Breast-Pumps.com: Medela Breastpumps and Breastfeeding Supplies, including the Medela Pump In Style

Used Breast-Pumps: Articles and Links

Included on this page are links and articles related to the issues of safety involved in mothers using used single user breast pumps. Some things a breastfeeding mother needs to consider in regards to used single user breast pumps includes:

	Open Systems vs. Closed Systems
	Health and Hygiene Issues
	Legal and Liability Issues
	What If a Borrowed Pump Breaks?

Are Used Breast Pumps a Good Option? Issues to Consider

Are Used Breast Pumps a Good Option? Issues to Consider by Nancy Mohrbacher, IBCLC What new mother wouldn’t like to save money on a breast pump? That’s why lactation consultants and other health care professionals are often asked: “Do you have used breast pumps available?” Some mothers have friends or relatives offering to lend them a used pump, but is a used pump a good option?

About Used Breast Pumps by Cindy Curtis, RN, IBCLC

It is not safe and is not advised by the FDA or breast pump manufacturers to share a personal breast pump with anyone. This has nothing to do with profit-it has everything to do with infection control and the safety of mothers and babies.

Please know that if you sell your pump or pass it onto another person that you are putting their baby at risk for all kinds of harmful bacteria. Please do not sell or share your pump with anyone. The only types that can be shared are the Classic or Lactina rental pump (which is made to used by multiple users). The parts that are attached to Medela's rental pumps are not interchangeable to share. Do yourself a favor and be safe. Do not purchase a used pump.

Here is an article with the data to support not sharing single user breast pumps by Cindy Curtis, RN, IBCLC

The concern of buying a used pump is something many breastfeeding moms encounter. Although a used pump may be more affordable than a new one, there are real health implications involved.

In addition to the health risks of borrowing a pump there are ethical ones as well. I have worked with several moms who purchased or borrowed a used pump from a friend or relative, only to have that pump break or stop operating while they were using it. These moms then felt obligated to purchase a new pump,if it was a borrowed pump, the new pump had to be returned and the mom had spent a lot of extra money that she didn't need to. The approximate cost to formula feed a baby for one year is $2,300.00 , a new breast pump is very reasonable compared to that price.

Most breast pumps come with a one year warranty, but this only applies to the original owner, any sharing of the pump, negates the warranty.

I personally called the FDA on June 1, 2001 to find out the specifics and here is the statement issued by them at that time:

"The following statement is FDA's position on the matter of reuse of breast pumps labeled for a single user. FDA does not regulate the sale of individual breast pumps by individuals to other individuals. Rather, we regulate these medical devices when they are in interstate commerce. We have not said that this practice is legal or illegal. Instead, we have the following position, which recommends that if the pump cannot be adequately disinfected between uses by different mothers, that the pump not be used by different mothers." "FDA advises that there are certain risks presented by breast pumps that are reused by different mothers if they are not properly cleaned and sterilized. These risks include the transmission of infectious diseases or the risk of improper function. FDA believes that the proper cleaning and sterilization of breast pumps requires the removal of any fluid that has entered the pumping mechanism itself. If proper sterilization of the breast pump can not be achieved, FDA recommends that it not be reused by different mothers."

If you are considering buying a used breastpump, please determine whether or not the pump is a "single user" pump before purchasing it.

Here is a list of the pumps I have researched :

The following pumps are labeled as "single user" devices:

These pumps have an "open system" , meaning that the pumps motor is open and that the moms breast milk can come in contact with the motor if it accidentally runs back up the tubes and also that a fine spray of milk can get on the motor at any time and since the pump diaphragm is attached, it is impossible to be thoroughly cleaned, thus even if you purchase a new set of tubing, flanges and bottles, your milk can still be contaminated by the previous users milk.

Avent Isis®

Evenflo Press and Pump®

Evenflo Manual Breast Pump®

Gentle Expressions Mini Electric®

Gerber Precious Care®

Hollister/Ameda® Purely Yours

MagMag Mini Electric®

Medela Mini electric®

Medela Pump In Style® Breastpump

Medela Pump In Style® Traveler

Medela Pump In Style® Companion

Medela DoubleEase® Breast Pump

Simplicity®

The following pumps are are designed to be used by multiple users:

These pumps operate on a "closed system", meaning that it is impossible for milk reach the motor, hence these are safe to be used my multiple mothers.

Hollister Elite® Hollister Lact-e®

Hollister SMB® Breastpump®

Medela Classic® Breastpump

Medela Lactina® Breastpump

Medela Symphony® Breastpump

Bailey Nurture III®

The following pumps are still being researched by me :

Whittlestone®

Whiteriver®

Whisperwear®

If the pump you are planning to purchase is not listed above, please consult the operating instructions or the box that came with the breast pump when you purchased it.

