Do I Really Just Trash It?

Lots of people buy, use & loan out breast pumps. All of the parts that come into contact with your milk can be sanitized. Do NOT throw it. If you don't know anyone who wants to buy it, donate it. Good luck!

Is it a Medela? If so, throw the accessories and give the pack to a friend. You can buy the accessories now at Target- the tubes, nipple shields, etc. I threw out all my stuff and gave the pack to a friend. She went and bought the accessories at Target for about 30.00. Now it's been passed on to another friend. I would hate to throw it out too! :)

C.,

I see breast pumps for sale all the time on Craigslist and eBay, just take a look for yourself.

Throw out the tubing and the shields, and sell or donate the pump.

Hi C.,
I believe the machine itself can be used again - you just need to replace the attachments. :)
S.

Don't trash it!! They are valuable, and totally reusable, especially since it sounds like a nice electric one. These usually come with tubing and parts that are disposable, even when the "machine" is not. Some options: give or sell to a friend, sell on Craigslist or E-Bay, or donate to a women's shelter like Alexandra House. Replacement tubes and suction cups should be easily purchased--I know that my Medela Pump in Style has gotten lots of mileage from myself and others because you can buy all the "personal" stuff (that touches your body and/or milk) from Target for fairly cheap. Pass it on!! :)

I thought the same thing when I bought mine. It was tough to swallow. I used it for about 5 months and switched to formula. After paying for the formula though, I realized how much I was really saving. Even though you only used it for a short time, it probably paid for itself. And hey, there might be other options out there. I know they say not to reuse them but maybe you could donate it to a mom who can't afford a new one and would just need to get new accessories.

Don't trash it - sell it. The buyer can purchase new tubing and breast sheilds.

Who told you they can't be re-used? I used my pump for 3 kids, plus my sister used it for one of hers and a friend borrowed it. Although, by the time it was being used for the 5th baby, the motor burned out.

http://www.breastfeedingonline.com/pumps.shtml

There is a list at the end of this article of breast pumps that are safe to re-use based on their design. The attachments would need to be replaced.