Second hand breast pump... gross? or OK?

I had thought this was the ultimate in gross. But I've been offered a nearly new pump, and it's exactly the type I wanted to buy. If you just buy new all the bits that touch you, but the electric pump is second hand, have other people found that OK? Isn't that just like hiring one? (which I previously thought was a bit unhygenic too).

Now bubs is nearly here and all the stuff you have to buy is really hitting the wallet (it's our first), it would be nice not to have to buy a new pump as well...

It would be great to know what other people have done.

We used a second-hand electric breast pump that we found through TradeMe and haven't had any problems. However, before making your decision you should be aware that there is a "small or theoretical" risk that pathogens such as HIV or hepatitis etc may be found in the breast pump.  'second-hand breast pumps-are they safe?' explains this in more detail.

Hand held pumps are much cheaper to purchase new, and may be all that you need? Some people find the handheld ones easier than electric ones too. Guess it also depends on whether you plan to express on the occassional basis or full time. I had planned on breastfeeding but bubs refused to latch and I had a really low milk supply so I expressed for 12 weeks instead (DS had to have formula top-ups too). I wasn't organised and didn't own a breastpump before bubs was born, but rented one of the hospital grade ones for a few weeks from Parentscentre before buying my own.

FYI if you hire one you will need to buy "the bits" that "touch you" brand new. They do packs that go with the pumps you hire, but its just the actual pump you hire out.

We hired a double pump when I came home from the hospital and it was a godsend!!

Hope that helps!

I bought a second hand one off TradeMe for $45 - it would have been $100 new.  I wasn't sure if I would use it much, but it has been a godsend.  I pump a bit extra during the day so that DH can do an expressed bottle feed in the evenings.  DH loves his once a day bonding time that the bottle feed brings, and I love the rest and can get to bed a bit earlier. 

I just sold mine on TM to an expectant mum. I cleaned it really well and thoroughly sterilized it before I sent it. Personally, I felt the same way as you so I bought a new one. Shop around, I got my Anvent on for $84 rather than $119 by checking all the online outlets.

I bought my first one second hand.

As long as you sterilize thoroughly etc I'm sure they would be fine.