If you’re considering reusing or sharing a breast pump, here’s what you need to know.
The risks of reusing or sharing a breast pump are real: the potential for bacteria and viruses to spread from one mother to another is high. Breast pumps come into contact with your breasts and milk, which used breast pump can contain bacteria and viruses that can be harmful if transmitted from one person to another.
Unfortunately, even after careful cleaning and sterilisation of the equipment and parts, some infectious particles may remain on the surfaces. This means that using someone else’s breast pump could put you at risk of infection from diseases such as HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B & C, herpes simplex virus (HSV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), yeast infections, staphylococcus aureus (staph) infections or other used breast pump contagious infections.
It is also important to note that when it comes to electric components like motors in breast pumps, they are not designed for long-term use or multiple users; they should be replaced every two years due to wear and tear caused by normal use – even if the manufacturer says otherwise. Reusing used breast pump an older model could cause malfunctions or breakdowns which would require costly repairs or replacements – these costs cannot usually be covered by manufacturers warranties so it is important not only to consider the health risks but also the financial implications too!
Furthermore there are other considerations when it comes to reusing a breast pump– namely hygiene concerns about milk residues left behind in tubing systems etc., as well as any damage caused by previous used breast pump users who may have used parts incorrectly leading them becoming broken over time – all of this could potentially put your baby’s health at risk if used without checking properly beforehand!
Fortunately there are ways around having to reuse or share a breast pump – such as renting one from an accredited supplier who will replace items regularly ensuring they remain hygienic throughout each rental period; buying new pumps with warranties; borrowing one used breast pump off family/friends who don’t mind parting with theirs temporarily; purchasing second-hand models but making sure all parts have been thoroughly sterilised before first use etc… It’s also worth noting that many insurance plans now cover some cost associated with purchasing new models too!
To conclude – whilst reusing/sharing a breast pump can offer short term savings – it’s important for mothers considering this route to understand there are serious health implications associated alongside possible costs incurred through malfunctioning products due former wear & tear. Therefore its highly recommended mothers weigh up their options carefully before making any decisions about their own personal breastfeeding journey!