Buying a Used Breast Pump | Is it safe?

Breast pumps aren’t cheap. Sometimes, the first one you buy doesn’t do the trick for you, and many parents end up barely using a pump they have. The second hand market for breast pumps is strong and has been for a long time! 

So is it safe to buy a second hand pump?

Officially, only pumps manufactured for use by multiple users are cleared for resale by the FDA. These are your high-end and very expensive pumps frequently found as rentals or in health care facilities.

When it comes to pumps designated “single user” by the FDA (which includes the popular Spectras, Medelas, Freemies, Willows, and Elvies) the official line is that these are single user items not designated as safe for resale. However, with a little caution, it’s possible to make an informed choice to purchase a pump second hand.

What pump can I look for?

What you want to look for is a pump that is a closed system. Closed system pumps have barriers between the motor and the milk that prevent milk from entering the pump motor where bacteria and mold can grow. Open system pumps lack this barrier and there is a risk of contamination. Theoretically, communicable diseases could be spread from a contaminated open system pump which is a concern for second hand pumps. Since I like to deal in reality, not just theoretical risks, it’s important to note I have not come across a single case of a second hand pump (even an open system pump) causing disease transmission. I am incredibly confident that if this happened, every pump manufacturer would be jumping all over this to convince parents to buy new. 

Are used pumps good?

Used pumps are likely fine- but we don’t have a way to assess this or guarantee no risks. If the pump motor was exposed to milk or other substances with inappropriate user usage the motor can be contaminated. And to date there is no research publicly available that shows if closed systems are actually protecting the milk versus protecting the motor- or assessing the actual likelihood of contamination. You should note that single user pump motors aren’t always made for longevity, and warranties don’t transfer to second owners. It is a little bit of a gamble if the motor or pump fails because you are out the money with no recourse.

What about pump parts?

This is where I’m going to say proceed with extreme caution. Certain pump parts require frequent replacement so buying these parts second hand risks your milk supply due to worn out parts. 

Flanges are another issue altogether. Overtime, cleaning and use of flanges creates small scratches in the flanges that can harbor bacteria, and true sanitizing may become challenging. I would always ask how long they were used and how they were cared for. Flanges used a few times before someone decided they were not for them pose little risk where parts more heavily used are more problematic.

Can I buy used breast pump tubing?

Tubing for me is an automatic NO for buying used. Tubing can’t be sanitized and is typically too cheap to justify this risk. Skip the used tubing!

Are you feeding a baby who is high risk?

All babies are high risk for complications when exposed to unsavory bacteria, but some babies are higher risk than others. If you are feeding a baby who has health concerns or is immunocompromised adding in a used pump on top of this adds an additional layer of risk many fail to consider.

The final verdict?

It’s a personal choice. If you understand the risk, it can be a way to save money, and can be an effective solution for many families. Skip the higher risk second hand purchases in favor of lower risk options, and make informed choices.