From Medela's Website

http://www.medela.com/NewFiles/preownpump.html

Many mothers have asked if they can safely sell, purchase, or use a previously owned breastpump. Medela is concerned about the health and welfare of breastfeeding mothers and their babies. Breastfeeding is certainly the best way to feed your baby, and is the gold standard of infant nutrition. There is some evidence, however, that certain serious viruses* may be transmittable through breastmilk. For this reason, it is not advisable to use a previously owned breastpump. Breastpumps are single-user products, or personal care items, much like a toothbrush, and are registered with the FDA as single user items.

For safety, breastpumps should never be shared, resold, or lent among mothers. Medela strongly discourages mothers from re-using or re-selling previously owned breastpump equipment. The Medela Pump In Style® Breastpump has an internal diaphragm that cannot be removed, replaced, or fully sterilized. Therefore, the risk of cross-contamination associated with re-using a previously owned pump such as the Pump In Style cannot be totally dismissed. Multiple use of single-user breastpump automatically voids the warranty of the Medela product. Each mother who wishes to express milk with a pump should use a clean, uncontaminated breastpump. This is the safest way to eliminate any risk of cross-contamination.

Rental pumps such as the Classic™ and Lactina® pumps are made to be safely used by repeated clients who each use their own clean personal rental kit, therefore avoiding any possible cross-contamination. Rental pumps, when used according to the Medela instructions, are safe to use by multiple mothers who have their own personal kits.

We are aware that different mothers have different pumping needs, and economic situations. For this reason, Medela pumps come in a variety of styles and prices, to fit the needs of many breastfeeding mothers. There are also grant programs available for mothers in need. For information on this and Medela products, ask your local rental station. For product information, availability and pricing, use our Breastfeeding National Network at 1 800 TELL YOU for your rental/retail station. Customer Service is available at 1 800 435-8316 for product questions. If you have any other breastfeeding questions, ask Medela's lactation consultant.

We are invested in continuing health and safety of mothers and babies. Many mothers who wish or need to express milk regularly find that using a high quality breastpump can help avoid the costly alternative of using artificial baby milk, which sometimes approaches or exceeds $1000 for the first year of baby's life. Mothers who pump frequently may find that the cost of a high quality breastpump, when compared to the price of artificial baby milk is reasonable, and a wise investment in the present and future health of their children and themselves.

1. *It is believed by some physicians and researchers that human breastmilk can possibly contain viruses if the mother is infected. Such viruses may include CMV (Cytomegalovirus), HIV-Human Immunodeficiency Virus (AIDS), and HTLV-1 (Human T-Cell Leukemia Virus Type 1.)

1. Ruth A. Lawrence, MD, Breastfeeding: A Guide for the Medical Profession
(St. Louis, Missouri: Mosby-Year Book, Inc., 1999), pp. 225.

From Bailey Medical Engineering's Website

http://www.baileymed.com/info.html

Bailey Medical Engineering is dedicated to supporting women in their decision to breastfeed by providing high-quality products at reasonable prices.

The Nurture III is our premiere product. It was designed by Barry Bailey, engineer and father of two, to be an affordable, practical, durable, hospital-quality breast pump.

On the market for the past decade, the Nurture III has been used, tested and recommended by doctors, lactation consultants, breastfeeding educators, and hospitals.

We stand behind our products with a 30-day customer satisfaction guarantee and a two-year warranty on the Nurture III Double Electric Breast Pump. We offer unsurpassed customer service and support. We'll issue full credit for returned products accompanied by a return authorization number.

Bailey Medical itself is a close-knit work community, not unlike a family. We all love working here. It is enjoyable to get calls from moms who have used our pump for all their pregnancies and have then loaned the pump to other moms to use. Meet all the folks who work here and see us in our natural environment.

From Avent America's Website

We at Avent America are always striving to provide mothers with quality products at reasonable prices to help them breastfeed longer. Research has shown that breastmilk can transmit many contagious viruses. It is for this reason that we strongly recommend that you NEVER use a previously owned breast pump. The Isis Breast Pump is considered to be a personal care item and has been designed to be for single use only. Mothers should never share breast pumps. Sharing or using a previously owned breast pump could put you and your baby at a potential risk for exposure to serious health risks.

Some of the viruses that can be within breast milk are:

	HIV - Human Immunodeficiency Virus (AIDS)
	HTLV-1 Human T-Cell Leukemia Virus Type I
	CMV - Cytomegalovirus

When you are using a previously owned breast pump you create the risk of cross contamination. It is for this reason that AVENT AMERICA STRONGLY SUGGESTS NEVER USING, BORROWING, PURCHASING OR SELLING A PREVIOUSLY USED/PRE-OWNED BREAST PUMP.

Since a mother's breast milk is the most precious gifts of nutrition/health she can give her baby, DON'T take the chance of sharing someone else's viruses with your baby.

If you have any questions regarding this issue, please feel free to contact us at 1-800-54-AVENT.

Cindy Curtis, RN, IBCLC has been an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) since 1993 and a Registered Nurse since 1986. She directs a Lactation Center at a small rural Virginia hospital and is also the webmaster of http://www.breastfeedingonline.com

Reprinted with permission

http://www.breastfeedingonline.com

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