That's true - moisture and milk cannot get inside the pump / motor when all parts function as designed.
That's because of the soft diaphragm inside the tubing caps.
Those rubber diaphragms on the top of the pump are known to split.
I have seen only one of those tubing cap diaphragms split or ripped.
So there is a 'theoretical' risk of moisture in the motor.

However, moisture and milk can and does get into the tubing. 

Unless mom is very careful to dry out her tubing every time she uses the pump, and keep her tubing dry and clean, it can grow mold. Many NICU moms need to be reminded of this periodically.
And if she happens to lay her bottles of milk down while still attached to the tubing, there could be old dried milk in there.
That is the source of potential problems for baby, esp if baby is preemie or compromised.

It's good if the hospital can keep a supply of replacement tubing, just in case. 
Tubing is nearly impossible to find in the retail market.

Phyllis

 
---- Stephanie MacDonald <[log in to unmask]> wrote: 

=============
Hi, wonderful lactation people!

I am purchasing double electric pumps and asking for quotes (Hygeia does
not have a Canadian distributor, unfortunately).

Ameda told me they were the only closed system on Canadian market.

Medele told me that hospitals wouldn't carry their Symphony if it wasn't
closed. They said it was impossible for any moisture to get inside the pump.

Canadians - what say you?

Oh boy....


Steph
Ontario, Canada

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--
Phyllis Adamson, BA, IBCLC, RLC
Glendale, AZ.
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