What's the truth about breast pumps? Do you really need a brand new one or is a used one okay?

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I am really confused! The breast pump manufacturers state that you should not use a used breast pump because you may contaminate the milk. Friends and family who have kids disagree. Any opinions out there? Breast pumps are really expensive and my sister gave me hers....should i use it?

Thanks

[Anonymous]

In my non-medical opinion... YES you should use it!

There was just a BIG thread on this topic within the last 2-3 months. It has a variety of informed (and uninformed) opinions, but is worth a read. See if you can find it.

[maynie]

This comes up a lot. Here are a few threads where it was discussed.

http://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/1464.page#6186

http://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/6059.page#29930

[Anonymous]

Use it! My cousin and I have been sharing one for years. Get new tubes and parts. You're just sharing the motor.

[Anonymous]

I would rent a professional-grade pump from from the hospital or your pediatrician's office. They're SO much faster, it's worth every penny. You'll be thanking yourself every time you pump!

[Anonymous]

I borrowed a Medela Pump in Style and just bought new funnels, tubing, etc. No problems whatsoever. I don't know about the hospital pumps, but the PIS was great, very fast. I highly recommend it.

[Anonymous]

There were a few posts not too long ago about this that you may want to search for some thougths.


...also keep in mind that if you do indeed decide to buy a used pump the warranty may not carry over because it becomes void. I think that is Medela's policy, but not sure. Also, Advent, Evenflo, Ameda, etc. may be different.

...one more thing - manual pumps, if that is an option for you (definitely cheaper than electric, but you sorta get what you pay for...) may not be as "controversal" to buy as used.