used breast pump? attn nurses/la Leche moms

Question

My sister gave me her medela breast pump that she used for her first baby last year. She did not pump a ton, and she breastfed for 9 months. But for about 3 of those months she had mastitis. Breastfeeding was a bad experience for her!! 
Are there any experts out there who could help me - should I get a new pump (free with insurance) since she had such a bad infection? Do those machines really get clean?

Answer

Only hospital grade machines can be used by multiple people because the milk doesn't go through certain parts. But an individual electric one should NOT be shared for sanitation reasons.

Answer

I used a used medela pump with my last child. I just used new attachments.

If you can get one through insurance, go that route. You can always keep the used on as a back up. Or pass it on to someone who may not be eligible for a breast pump.

Answer

Good question since I'm also getting a used one. Mastitis is more inflammation caused by trapped milk than really infection. I think a good wash it should be fine honestly. Specially since its family

Answer

If you do use it you can get all new parts and just use her motor.

Answer

A new one is free, so definitely get it. Most Medelas that are given out are an open system and not hospital grade. In an open system, milk can get into the motor and cause mold. The fact that she had an infection doesn't factor into this much, unless she was bleeding, as her blood could have gotten into the motor as well. If she has extra parts like bottles and flanges, you can definitely use those on your new pump. Just boil them first to sterilize them.

Answer

Get a new one and keep that one as a backup. You can get new attachments. That infection is quite normal so long as you able to sterilize everything it should work fine. I would get the free one just because you can though.

Answer

A friend gave me hers and after speaking with my doctor and lactation specialist I was advised it's best to get a new one. Not only for sanitation reasons but the warranty as well.

used breast pump? attn nurses/la Leche moms

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