Donating a pump--anyone BTDT?

[infomama]

Wondering if anyone has donated an old pump. I found this organization http://www.zacharywilliamsonmemorialfoundation.org/donations.html but don't know if there is a better option. I want to make sure it goes to a family and need and doesn't get tossed in the garbage.

[dsb22]

It seems like a fine organization, though I'm surprised they're asking for donations of used breast pumps. I assume they mean personal pumps like the Medela Pump in Style, for example...according to the pump manufacturers and lactation consultants, those shouldn't be shared from one person to another. Unlike hospital-grade pumps, they can't be sanitized thoroughly.

[Andi98989]

Sounds like she tries to make them aware of that

http://www.zacharywilliamsonmemorialfoundation.org/charity_finds_breast_pumps.html


Williamson sterilizes every part of the pump that comes into contact with breast milk, and she discards the tubing, breast shield and bottles that come with it.

Moms can buy those items in a kit, new, at baby-supply stores or from hospitals where babies are delivered, for about $25, said Williamson.

On her Web site, Williamson advises recipients that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns of "certain risks presented by breast pumps that are reused by different mothers if they are not properly cleaned and sterilized."

Recipients are asked to sign a waiver stating they are aware of the FDA concerns.

Williamson said she feels her method of bleaching and steaming the various parts of the pumps provides a thorough sterilization.

To date, she has been able to build up a backlog of donated pumps, as requests for the equipment come in at a slower pace - but the requests are coming.