Dear friends,

I have a situation that was brought to my attention regarding the re-use of
breast pumps.  I am currently working with a mother that I believe has an
active case of Thrush.  She first contacted me regarding being engorged
about four days postpartum.  I took over a Lactina and a Manual Electric
Pump kit.  I had her pump, soak her breasts in a basin of warm water, got
her back to the point of getting her breasts softened enough to latch on.
So far, she's been doing great until today.  She described a burning pain in
one of her breasts during let-down, the baby has a white-coated tongue.  I
gave her a lot of information on Thrush and told her she needed to call her
HCP tomorrow.

Anyway, here's the thing I have a problem with.  This mother received a
Mini-Electric from an agency.  She was told that she needs to return it when
done and it is a used pump.  I called someone I know from that agency and
she verified that they autoclave the pump parts and run chorhexidine through
the motor parts.  (At least I think that's the name of the chemical she told
me.)

This mother questioned me about the safety of re-using the pump.  The reason
I think she asked is because when she called, I talked to her and she asked
me several questions about breast milk, and about washing the parts etc.  I
also explained to her that it was important that each mother have her own
kit and that breast pumps are considered personal, non-returnable items.

I have always thought that the only pumps that can be shared are only
hospital grade-type pumps, or the Nurture III and of course, each mother
receives her own kit that touches her.

I advised this mother to not use the used pump, especially since she may be
dealing with a case of Thrush.  I am pretty offended that this agency is
doing this.

Anyone else have any thoughts about this?

I question the wisdom of this.

respectfully,

Connie Chiavario
Area Coordinator of Leaders
La Leche League of Illinois

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