Hi. I just spoke with a lactation consultant last week. She advised me not to buy a used Medela Pump (store bought kind) because she said that fluids can be exchanged with used ones and could potentially pass disease. She did say that the Medela hospital kinds are okay because they are set up to be 'public pumps' and the parts can prevent transfer of fluids.
Regarding price, Babies R Us has the Pump-in-Style Advanced Metro Bag for $330 and the other Pump-in-Styles (shoulder or backpack) for $280. I had a 15% off coupon (they mailed me) so that makes the price about $264 or $224 (respectively) plus tax. That was the lowest I could find a new one for last week.
'Advanced' Pump-in-Styles are supposed to work great. The others Medela pumps are less expensive, but not as efficient (according to reviews).
The lactation consultant said the Lansinoh pumps work pretty good for being a lower price and I guess they used to be called Ameda. I bought the Medela brand though because people seem happy with it.
I love my medela...and that is a good price
My older sis passed hers aournd it handled 12 babies before it finally died and my younger sis and I went in on a new one...
I havent seen the tubes in the store ( I wanted to get new ones) but all the other parts are available. Get the manual pump the hospital gives, it is usually madela and the tubes can be used on your pump :O)
I just had to cut the one end and all works great
I've heard pros and cons on this. They say that milk can get into parts and that each baby and mom have their own bacteria. While mom and baby passing stuff is fine, another baby may get sick from it. I personally think you're probably OK if you order new tubes, valves, most everything except the pump itself (ooo and that little plastic cover that goes over the suction thing (mine got milk in there once).
I'm breaking down and buying the new medela pump that supposed to work to get your milk started and then can change to a milk expression mode.
Medela pump is the BEST. If you're serious about breastfeeding and pumping. It is the only way to go. IMO.
thanks....April....I might check into it then
i had a used one. paid 100 for it and loved it. not a bad price if in good condition new ones run around 300.