Used Breastpumps - OK?

I have a friend who is selling her freestyle madela breast-pump.  I've read different things about whether its OK to use a used breast-pump by replacing some of the parts.

It said something about there being "open" and "close" style and one is OK to use; I can't remember which one and can't figure out which one the freestyle is (open or close)  It''s all so confusing......

I had a breastfeeding class tonight and the instructor was very much against using a used pump (this one in particular), but she also sells pumps so I am not sure if she is just trying to make money off of me.

Any thoughts?

Hi there,
I had a tour of my birthplace over the weekend and they let you use the madela breast pump while you are in the hospital - although they don't let you take them home.
Someone asked if they were previously used and the nurse said yes,but it's perfectly safe and clean when they are passed on to another patient.
I presume they may sterilise/ change some parts - but yes, it must be safe or the hospital (UCLA) would definitely not be saying it's okay to do.

Becky
(the RN tour lady does not sell anything either)

At work we have breast pumps that we let our patient's mothers use. ( I am a pediatric nurse) The parts that actually touch you and the tubing that goes to the bottles are new for every patient. It is the actual machine part that is the same for each patient. I am debating about renting from work instead of buying one since I am unsure if I want to breastfeed once I go back to work.

My best friend doesn't care its new tubing.. it freaks her out and she wont use it. To each their own.

Not all breast pumps are created equal.  Personally I wouldn't buy a used pump that can be bought in department stores.  I do know there are kinds that can be sterilized properly and reused, but I would only trust those if they were a professional grade pump that has the new tubing and shields (the hospital should provide these for you if you ask....mine did).  I'm pretty sure the madela breast-pump is one you can buy in department stores.  And FYI, some insurance companies will help pay or completely pay for a rental of a professional grade breast pump (especially if it's recommended by a doctor or lactation consultant for feeding problems.....mine did as my baby was a sleepy baby and wasn't suckling enough to increase my milk supply). 

the hospital i delivered at rented out pumps. you just got new tubes and shields from the lactacion consultant the only part that got reused was the actuale machine part.

I dont know if you qualify, but if you get WIC, they will actually PROVIDE a free Dual PIS after you have successfully breastfed for 4 weeks if you are in school or going back to work. Your baby has to be completely "breastfed"

I had wic with my daughter, and was unaware of this until someone told me. I got a brand new pump and LOVE it!!  Saved it so that I can use it with this baby (of course I will have to buy new tubing etc) 

hope i have helped.

btw, I think its ok to buy a used pump as long as the parts that move the "milk" are new. anything that comes in contact with your skin/fluids...etc.

 I bought a used one and just bought new tubing, shields, and collection bottles. I had no trouble at all with it!

Only the hospital grade ones are meant to be used by more than one mother.  However, Medela offers (or did when I bought mine) a trade in program where you can get a credit by turning in your friend's pump towards the purchase of a new one.  They do this to discourage unsafe use of used ones. 

more mixed answers... i agree with only the hosp ones should be re-used... that being said.. your not buying from a stranger... if you trust her enough.. i would just buy hers and get new tubing/shields/collection bottles