The following is a simple article reminding parents and baby carers that breastpumps are a personal hygiene item. Most manufacturers do thier best to point out to owners of new breastfeeding equipment that items should not be shared as they are single user items. Any feeding item which comes into contact with bodily fluid can carry a risk of serious infection when subsequently used for feeding another baby.

Hospital grade breastpumps are supplied with a sterile packs containing all new components which will come into contact with breastmilk. When buying second hand breastpumps, etc, we should follow the same code to ensure maximum safety for baby.

Hygeine is an important consideration when purchasing second hand breastfeeding equipment from eBay and elsewhere. We would like to offer the following advice... Always replace the components which come into contact with breastmilk in order to remove any risk of infection completely.  Bottles, breastshileds and valves are very cheap to replace. Stands, pump / motor units, etc, are not affected and do not need replacing.

Replace the following items as a matter of course: Breastshields, bottles and any valves that may come into contact with breast milk. Remember, hygiene is important, especially for a new baby - it's not worth taking risks to save a few pennies.