next baby! Recurring thrush with my second ds has been a nightmare. I co-breastfed my first two, but I'm desperately trying to wean this time so he doesn't pass thrush on to his sister.