I got a Medela PIS - Hope you gurus give it good reviews

moped wrote: I got one on ebay for $70, I was planning on renting but then called to see what the rental was and it was $75/month, so it made sense.

So what do you think?

amynicole21 replied: They are the best! Is it used though? The PIS is not a closed system, so any cooties from the previous user can come up through the tubes. You should be INCREDIBLY meticulous about cleaning it before using it. That means taking off covers and bleaching the part that creates the vacuum. Make sure you get all new tubing and horns, too.

PrairieMom replied: I got mine off EBAY too. I bleached it a couple times, and used new set ups.
I loved mine, but in fairness, it is the only pump i tried, so I don't really have anything to compare it too.

luvmykids replied: Great pump! The only one better was the one I rented from the hospital for a little bit but like you said, for the price it wasn't worth it. I loved my PIS!

Danalana replied: I'm a member of a pregnancy board, and the veteran mothers have raved about it....that's the kind I wanna get.

coasterqueen replied:
Amy is right it isn't a closed system so you could get disease and pass that on to your baby using a used non-closed system pump. The research I've seen and the info I've gotten from 2 lactation consultants say that even if you sterilize and buy all new tubing it is still not safe. Somehow it can get backed up into the pump motor and that you can't sterilize. All it takes is for the person before you using it and the milk get backed up into the tubes and it's in the motor. Many will tell you they've never had that happen. I have a few times so I know it's possible.

You have to make your own decision, but I wanted you to know the risk of using a used pump. If you were using one from someone you know really well, it's less of a risk obviously.

ETA: That the PIS is a great pump. I used one for both my girls. I just recently tossed it in the trash since I'm done with it, though.

jcc64 replied: I loved the PIS- easy to use and efficient. My only complaint was its lack of portability- it was a little cumbersome to drag back and forth to work on the train- so I got a manual Advent Isis for $40 for airports, work, etc. To tell you the truth the Isis worked just as well- I used to get just as much milk from that as I did the PIS. But if you're using it mainly at home, I'd give the PIS a big thumbs up, especially for the two at a time thing.
About the milk backing up into the motor- that did happen to me once, so I'd agree with Karen on that one.

boyohboyohboy replied:
jen, my lactation consultant told me the same thing. that it wasnt a good idea to use a used one..even with new pieces that germs can get passed thru the motor..
i rented the one from the hosp and it was wonderful and better then the double electric medela pump i bought later on. it was only $50 a month..but it was so worth it to get my milk started and a good supply going.
this is just one area i wasnt taking a risk to save a few dollars, i know these things are supper expensive, but it was worth it for me

moped replied:
Where can I buy the new stuff?????

msoulz replied:
Check at the hospital to see if they sell them - that's where I got mine. And it was a fabulous system, I had 2 due to the time between kids.

amynicole21 replied:
Babies R Us has them.

moped replied:
Great - I will go there.....are they expensive?

coasterqueen replied:
I don't remember how much they cost at BRU, but I got mine at the hospital when I had the girls. I brought my pump with me and they gave me the whole new kit to go with the pump. (I used my SIL's pump).

amynicole21 replied:
No. You can buy a kit for around $25, or just buy the bits and pieces for about the same price.

mysweetpeasWil&Wes replied: Jen, I bought my PIS Advanced version at the hospital for at least $100 less the retail cost, NEW. And it came with a cool limited edition bag, really cute. So you can either wait until you get there to purchase the kit or maybe just call now and see if they will sell it to you, compare prices. BRU seems to be the most expensive IMO. Same with Motherhood Maternity store. We have a breastfeeding alliance shop here in my town, so I know you can get any replacement part there for a good price. Maybe see if you have something similar in your town - call your local LLL. They'll point you in the right direction. Target also sells Medela, plus you can always just go to the Medela website and buy direct.

I really LOVE my PIS. I had just the single one with Wil and I truly believe it's why we didn't make it so far. Paying more to get the double was well worth it IMO. Helped me establish a really good supply.

DVFlyer replied: Michelle used a Medela and loved it. She bought it used and sold it when she was done. Basically cost us nothing- not including a set of tubes and a couple of those white flap thingies.

If you are worried about germs, buy a new one and sell it when you're done. You'll be able to recoup some of your money and help someone out who can't afford a new one.

Boo&BugsMom replied:
AWESOME deal! My PIS was $200! Even though BF didn't work out for me, I loved the PIS I had. It's a great quality pump, IMO!

holley79 replied: I bought mine from a consignment store and loved the Medela PIS. I have used others but they didn't have the suction needed! I just cleaned it very well, bought new tubing and horns.