is it safe to buy a second hand electric breast pump???

[Moomin1000]

Been looking into it and its mixed... saying its not 100% safe... was wondering what everyone's thoughts were???

[SleepySuzy]

I did with both DDs. They're both still alive. I don't see a problem if they're sterilised.

[edwinbear]

I don't see why not. I'd run it through a steriliser and wouldn't give it a second thought. My sister and I borrowed each others when we were visiting each other without thinking. But I'm happy to stand corrected if I've missed something.

[YBR]

I don't know, never having used one, but by instinct I'd say there were 2 issues: hygiene and electrical safety.
The former you just have to be sure you can sterilise properly as has already been said.
Electrical safety: IMHO we all get too hung up on pointless PAT testing - just check it looks in good condition - no damage or scorch marks etc. Generally these things are subject to stringent design regs which make them safe.

[AKMD]

It depends which product you're looking at. If it's 'hospital grade' then it's fine, if it's not then it isn't completely safe but use your own judgement.

[Faggotsnpeas]

I would use a secondhand electric pump if I knew where it had come from, and sterilised it properly.

[renlo]

I did and also sold it on afterwards. That's what sterilers are for . what about the pumps you use in hospital and hire from the NCT (bloody marvellous things!). They're not brand spanking new.....well they were once, obviously.

[Moomin1000]

check this out says its not safe!!!
www.breastfeedingonline.com/pumps.shtml
but so expensive i'm not sure what to do

[renlo]

That's an interesting link but I do think the risks are over played somewhat, especially the HIV risk IMHO, because a mother with HIV would be strongly discouraged from breastfeeding her baby anyway because they would pass on the infection to their baby! The fact that there hasn't been any cases of a baby being infected with something nasty from a used breast pump is probably evidence enough for me but I accept that we all have different risk appetites and HCP have a duty of care to make us aware of all risks, however small. It's your decision but if you're worried, bite the bullet and buy brand new. The Medela models are the only ones that worked for me, believe me all breast pumps are not made the same!

[Udderly]

But you can buy the attachments new so its only the motor that's secondhand. I had a Medela Mini that I picked up in Tesco for half price and I was delighted with it for bottle a day pumping early on and occasional pumping after.

[LoveBeingAbleToNamechange]

Can't read the link cause um on my phone.

I used a second handanual and electric pump. I am confident that all bits were cleaned throughly.

Re HIV etc surely they can't survive outside of the body for long? Also one study against everything else doesn't necassarily convence me.

[idlevice]

I have it & it must be ok as they are hired out by NCT, hospitals, etc

You could try asking NCT, La Leche League & the Association of Breastfeeding Mothers for their official line on it - I hope they would all agree.

[Moomin1000]

I have been offered a second hand one by a friend! A medela one so i'm well chuffed and will throughly clean it sorted!!! I agree i think its overrated thanks guys