What to do with old breast pumps once you’re done using them? If you’re like most people, you probably just toss it in the trash. This is a shame because many things can be done with an old breast pump. In this weekly update by Sharon, we will discuss some of the best ways to recycle or repurpose your old breast pump.
Table of Contents
What Are Breast Pumps?
Breast pumps are devices that are used to extract milk from the breasts of lactating women. They are designed to help mothers who are not able to breastfeed their babies directly to still provide them with their mother’s milk. Although it is possible to pump without a breast pump, using one can make the process much easier and less time-consuming.
Breast pumps have many benefits for mothers who want to continue breastfeeding after they return to work. Some are:
- They allow the mother to store her milk, so she can be sure that her baby is getting the best nutrition possible.
- They help to stimulate milk production, which can increase the amount of milk the mother can pump.
- They can help to relieve engorgement and pain associated with breastfeeding.
- They can provide bonding time for the mother and her baby.
- They can help to build up a freezer stash of breastmilk, which can be used in case of an emergency or when the mother is away from home.
But what should you do with it after using it? The answer to this question is dependent on whether you believe you might use it again in the future for another child or whether you are certain that you will never pump breast milk again. I had four kids and keeping items around the house was well worth the hassle!
According to a recent study of mothers of children under 14 months old, over 80% of women who pump end up with an unused breast pump taking up space in their home. But don’t worry, there are plenty of things you can do with an old breast pump besides throwing it away.
What To Do With Old Breast Pumps?
Here are some ways to put your old breast pumps to good use:
If You Are Done Using A Breast Pump, You Can Sell It.
Selling your breast pump is a great way to get some of your money back. You can list it on a marketplace like eBay or Craigslist, or you can join a Facebook group dedicated to buying and selling breast pumps. If you’re not sure how much your pump is worth, check out websites like KellyMom that have Breast Pump Classifieds where people list their prices.
There are a few things to keep in mind when selling a used breast pump, however.
First, it is important to make sure that the pump is clean and sanitized. Pump parts that come into contact with milk must be thoroughly washed and sanitized to prevent the growth of bacteria.
Second, it is important to check the manufacturer’s warranty before listing the pump for sale. Most warranties will be voided if the pump has been previously used, so it is important to check this before listing the pump.
Finally, it is important, to be honest about the condition of the pump. Used pumps may have some wear and tear, but they should still be in good working condition.
If You Are Done Using A Breast Pump, You Can Donate It.
Many mothers cannot afford a breast pump or cannot access one for other reasons. By donating your breast pump, you can help another mother in need. Not only will she be able to provide her baby with breastmilk, but she will also be able to bond with her baby during feedings. In addition, donating a breast pump is eco-friendly and keeps the pump out of landfills.
If you are interested in donating your breast pump, there are a few things you need to do first. Make sure that the pump is clean and sterilized. You should also include any accessories that came with the pump, such as bottles, tubing, and adapters. Once you have gathered everything, you can contact a local hospital, lactation consultant, or breast pump rental company to donate your breast pump.
If You Are Done Using A Breast Pump, You Can Recycle It.
If you are done using a breast pump, you can recycle it. Recycling breast pumps is easy and there are many benefits to doing so.
- First, recycling breast pumps saves money. Breast pumps are expensive, and buying a new one every time you have a baby can quickly become costly. However, by recycling your breast pump, you can save money on the initial purchase as well as on replacement costs down the road.
- In addition to saving money, recycling breast pumps help to protect the environment. When you recycle your breast pump, you are keeping it out of the landfill where it will eventually break down and release harmful chemicals into the ground. Additionally, recycling breast pumps helps to conserve resources such as water and oil that are used in the manufacturing process of new pumps.
- Finally, recycling breast pumps allows you to help other families in need. Many families cannot afford to buy a new breast pump, and by recycling your old one, you can allow them to provide their child with the best possible nutrition. So if you are done using your breast pump, don’t throw it away- recycle it! You’ll be glad you did.
How To Recycle Your Old Breast Pumps?
Medela is one of the companies that offer a recycling scheme for their breast pumps. More than 29,000 breast pumps have been recycled since Medela Recycles’ inception in 2015 to help nursing parents dispose of their breast pumps in an eco-friendly manner.
To recycle the motor housing, motor unit, and carry bags of your Medela breast pump, you can get a shipping label and return your pump and charger to the company. The pieces that come into touch with milk can be recycled at home in the meanwhile. Although Medela is dedicated to preventing breast pumps from ending up in landfills, the company does not use recycled components in the production process.
If your breast pump manufacturer doesn’t have a recycling program, phone or write them and tell them they should develop one, as most companies only recycle their products.
Final Thoughts
Whatever you decide to do with your breast pump, don’t wait too long to make a decision. The longer a breast pump sits unused, the greater the chance that it will develop mold and mildew. If you’re not sure what to do with your pump, ask a lactation consultant or other healthcare provider for advice. They should be able to point you in the right direction.
Help someone who needs it and cannot afford a breast pump of their own and does not have insurance.
Thanks for reading! Sharon.
