Banning the Sale of Used Single-User Breast Pumps: A Poll
December 6, 2007 by Angela White, J.D., breastfeeding counselor
Filed under breastfeeding, health of the baby, health of the mother, poll, products, pumping
What do you think about the petitions going around like this one and this one that ask eBay to ban the sale of used single-user breast pumps (not the kind that are intended for safe use by multiple users)? Previously I have pointed readers to the FDA’s breast pump website for information on the risk of contracting communicable diseases like HIV or hepatitis through the use of shared single-user breast pumps (and for tips on how to get help paying for a pump or pump rental). I know, though, that many women feel very strongly that the sale of used pumps should not be banned. The main argument is that many women do not qualify for free or low-cost pumps or pump rentals yet they cannot afford to pay for a new pump or a rental. If the ability to buy a used pump allows women to continue breastfeeding longer than they would have otherwise, should they be allowed to take the risk?
What about you? Have you borrowed a used pump from a friend? Would you or have you bought a used pump from a stranger? What do you think?
What about you? I am fortunate and was able to afford a new pump.
Have you borrowed a used pump from a friend? I have, with my own shields, when I was traveling to said friend’s house.
Would you or have you bought a used pump from a stranger? Probably not.
What do you think? I think that there is a lot of mis-information out there. For example, the PISA, while it does have internal workings that cannot be sanitized, the milk (or blood and other bodily fluids) do not get in that mechanism. For that matter, there shouldn’t be anything more the condensation inside the tubes, so while the party line is not to use another’s pump, I think that it can be done safely.
I borrowed a Medela pump from a friend to use while I was working. I did know her, but she had also loaned it out to several people before I got my hands on it. That single pump lasted at least four babies and seven years, and as far I know is still working. Good sturdy construction.
Also, I’ve borrowed pumps from people when I’ve been at their house without mine. In that case, I generally sterilize the cone things.
Before I started using the first pump, I researched the dangers of using a single-user pump. After examining the pump itself, I decided that there was very little chance of contact of breastmilk with any part of the pump itself. I could actually figure out how it could happen accidentally.
That being said, I did buy a cheap used breastpump from a garage sale and never got up the nerve to use it because I didn’t know where it had been. It was a smaller breastpump and did not look as “safe” with regard to breastmilk contamination. I mostly bought it because $5 for a small electric pump, a dozen Medela bottles, four or five shields and tubes and various other replacement parts was just a great deal. I sanitized everything that could be sanitized and got a lot of use out of them.
Also, although I could have afforded a new pump, it would have felt quite irresponsible to buy one when I could borrow one. I wouldn’t want to buy something, use it for a year or two, then toss it when it was still fully functional. That’s not very environmentally conscious.
I theorize that the pump manufacturers claim that it isn’t safe simply to protect themselves from lawsuits. It could also be simple marketing. They make more if people don’t share pumps. I prefer to believe the former, though.
The first pump that I had used was my sisters pump, who got it from her SIL. It was good. I sanitized the contact pieces and I was totallly comfortable using it. Then she needed it back.
The second pump I bought was also a used pump (from someone I did not know) that came with three sets of breast pieces and three sets of tubing. Again, I sanitized the pieces and I was fine with it.
I am done pumping and I need to find a good home for it. I still have one set of tubes, but I would recommend to anyone who buys it to purchase new tubes and to sanitize the pieces.
my first pump-in-style was donated to me by my cousin’s wife. While I used my own shields and bottles, I used her tubing. I sterilized everything and that pump lasted me about 6 months (and 2 years for her prior) until it died.
Then I bought a new pump-in-style. I gave my sister-in-law my avent hand pump and know lots of people who lend their pumps or pass them on to friends when they are done. People do it all the time. In fact, I think it is a great service to pass on a used pump to a new mom who is starting work. She may not be 100% sure she wants to pump at work and may consider giving formula. By offering this kind of support one more mom may stick with breastfeeding longer.
Truthfully, I don’t see the danger. If you sterilize the parts then what is the problem?
