Are used breast pumps safe?

I keep hearing people say they are buying or loaning out  breast pumps  BUT when I searched a few years back for a gently used Medela "Pump in Style" I found out that they couldn't be completely sanitized  and were "unsafe".  Only the hospital grade can be completely sanitized.  I ended up getting a brand new one (for my niece) because I just couldn't feel right.

So I'm confused and need clarification.

The truth is I'm sitting on my very own brand new "Pump In Style" and I feel bad because I don't know if I'll ever be pregnant etc.  I'm thinking that I could loan it or something?  I think I just feel bad in general cause someone said that they hadn't had anything for their baby and  I have a chest full of baby stuff - " a hope chest and maybe I should get rid of it.

Anyway, thanks for the info.

Okay, a used pump is definately NOT okay.  I just started looking for info again and here is what I found:  http://www.pregnancy.org/article/used-breast-pumps

I heard that they shouldn't be used.

I have a Medela Pump In Style that I got from my cousin, she used it for her two daughters.  There are bags you can buy that sterilize the items and kill like 99% of bacteria.  It is just as easy to buy new tubing (a few dollars) and new breast shields and bottles (any standard bottle fits).  So, you could loan it out and have the person buy their own parts, maybe $40 or so, and none of their milk will ever touch any thing your milk will ever touch.  So, I think it is harmless.

I went out and bought a used breast pump and I bought new breast shields, valves, membranes, tubing and everything the only thing that is the same is the pump. I also have the sterilizing bags to sanitize everything. Although, I found out at my childbirth class this past weekend that some insurance companies will cover the cost of a breast pump 100% if you have a prescription for one. So, I called my insurance company yesterday and I was shocked when they said that yes it is covered. I went to my OB today and I asked her about it and they said that they will write me a prescription before I am discharged from the hospital and I will get a brand new pump free of charge.

So, I will likely not be using the used one that I purchased.

 What insurance do you have if you don't mind me asking? That's AWESOME for you!!!
Jessica

I have Blue Cross Blue Shield. Although, it is worth giving your insurance company a call to find out. I was actually going to spend $350 on a brand new Medela Freestyle and I am SO glad that I didn't do it now!

the only reason a used pump wouldn't be ok is if milk backed up into it.  this is very rare to be perfectly honest.  If I knew the person I'd buy it and I've been given two PIS in the past and just replaced all the tubing/horns.

Ameda Purely Yours and Lansinoh pumps are closed systems. They are the same pump, just marketed under two names. No milk can get into the unit. 

BUT ... a new one of these is 1/2 the price of a Medela and they rock.  BRU and WalMart carry them for about 150.00

I just read that article and it said that there's NEVER been any contamination documented - the idea of getting an infection from a pump is "theoretical".  I think it's ok!  I'm looking for a good used one myself, and I'm a germ freak!  LOL!

Sandy

I lucked up & got the Lansinoh double pump I had been thinking about  getting anyway for $8.00 still in plastic & box.  I got it at a salvage store.  As far as I can tell, everything works , of course the true test will come in a month or so.  But I hve a back up hospital grade Medela that a friend is gonna let me use w/ my own tube/kit.  So I'm glad.