Second hand breast pumps

[Ploy]

Can anyone explain exactly what the issue is with 2nd hand breast pumps?

I read on another thread there is a risk of catching diseases.

I would really appreciate some detail about this.
Anyone in the know?

[Ploy]

Anyone?

[Brindler]

I don't know but actually just brought a second hand one so would be interested to find out before I use it! I just assumed if it was properly cleaned and sterilised there wouldn't be an issue. They seem to sell well on eBay anyway!

[NickyEds]

I think some makes are unsuitable for selling on because they have a part that can't be sterilised (one of the Medala ones I think). I've got a second hand Lansionh one and all of the parts that go anywhere near your body can be sterilised.

[DontBuyANewMumCashmere]

There are two types of pump, I think open and closed. I think it just means whether the seal is before or after where the pump mechanism is, as if it is an 'open system' then you can't be certain that milk won't have got into the mechanism, and as you can't sterilise it then you can't be sure you haven't got someone else's old BM in your pump.
I got a second hand 'closed system' pump and sterilised everything apart from the (hidden, unexposed) pump.
I think this is correct, apologies if I'm mistaken. Sorry if it's a bit garbled!

[NickyEds]

This is the one I was talking about

www.medelabreastfeedingus.com/tips-and-solutions/14/can-i-buy-or-borrow-a-pre-owned-breastpump

[Junosmum]

DontBuy is correct. If you have an open system you will have someone elses breast milk in the mechanism and this may be infected, depending on who you got it off!

[MaidrinRua]

Open system- eg Medela swing...risk of infection
Closed system- eg Ameda lactaline...no risk of infection

[Ploy]

thanks for your replies.
I'm assuming that the avent comfort and tomee tipeee are open systems then?

[Ploy]

I don't think the avent comfort has got parts which are going impossible to clean though... a bit awkward, but not impossible?