Hi. I received a used breast pump from my sister, but I would like to buy new those parts that would be recommended for sanitation and stuff. It is a Medela Pump In Style, I believe. I know that they are recommended for a single user, but I have read enough and believe I am going to use it.
Do any of you have any suggestions on what parts to purchase??
All you have to do is buy a new kit with the tubing and pumping supplies, etc. The pump is just an air pump which is a closed unit.
You should be fine as long as it's in working order. I think you can find a new pump kit for under $50 - Amazon probably has them.
I hate to be Debbie Downer but you have really not been given any correct information...
Medela's Pump in Style is a open unit: http://forums.llli.org/showthread.php?8778-Medela-Pump-in... (scroll down a few posts)
The problem w/ sharing has nothing to do w/ the tubing and/or any piece that you can actually clean that touches milk...the problem is the motor itself.
Now, I'm not saying don't use it...I wouldn't even worry about replacing those cleanable parts personally...I'd just boil them.
I suppose all I'm saying is that the problem is the motor and if you are comfortable using your sister's pump...go for it.
Just know where the real problem (grey area) lies.
Hope this helps clear up any confusion.
Congrats on the new babe!
I also used a "used" pump and it was a life saver! I cleaned all the parts that dettached, but then was given new tubes and "contraptions" (as I call them) from the hospital when I delivered BOTH times.
The hospital pharmacy also carried everything. When one part broke (a hard plastic piece where the tubes attached to the pump), we ordered it online.
Many places rent pumps and I think it is a waste to buy a new one, especially when you received one from a family member.
It should be entirely safe to use, but be warned they may try to talk you out of it at the hospital. At least that's what they did to me, but not only did I get it from a friend who I knew to be totally healthy, the only parts that ever touch milk is the tubing and the horns (sorry, it's been too long and I can't remember the "proper" name :-)). Those are the only ones I replaced. The pump doesn't get anywhere near the milk. Good luck and congrats!
Purchase everything. Even new tubing. It took some time but I found a place on line that sold the tubing. But I have heard that if you call medela and tell them you messed up your tubing (like say didn't put enough water in the steam clean bag) they will send out replacement ones.
And about the steam clean bags-get some! They are a life-saver for quick clean up/sanitizing the pump parts!
I had a used Pump In Style that belonged to a good friend. I knew that she was disease free and wouldn't give me the pump to use if there was any chance she had anything that could very, very remotely be passed via the pump. And the chance is really like nil.
I bought a used pump in style...as long as you replace the tubing it's fine. my doctor is the one who suggested buying a used one. they have me all of the new tubing and parts at the hospital when i delivered!
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It's recommended that you replace anything that touched her breastmilk. Breastshields, breastshield connectors, valves and membranes. The breastmilk doesn't actually touch the tubing but I would still boil those unless the look like they need to be replaced.
Replace the tubing and flanges and you should be good.
You may want to consider having a local Medela service place check to make sure the pump is in good working order/clean/dust the inside. We have a pharmacy in town that is a certified Medela service center that does that... I'm taking my Medela pump that I used with my daughter to them before I have #2 in 3 weeks--just to make sure after sitting for 2+ years that all the parts are good to go.
