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Expert Q&A
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| By Ann Calandro BSN, RNC, IBCLC Lactation Consultant | ||
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Can used breast pumps be sterilized enough to be completely safe for my child?
There are a large variety of breast pumps and the ability to really clean them differs. I would certainly contact the manufacturer of the pump to ask if the pump can be cleaned thoroughly enough to be considered safe for more than one user. Certain companies do not advise more than one user for their pumps. I would ask these manufacturers if there has ever been a problem reported or if it is a theoretical risk. I imagine it would also depend on if you know the person who used it before and knew they were healthy and had not had hepatitis or HIV. I think these are the two main illnesses that some companies say could theoretically be spread from user to user by breast pumps with dried milk secretions still in the pump mechanism.
This is an interesting question, but I don't have a lot of definite answers for you. Mostly I can give you things to think about and research before considering this option.
Sincerely,
Ann Calandro, RNC, IBCLC"
Related Expert Q&A
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- Can used breast pumps be sterilized enough to be completely safe for my child?
- Can you recommend a good brand of breast pump?
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