H.H. asks from Leesburg, VA on July 12, 2011
Should I Replace Parts on My Medela Pump?
I LOVE my Medela Pump which I purchased before having my son in 2008. I used it for a year while breastfeeding him and now I'm 28 weeks pregnant with my second child. I plan to breastfeed him too, but was wondering if I would need to replace any parts of my Medela pump? I haven't used it in a couple years and it still looks great, but I have no idea if it still has the suction power I'll need or if the plastic parts need to be replaced. Obviously I can't test out the suction power since I'm not a cow yet, but wasn't sure if there was a trick to testing this? And would I need to replace the plastic parts such as the bottle reservoir's, tubing, and/or caps because it's been sitting around? Any of you momma's have experience with this? What did you do?
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So What Happened?™
Thanks so much for all your help! I'll try taking it to the hospital when I go to see if the lactation consultant can check it for me and go from there. I figure I won't need it right away anyway, but don't want to have to find parts when I need it either. I've already replaced my bottles/nipples and am thinking I'll have to change the little flaps on the pump where the milk comes into the bottle holder parts. Thanks again!!
Featured Answers
R.D. answers from Richmond on July 12, 2011
The number one thing you'll want to replace is the membrane; that little white flappy thing. That's what controls the suction. Most home healthcare pharmacies have these, or you can order them online from Medela super cheap.
The plastic parts I would just wash; I re-used mine, but I bought all new bottles/nipples (mostly nipples) because so much has changed with the plastics the past few years! That's all up to you. I would definately buy new membranes though.
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More Answers
R.D. answers from Richmond on July 12, 2011
The number one thing you'll want to replace is the membrane; that little white flappy thing. That's what controls the suction. Most home healthcare pharmacies have these, or you can order them online from Medela super cheap.
The plastic parts I would just wash; I re-used mine, but I bought all new bottles/nipples (mostly nipples) because so much has changed with the plastics the past few years! That's all up to you. I would definately buy new membranes though.
2 moms found this helpful
K.P. answers from New York on July 12, 2011
My sister used my pump after I was finished with it (2 years later) and it worked fine! She did replace the tubing and the rubber caps b/c she just wanted to make sure there was no bacteria. Other than that, no issues!
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M.. answers from St. Louis on July 12, 2011
I dont think you will need to replace parts, I didnt have to with mine. I have a Medela too. Plus, replacement parts are expensive!
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A.S. answers from Dallas on July 12, 2011
I'm not sure about the bottle reservoir's - those are probably okay but I would definitely change the tubing. It's a stretchier type of plastic and that can make small cracks over time that decreases the suctioning power. If you haven't used it in a year or so definitely look at replacing it. As long as everything else is thoroughly cleaned and sterilized it should be fine to use.
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Y.C. answers from Washington DC on July 12, 2011
I have an Ameda Simply Purely whatever... :D which I got for baby #3, which I kept and used with the same equipment when I had baby #4, just replacing the valves which had small tears in them. I have one of those pumps where the milk never actually goes through the tubes, so we were good, hygiene wise.
I'd say try it first, then order parts if you need to, or a new pump if there's a problem. Unless you're going to use the pump from day 1, I think you have time.
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M.B. answers from Washington DC on July 13, 2011
I used my Medela pump for all 3 of my boys since 2004 - daily for more than a year with each, then it sat unused for nearly 2 years between each. I changed parts/tubing for each, but you can probably do without if you sterilize well and there are no tears/cracks to impact suction. But ... the most useful thing was that after the 3rd was born, my husband brought the pump into the hospital while we were still there. I was concerned the motor would be worn out or the suction too low - he took it to the lactation consulant who checked/tested the suction and told us it was fine. You may want to see if you can do the same.
K.W. answers from Seattle on July 12, 2011
I used mine with two kiddos and did not replace anything. (I think it comes with a replacement membrane (see Rachel D's answer).)
M.G. answers from Chicago on July 12, 2011
I just gave birth two weeks ago after my twins were born in 2008. I haven't used my pump since June 2009 and I didn't replace any parts. It works just fine!
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