Using Medela Pump in Style for Second Baby??

Updated on November 24, 2009
J.P. asks from Darien, IL
15 answers

Hi Mamma's-

I have a Medela Pump in Style Advanced breast pump. I used it for my son about 2 years ago. I was under the impression that I would be able to use it again, but my MIL mentioned to me that it might not be sanitary for a second child. Does anyone know if this is true? I cant imagine that I payed almost $400 2 years ago for something that could only be used for one child, but maybe I am nieve! If this is true, why do they sell all the new tubes, sheilds ect.? Anyones advice is welcomed!! New baby is not due until April, but im just trying to get organized! Thanks!!

Thanks!

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So What Happened?

Thanks everyone! I feel comfortable using my pump again with new or sanitized parts! My MIL is a wonderful woman and was just voicing some concerns and questions. She was actually going to buy me a brand new pump! I just didnt think it was necessary. Thanks again for all the advice! Have a safe and blessed Thanksgiving holiday!!!

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A.P.

answers from Chicago on

You can use the same one. I just sanitized all the tubing & reused the same pump for all 3 of my children
A.

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S.Q.

answers from Chicago on

I used the same pump and same supplies for both of my kids and I think most everyone I know does the same. The only time to purchase NEW supply kits is when you borrow the unit from someone else or your supplies wear out/get damaged.

My sisters and I have passed along the unit, back and forth, for 9 kids!! We just each buy our own set of supplies. I wore through my set by month 33, so they surely last that long. (2 kids, one nursed for 15 months, one for 18 months.)

I don't think the plastic would deteriorate if kept in good condition and packed away in a clean, dry place after you finished nursing your first child. My kids went back-to-back, but I don't know if yours are going to be spaced out a little more. Good luck and congratulations on your growing family!!

1 mom found this helpful
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E.S.

answers from Chicago on

My sister used her Medela twice, I used hers for my first child, and I bought one from a friend for my second child. The pump themselves do not have contact with the milk, and if you cleaned everything after each use, there should be no problem. You might need to replace the hoses (mine had moisture build up in the sometimes, so I didn't feel comfortable with the risk of mold). I also had to replace the AC adaptor on both because I used them so much! The label in the pump says that they are for single users only, which just means only you should ever use the pump, not how many times you use it.

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T.C.

answers from Kansas City on

I think as long as you steralize it, it will be fine. Just like if someone were to use baby bottles again. Steralizing would get rid of whatever there was if there was any bacteria or anything on it. i think it should be fine!

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J.C.

answers from Chicago on

It is fine. I believe the warning is in case someone who previously used the pump has a disease spread by fluids (hepatitis, for example) AND milk was backed up into the pump AND the pump has a malfunction and pushes the old milk back into the new milk supply if someone else uses it right away. So you wouldn't want to share a Pump In Style in the break room with 10 other lactating women at the same time, just in case, because there is a tiny chance of contamination.

Anyway, your pump is fine. I borrowed a pump from SIL for my first child and from a good friend for my second (I bought the tubes and stuff each time.)

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S.S.

answers from St. Louis on

Your MIL has bats in her bellfree, it is completely sanitary to use you pump again and again and again. The pump works by creating a vacuum, no milk actually enters the machine its self, and very little if any ever gets into the tubes. I would go ahead and buy new tubes, sheilds, ect. but you're absolutely right, that's why they sell them. Any lactation consultant would tell you the same thing. I actually purchased my pump used on ebay and just bought the accessories new per the suggestion of a lactation consultant who knew we were on a tight budget.

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C.S.

answers from Chicago on

I just sanitized the tubing when I had the second and used the same tubing and pump. You can by most of the parts are Babies R Us and if they don't have it, you can get it on the Medela website.

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C.T.

answers from San Francisco on

I agree with everyone else, totally fine. If the pump seems to not be working as well, contact Medela, their customer service is awesome and they usually try to fix pumps and stuff.

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E.B.

answers from Springfield on

Well Medela states that breast pumps are one person pumps. Therefore, they say that you should not use someone else's pump. However, I have never heard of it being unsanitary to reuse your own pump. I firmly believe that with new tubing and shields that the pump can definitely be used again. The milk itself never passes through the pump and it only gets in the tubing if it backs up, so I don't really see where your MIL is coming from. I would save yourself some money and reuse the pump you have!!

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T.P.

answers from Chicago on

You certainly can use the same pump. I opted for getting new shields and connectors between babies because I noticed some wear and buildup on my first set of parts. You can boil your pieces if you want to use them again.

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C.F.

answers from Chicago on

You absolutely can use it again, there is nothing that is not sanitary about it. The machine itself does not come into contact with the breast milk, only the accessories do and they are all replaceable. In fact, when you are in the hospital you will probably use their pump for a few days and they will give you all new tubing and everything else you will need.
Congrats on the new baby and good luck!
C.

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J.

answers from Chicago on

yes you can use it again

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R.N.

answers from Chicago on

I used my Pump In Style for both kids. I did buy new tubes, etc, for round two. I am kind of worried that the motor is dying though, but I didn't worry about sanitation.

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P.D.

answers from Chicago on

Jen:

if you look on Medela's website - the pump is style is approved as a single user pump... not one to be shared among friends..

just watch it carefully as the motor is not built for a long life span... if you start doubting your milk supply suspect your pump's motor and rent a hospital grade and see if there is a difference.

warmly,

P. RLC, IBCLC
Breastfeeding and Parenting Solutions

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T.C.

answers from Bloomington on

Oh those meddling MILs! They are full of unsubstantiated opinions (not to mention the outdated ones). But I digress...It is perfectly safe for the same person to use a breast pump for more than one child. The risk comes is someone were to use another person's pump and anti-bodies from the first user can get in to the milk of the second user. Congratulations on your growing family!

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