Breast Pumps: new vs. second-hand

In an ideal world, breast pumps are a personal-use product that would not be shared or resold. However, electric breast pumps can seem like an expensive investment, and so with many baby items, mothers wonder if this is something they can buy second hand.

Here are some factors to consider if you’re tempted to look at borrowing or buying a used pump.

Ability to completely sterilise

One of the first things to understand about breast pumps, is whether it is an OPEN or a CLOSED system.

A breast pump that is considered a closed system has a barrier between the milk collection kit and the pump mechanism to prevent parts becoming contaminated by bacteria/mold/viruses/etc.

Breast pumps that have an open system may grow mold over time and cannot be completely sterilised. Freemie pumps are all closed system, so this will not happen.

A breast pump with an open system has no such barrier, therefore it is not possible to completely sterilize the inside.

All Freemie pumps are CLOSED system.

In the Freemie Equality Manual Breast Pump, all of the parts are able to be sterilized or replaced, and there are no motor parts for the milk to be open to exposure.

In the Freemie Freedom Electric Breast Pump, the filter which acts as a barrier between the milk collection and the motor is replaceable. Over time, milk vapor will build up making it less effective and so it requires replacing every 2-3 months. It also requires replacing if it becomes wet from milk or water, or if you notice a loss of suction.

Luckily the Freemie Freedom Electric Breast Pump comes with a spare filter in the kit, or they can be purchased from our Freemie Breast Pump parts and accessories page.

Life of electric parts

Like all electronic goods, a breast pump motor has its own lifespan. A high quality electric pump, such as a Freemie Freedom Electric Breast Pump, may last through your breastfeeding of multiple children.

You will also know from the outset what the usual performance, suction level and speeds of the pump are. Over time these may decrease and so if you buy a second hand pump, it may never be working at its initial capacity.

New Freemie pumps come with a 12 month warranty against defects, however with a second hand pump there can be no guarantees made by the manufacturer.

Ability to purchase/replace parts

It’s not just the motor that fades over time. Plastic parts suffer from wear, tear and natural degradation. Even small scratches in a plastic surface such as a bottle teat or pump part can harbor bacteria.

Freemie parts can be purchased individually from the Freemie Breast Pump parts and accessories page so that you can update or replace as and when required.

If you already own an electric pump, or want to buy/borrow a second hand electric pump, one of the best compromises is buying a new set of Freemie Collection Cups to accompany it. A compatible connection kit complete with brand new tubing, and your own set of cups and valves, will connect to almost any existing electric breast pump.

This way, you can have the best of a Freemie hands-free pumping experience no matter what kind of pump you choose to invest in.

You can always contact our support team if you have any questions – and keep an eye on our Facebook page for any specials or competitions that may get you the brand new pump you want!