What do you do with your used breast pump???

[pnault17]

I have a Medela Pump-in-style (an older one, but still works great) that I am completely and totally done with.

I don't know if I can throw it away, I can't find any info to recycle it, and I can't find any info on donating it that doesn't cost me shipping.

Additionally, this model is a single-user product, KWIM?

I don't feel comfortable selling or giving it to anyone, and I would feel weird freecycling it (if that's even allowed :confused: )

What do I do??? Trash it? Will the spirit of breast milk past to take it away???

Reps to all helpful replies! TIA

[mum2hba]

I gave mine to a friend. I had the Double Ease Medela. I replaced everything except the motor for her, it cost me about $25 to replace everything.
I had a really hard time giving mine up, but I didn't want to trash it. Replacing everything the the bm had touch was my best option.

[darmomof2]

i gave mine away on freecycle and the lady that got it was so excited that it was only going to cost her a little to get a good pump

[coldpizza4breakfast]

I sold my daughter's on ebay (we bought it on ebay also) - why is it a single use only?
I understand replacing the times that touch breast/milk etc. but... that's only a few pieces while the rest would be good to go.
I do understand tho' that some people feel icky-er about these things than others. :)

[VivaciousJewelz]

I got mine from someone else who was SOOOO nice enough to donate it to me. I did pay for the shipping though (it was the least I could do!) I think you should donate it or sell it. I didn't care that I had to replace all the parts, I was just extremely grateful that I didn't have to pay $300 for mine.

[cody82414]

if you have a local La Leche League, or Attachment Parenting International group, someone could likely use it!

[AshburnMom]

The company says it's a single user product b/c of liability issues. Obviously, you would replace the external plastic parts (tubes, breast shields, etc.) that actually had contact w/the milk. Otherwise, there should be no problem!

If I was getting a used one from somewhere, I'd take the face plate off the motor and make sure there wasn't any mold or anything. I really hope you'll reconsider donating it someone. Maybe a shelter or thru a church? There are a lot of lower income moms who HAVE to pump due to work hours, etc. and can't afford a decent pump. You could really make someone's life easier and potentially extend the amount of time she's able to breast feed! How many chances do you get to make such a difference for a baby? .....getting off my soapbox now! Good luck figuring it out!

[VivaciousJewelz]

The company says it's a single user product b/c of liability issues. Obviously, you would replace the external plastic parts (tubes, breast shields, etc.) that actually had contact w/the milk. Otherwise, there should be no problem!

If I was getting a used one from somewhere, I'd take the face plate off the motor and make sure there wasn't any mold or anything. I really hope you'll reconsider donating it someone. Maybe a shelter or thru a church? There are a lot of lower income moms who HAVE to pump due to work hours, etc. and can't afford a decent pump. You could really make someone's life easier and potentially extend the amount of time she's able to breast feed! How many chances do you get to make such a difference for a baby? .....getting off my soapbox now! Good luck figuring it out!

I totally agree! But I'm biased since I'm one of those lower-income moms, LOL. I might not even get more than a week or two of leave, so I'll have to pump, which is why I advocate donating it to someone.

[pnault17]

Unless a pump specifically is made for multiple users (think hospital-grade), they're considered one-user products.

The Medela pump-in-style model that I have has a plastic shield over the bellows/motor part of it, but there is nothing that prevents BM from getting into the works.

I cleaned it very thoroughly both times the kids stopped bfing, and I know all about the benefits, etc, etc.

No need to soap-box me.

My concern is that this model is NOT designed for multiple users. Do I have any of the epidemic-type pathogens that can be transmitted via BM -no.

But if milk got in there during either period of use, and I give it to someone who doesn't know how to properly clean it... And I mean CLEAN IT -inside and out, and double check all the gizmos, etc, etc, I would not want to give it in good faith and have it bite me in the rear b/c the recipient didn't take all possible precautions.

Also, I had several episodes of thrush with DD. I have no idea if that could have gotten into the pump.

I don't want money for it, I don't want to waste it, but I also don't want anyone to take it w/o knowing the score, because these type of pumps ARE susceptible to yucky-type stuff.

Is anyone a LC? I'll call LLL; maybe they can do something with it.

If anyone has confirmed donation info, I will be thrilled.

I was truly hoping for an organization that accepts them, b/c I expect they would have standards for sterilizing used machines, etc.

Ugh.

[pnault17]

Also, I breastfed my TWINS, who were 36-weekers and over 6 # each. :TYVM: :yayme:

My babes had NO latching issues; they were all lil barracuda babies.

I have no problems with mamas who didn't/couldn't/wouldn't, but I'm all done babying, and done with campaigning.

Somebody just get this junk out of my house!!! :hectic1: