The "swing" pump is very popular in South Africa and my daughter used and 
enjoyed hers, but never read the instructions, which evidently explain that 
there is a piece of foam somewhere that needs to be cleaned regularly. When 
her pump gave in it was too late and gross from mould. I have not looked to 
see where the foam is but now tell moms to please read the instructions 
carefully and have not had anyone else with a problem that has come back to 
me about it
Lynda Lilienfeld IBCLC South Africa


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Jennifer Welch" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 01, 2011 2:27 AM
Subject: Medela PIS & Mould?


Hello wise ones.

There is a certain blog post circulating that claims that there have been 
problems with mould being found inside Medela PIS pumps.

I had the opportunity to speak to a Medela rep a few days ago and questioned 
him about this.  He says this claim is nothing but a bogus rummer and that 
there have been no reports made to Medela of these findings.  I asked him 
why Medela does not make a purchase pump that has a closed system like the 
Ameda and Hygia pumps do, thus eliminating any chance of moisture entering 
the pump or any contamination reaching the milk.  He told me that their 
pumps do use a closed system and that their engineers state that it would be 
imposible for moisture to enter the pump.

I must admit, I am not entirely familiar with Medela's line of products.  I 
have only what I have heard from mothers and other proffessionals to go on. 
I have been told that the PIS is very effective for most moms, especially 
with it's 2-phase pumping system.  But I have also been told there is no way 
it could be considered a closed system, that it is likely condensation gets 
into the pump motor.  From there, it is not a long stretch to believe that 
mould could then grow in the damp pump compartment.

But I am not sure what to believe.

Have any of you ever actually seen mould inside a PIS personally?

Thanks for any info you can share as to whether or not these claims are 
valid,

Jennifer Welch, IBCLC, LLLL
Montreal, QC, Candada

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