Baby stuff can get expensive. You might want to save some money by buying a used breast pump. But is it a good idea? As a stay at home dad, you won’t be pumping yourself, but it’s still good information to know.
Is it safe to use a used breast pump? Most manufacturers discourage reselling or reuse of previously owned breast pumps. The FDA says that only hospital-grade or closed system pumps can be reused. Open system (or consumer grade) pumps cannot be fully sterilized, and should not be reused.
What Things Should You Consider Before Buying A Used Breast Pump?
- What does a new pump cost?
- How much are new pump parts for your particular model?
- How often does your wife need to pump?
- Is it a closed or open system pump?
Closed vs. Open System Breast Pumps
An open system breast pump is designed for a single user. Kind of like a toothbrush. Breastmilk flows through the tubing and breast shields. But since the system is open, some milk particles can also enter into the motor and other parts of the machine. It’s impossible to fully sterilize the pump motor once milk particles get inside.
Reusing an open system pump is a bad idea because you don’t know what kind of mold or bacteria might be growing in the pump after it’s been used. Some germs can live for years, even on dry objects.
A closed system breast pump has a barrier to stop milk from getting inside the pump motor and tubing. This is the style of pump used by hospitals. Unfortunately, they’re also more expensive — $200 or more!
As a compromise between the two, some personal grade breast pumps feature a backflow protector nowadays. This is similar to the technology used in hospital grade breast pumps and means they’re safe for use by multiple different users.
Manual pumps can be fully sanitized, so they’re safe to buy used. But they’re also pretty cheap to begin with, so there’s not much reason to buy them used.
If your wife needs to pump multiple times a day, a manual pump probably isn’t a great option. It can be a pain since it’s hard to do without your hands-free. Although some moms love them for the speed and suction control they provide.
What Parts Do You Need To Replace On a Used Breast Pump?
If you do decide to buy a used closed system breast pump, you’ll still need to buy some parts brand new for hygienic reasons. They include:
- Breastmilk collection bottles
- Breastshields
- Backflow protectors
- Valves
- Bottle accessories, like sealing disks, caps, and teats
How To Clean A Breast Pump
All parts of a breast pump that come into contact with milk should be cleaned after every used. That includes breast shields, vales, and bottles. While breast pumps can’t be fully sterilized at home, complete sterilization isn’t needed to keep it safe for a single user.
Thoroughly washing the pump parts with warm water and dish soap is enough. Some pump parts can also be placed on the top rack of your dishwasher, although be sure to check your manual to make sure.
Cleaning breast pump tubing isn’t necessary unless it comes in contact with milk. If you do need to wash your tubing, allow it to air dry completely before reattaching to the pump.
The electrical parts of your pump like the battery or motor can’t be washed. But they should be wiped down with a cloth or paper towel after each pumping session. Some manufacturers make wipes specifically for cleaning pumps.
When Is Breast Pumping Necessary?
There are a bunch of situations where your wife might decide to pump instead of breastfeeding directly.
If she’s going back to work, she will need to store milk for you to feed the baby when she’s away, unless you plan on using formula. Same when you’re leaving the baby with family or a babysitter, or even if she’s just running some errands.
If your baby not able to latch or feed from the breast properly, she will also need to pump.
Sometimes she may need to just pump excess milk to alleviate pressure, especially if she’s over-producing or when weaning.
Most moms prefer to pump first thing in the morning and should be done at least an hour before or after breastfeeding to have milk available for the baby’s next feeding.
If your wife is pumping exclusively, she will need to pump 8 to 10 times per day, which will produce between 750 ml to a bit over 1 liter of milk. (25-35 oz.)
Can I Switch Between Breast Milk and Formula?
It’s fine to switch back and forth between breast milk and formula. Milk is best, but it’s probably worth having some formula on hand just in case of emergencies where you run out of pumped milk.
It’s better not to mix formula and breast milk together in the same bottle, but it’s not the end of the world if you do it.
Related Questions
Q: What’s the warranty on a breast pump?
A: Most pumps are designed to be used for about a year, assuming between 15 and 20 pumping sessions per week. Beyond that, the motor may not work as efficiently, making pumping more difficult.
Q: Can breast pumps be reused for a second child?
A: Usually yes. Although an older motor becomes less efficient at pumping and can make the process more difficult. There’s always a chance that moisture has got inside the pump motor and grown mold, so it’s always safer to buy a new pump.
Q: Is it illegal to sell used breast pumps?
A: In some states like Pennsylvania it’s illegal to sell used breast pumps, so make sure to check your local laws. In areas where it’s legal, manufacturers still discourage it and it’s considered unsanitary.
Q: Is it against the law to sell breast milk?
A: At least in most parts of the US, Canada, and the UK, it’s legal to buy and sell breast milk, provided the right guidelines and safety protocols are followed. Human breast milk can even be bought online. It can be tempting to some women to sell breast milk to make a side income, especially if they’re over-producing, but this can potentially open you up to legal ramifications if a buyer’s child becomes ill.
Conclusion
As a dad, you obviously won’t be doing any breast pumping yourself, but it’s still good to get yourself acquainted with how they work.
Pumping is great because it allows your wife to build up a reserve of milk to leave with you. That gives her the freedom to go back to work or run errands without having to switch your baby on to formula instead of continuing to use breast milk.
Closed system or hospital-grade breast pumps can be re-used, as long as parts that come into contact with breast milk are replaced between users.
Open system or consumer grade pumps aren’t recommended for re-use, since moisture and milk particles can get inside the pump motor, potentially harboring mold, bacteria, or viruses for weeks or years.
There are plenty of things for babies that are perfectly acceptable to buy used, but when it comes to breast pumps, it’s a bit iffy. Personally it’s one product I wouldn’t cut corners on to try and save a few bucks.
Would you, or have you bought a used breast pump?
(Featured image source: Wikimedia Commons)
