Starting a Pump Gemach

Senior Member Joined: Apr 12 2011 Posts: 181

I am IY"H starting a pump gemach in my area in NY and wanted some information from anyone who has experience with one. Is there anyone who has such a gemach who would give me guidance etc

TIA!

Gold Member Joined: Oct 26 2008 Posts: 1295

I know this isn't the advice you're looking for, but most pumps cannot be safely used from one person to another.

Platinum Member Joined: Mar 24 2008 Posts: 6528

I thought in the hospital they have pumps that are shared, just specific pieces are changed between users. And some offices supply a pump in a nursing room. You just have to bring the pieces that come in contact with the milk.

Senior Member Joined: Apr 12 2011 Posts: 181

right. some pumps are "open systems" and some are "closed systems" I am in touch with a lactation consultant to make sure I get only "closed systems" so that the machine part can be used by multiple people (using new attachments)
Thanks! Any more info?

Gold Member Joined: Oct 26 2008 Posts: 1295

Gold Member Joined: May 05 2009 Posts: 1227

I have a pump gemach. I started it after I had a preemie who was not able to nurse and a very generous imamother sent me (a total stranger) a medela pump that she no longer needed. I was so moved that I decided to start a gemach of my own.
It is a big chessed but people may be wary of using a "used" pump, so you have to explain to them that you are using hospital grade pumps that are safe to use as long as they provide certain parts on their own.

I am in an oot community. I advertise in the local shul gemach directories. I have a few electric pumps and one hand pump.

Things you should know:
people who plan on going back to work, or who have a preemie/baby with nursing issues, will probably be needing a pump for a long time. If you don't mind someone having the pump for 6 months to a year then this is fine, otherwise remember to set a time limit that they can borrow the pump.

When someone calls me to borrow a pump, I let them know which parts they will need to provide on their own. I also give them a list of local stores where they can purchase the parts. These would be the tubes, and bottles, suctions etc.

Remember to put your name and phone number on each pump. People who are borrowing for a long time can easily forget where they got the pump from.

If you have any other questions, feel free to ask.

Moderator Joined: Mar 29 2005 Posts: 18389

Hospital grade pumps are made for multiple users.
Ameda Purely Yours have a closed system.
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Senior Member Joined: Apr 12 2011 Posts: 181

Thanks. also if anyone knows a place who would donate a closed system pump, let me know (pm me)

Posted: Wed, Apr 18 2012, 11:02 pm Post subject: re: Starting a Pump Gemach

It's a nice idea! I wanted to borrow a pump for three weeks and couldn't get hold of any from a few gemachs I called. Good luck!!!!!
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Gold Member Joined: Nov 26 2006 Posts: 2309 Location: NY

Is the medela pump in style a closed system?