Two friends gave me an electric medela to borrow, but I never used them because I did not want my breasts to be “electrically pumped.” I bought myself a new manual pump that looked a lot gentler and am mostly using it to pump my milk for a friend who adopted a baby.
Whenever we can empower women with knowledge (in this case how to sterilize and what risks are present) instead of instilling fear, then that’s a good thing. That said, I think it’s buyer beware as long as said buyer has adequate informnation.
I used a pump from a not-so-close friend who knew I was struggling with supply. I sterilized the parts before, during and after I used the pump, so that it would be fairly safe to say that even if she had sterilized it first, my secondary sterilization probably killed any germs left. I didn’t mess around, even though I completely trusted this woman, but I would do the same if I bought one from a complete stranger, maybe sterilizing it twice myself before using it. And I would sell it when I’m done, but not before sterilizing it.
I would love to see Maria’s data that states that the milk cannot enter the “internal workings” of the PISA. The IBCLC’s I’ve talked to have assured me that milk backing up into the tubing can indeed enter and that milk in aerosolized form can also enter the interior of the PISA.
While I don’t minimize the issues surrounding disease transmission I find it disheartening to see people saying that they will sell a single user pump with a motor engineered to obsolesce after a year to another mother without a thought to the fact that they may actually be harming that new mother’s supply (ESPECIALLY if that mom is a working and pumping mom) and putting her breastfeeding relationship at risk. Buyer Beware? If she’s willing to take the chance that absolves you of any responsibility?
I’m in agreement with Carol–the LCs I spoke with regarding this all explained how the “open” system of a personal pump like the PIS definitely allows aerosolized milk to enter the workings. So regardless of the sterilization of the tubing and parts, the milk is in the pump itself getting cycled in and out. I would probably still use a pump from someone I know, but definitely NOT from an unknown source.
Carol, As soon as I have power and am not using a shared computer, I will go grab the information I had found when I first bought my pump. Maybe it is online too, but I can only use a computer at work. We are in the midst of cleaning up from the ice storm, so I might forget to do this. I have a lot on my placte (hubby out of country, work, just me and baby, no power, and a big ass mess to clean up).
I totally agree with Carol. I personally think it is disgusting an unsafe to use someone else’s breast pump. Let alone from Ebay! Oh no, not for my sweety. If it’s necessary that you breastfeed and work, I think its worth the 19.99-49.99 to buy a new pump from Toys R us, Target, Marshals & TJ Max even sells them if you can’t afford an expensive one.
To ALL who are contemplating a used Medela PISA:
Have any of you that “claim” milk vapor can “ENTER THE WORKINGS” (there’s a technical term) even looked at how the Medela PIS(A) WORKS??? Obviously not. The suction is created between the diaphragm and the faceplate. The faceplate can be removed and boiled or replaced. The “WORKINGS” and diaphragm face are sealed from the rest of the pump (thus generating suction). I can certainly see how milk vapor can get on the FACE of the diaphragm..but not into the pump motor, “workings”, etc…as indicated above. If you can prove this to be incorrect, please provide some form of evidence. Medela words it very cleverly and would love to stop the sale of used pumps for obvious financial reasons. I can’t speak to other brands as I have not examined them. Perhaps you’re trying to justify the decision to buy a new pump and stock the land fills with them?? The point is, please only offer an opinion if you have the ability to back it up with some knowledge or a first hand account of how it actually works. This fear fest is getting out of control.
With regard to the Medela PISA, if you buy new tubes and all new parts (including faceplate), the only real concern I can see is that milk vapor may have come in contact with the EXTERIOR of the diaphragm. This diaphragm can be cleaned with alcohol and probably subjected to more exreme measures to ensure it is sanitized. The diaphragm can not be removed in order to boil it as with the other components (this is what Medela’s carefully worded statement says to me). If this is an acceptable method and makes you feel comfortable buying a used pump..it should be your decision. Now you have a few more “facts” to base it on.
As for the all too common toothbrush comparison..think of it more like buying(for $10vs.$80)/borrowing the bottom (sealed) portion of a sonicare used 5 times, cleaning the heck out of it with alcohol and then replacing the part you put in your mouth. That’s a more accurate comparison to a used pump IMO!