New pump?

[ktbear]

So, the checklist thread got me thinking about things  I still need to do (thanks @littlebee!)

Am I supposed to get a new pump for each pregnancy or just use the one I have and possibly new parts? I pumped at work 2-3 times per day for 6 months, so pretty heavy usage, and I have no idea how the motor breaks down, etc. I have an Ameda Purely Yours (closed system) if that makes a difference. 

I can get one through insurance, but I have to get a script from my OB and order it through a medical supply company and have it bounce against my deductible. I'm pretty sure we will hit our out of pocket max this year, so cost is probably not an issue but it's not all that convenient to get. 

STMs or more, what are you planning on doing? Is this more a question for the BF board? I haven't really ventured over there since TB days but I can ask there if you all think I should. 

[billyhorrible]

I'm just picking up new tubing for my old pump.

[ktbear]

@jemomma, I think I have to get it within a couple weeks of delivery, but I will definitely call and ask. That's pretty much what I'm worried about- not getting one and then having it break a couple months in and having to pay for a new one out of pocket.

[sordidvolition]

I had a brand new freestyle and went back to work when lo was 12 weeks. I pumped from april to nov. I started losing supply and had to rent a commercial pump in aug that i used until I quit. Needless to say, I'll be getting a new pump

Check your benefits. Mine said that I was eligible to get a pump 30 days before EDD and up to a year after so you may be ok to wait if you want to use your old pump. We have UHC

[lalamomma]

My ameda never worked for me last time so I got rid of it. This time I'm between a Spectra S1/2 and medela PISA or renting a symphony. I might rent the sympony for the first few months and then purchase one.

[tulips114]

I used mine for 2 babies with heavy usage and plan to again. I think the general rule is to just get new tubing and parts for each baby.

[herbavein]

I'm getting a new one through insurance, but my Medela PISA is four years old and has spent three years in my basement...

[noeliav]

I'm taking mine to a BF/baby supply store to have their LCs check its function. If all is well, then I'll just get some new tubing/membranes/valves and call it a day.

[Widget123]

I used my pump for more than 16 months, most of which was very heavy usage as an EPer. At the end the battery wouldnt hold a charge so I bought a new battery and ive been restocking tubing and other parts. Unless there are obvious problems with the motor you are probably fine.

[Widget123]

Feb 25, 2015 14:15:13 GMT -5 sordidvolition said:

I had a brand new freestyle and went back to work when lo was 12 weeks. I pumped from april to nov. I started losing supply and had to rent a commercial pump in aug that i used until I quit. Needless to say, I'll be getting a new pump

Check your benefits. Mine said that I was eligible to get a pump 30 days before EDD and up to a year after so you may be ok to wait if you want to use your old pump. We have UHC

Im not convinced from reading this that your pump is broken. Your body may have become less responsive to the pump or supply decreased for other reasons. But trying a new or different pump this time wouldnt hurt

[ktbear]

Feb 25, 2015 14:13:00 GMT -5 ktbear said:

@jemomma, I think I have to get it within a couple weeks of delivery, but I will definitely call and ask. That's pretty much what I'm worried about- not getting one and then having it break a couple months in and having to pay for a new one out of pocket.

Update: called and checked with my insurance, I have to order one within 30 days of delivery. So I have some time to decide, but likely would have to decide before I'm really using it (the old one).

[ktbear]

Feb 25, 2015 15:23:22 GMT -5 noeliav said:

I'm taking mine to a BF/baby supply store to have their LCs check its function. If all is well, then I'll just get some new tubing/membranes/valves and call it a day.

This is a really good idea, noeliav! We have a couple Breastfeeding specialty stores around here, I will bring it in and see what I can find out. Thanks!

[belle0720]

Feb 25, 2015 14:27:46 GMT -5 lalamomma said:

My ameda never worked for me last time so I got rid of it. This time I'm between a Spectra S1/2 and medela PISA or renting a symphony. I might rent the sympony for the first few months and then purchase one.

I just saw this one on the Babies'R'Us website for $2200! That caused definite sticker shock for me! And then of course I read that they use them in the hospital and people rent them sometimes. But wow, I had no idea a breast pump could be so expensive.

[sordidvolition]

Widget123 you're absolutely correct but I figured if insurance covers a new one at 100% I may as well take advantage.

[sugarbean17]

In my Lactation counselor class they recommended thinking of pumps as a single use machine... to the point of getting a new one each year. I guess they have about 300 hours of pumping time on them. So I would recommend getting a new one.
I know I used the same pump with DS that I used with DD and my supply plummeted. Even though it seemed like the pump was working it was not. I will be getting a new pump for sure!

[lalamomma]

I meant buy a pump in general I don't want to buy a symphony! Holy sticker shock for sure.

[islandgirl14]

Can I bounce off this thread? I haven't had a chance to read all the responses, but skimmed through most of them so I apologize if this was already said...I noticed some mentioning if you do plan to use the same pump, just get new tubing and pump parts. My bounce off question is, what if we just boil the parts to sterilize them? I can't remember if you can boil the tubing, but I think I remember doing it?? Anyone have any thoughts as to whether or not this will suffice?

[billyhorrible]

I could be wrong, but I think the big issue with parts isn't cleanliness (sterelization) but breakdown and deterioration. The plastic breaks down, with cracking, deteriorating, etc., not all of which can be seen by the naked eye.

[lalamomma]

From what I've read....like a PP said you should first have your pump checked to make sure it's actually still working as well as it should, any loss of suction can have an impact!
New parts specifically the membranes/valves I believe but boiling tubing can make them cloudy from what I read so you could try but it may damage them. Shields seem to be something you can re-use.
If it's medela the whole kit is like $40 isn't it?
Some insurance may cover the cost as well because they cover supplies up to a certain dollar amount.
Like billyhorrible said sometimes the damage (tiny cracks etc) might not be visible easily.

I read with a PISA you need to clean the diaphragm inside the pump but I don't know anything about it.

[islandgirl14]

Ahhh got it!! Thanks billyhorrible, and lalamomma, I appreciate it a lot! I was totally thinking it was an issue with cleanliness and bacteria, not part breakdown. That makes a lot of sense. I suppose that especially since my parts have now been sitting untouched for over a year, that breakdown can happen during that time as well, in addition to prior use. I've actually had small cracks in tubes and tears in membranes before, so I recall how much that can affect suction! I'll be sure to get replacement parts! Thanks ladies!