Maleda Breast pump...a 7?

http://www.medelabreastfeedingus.com/whats-new/23/confuse...)

I went to their website and found this...

I haven't read much about the "new" discovery concerning plastic. I think that the press over hypes this new stuff. Remember when we shouldn't eat butter or egg yolks? Now they say they are good for us in moderate amounts and suggest that we return to eating them. When something new comes out the scientists and the press emphasize our not using it. Later they frequently modify their recommendation.

I remember when it was recommended to not regularly drink coffee. Now they say that 1-2 cups a day are good for us. I don't remember why it's good; something to do with the heart.

Even if #7 plastic emits something negative, that little flap is not going to be dangerous. And remember the milk will not be sitting on the plastic more than a second. The hype has been to not cook or store in some plastics. You are not doing either.

I do listen to and evaluate new scientific evidence. Sometimes I do what they say. But mostly my evaluation shows me that the way that I use the product is not dangerous.

When they test drugs they give rats mega doses. I never take megadoses. When a study indicates that a drug has caused a certain percentage of health issues and my doctor recommends that I stop or not start taking it I do. Otherwise I use it to my advantage. I use common sense to figure out what is best for me and my family.

Stopping using the breast pump has caused you much more anxiety and stress than continuing to use it would have if you hadn't paniced. You have to make the judgement about using it. I doubt very much that having your breast milk come in contact with that little bit of plastic, even if there is a number 7 and studies show that it may be toxic for long term use, worth upsetting yourself. I would be concerned enough to research it when I got home.

Perhaps this attitude is easier for me because my generation didn't know all this new stuff and we're OK. Yes, certain health issues appear to be on the increase but there are many more factors that may be causing this than using a questionable plastic piece in a limited way for a short period of time.

Have you researched what the scientists say about plastic #7 or are you responding to a short article that you've read in a popular magazine or newspaper? If after thinking it thru, you're still anxious about using the breast pump, ask your pediatrician about it.

You could also call Madela. Are they recalling the pumps or making new flaps to replace the old ones? What is their opinion about the plastic #7 and the scientific studies?

Talk with a lactation specialist and/or your pediatrician. See what they think.

Make an informed decision. Don't let a little bit of knowledge spoil your time with your family.

I understand your concerns, and agree with the other posts that recommend calling Medela and asking about the plastics in the parts of the pump, not just where you store your milk.

I also have to agree with the other posts that say not to stress too much about it. There are MANY other ways your child is being exposed to these chemicals, not just by passing through a valve (or whatnot) on your pump. Some of these chemicals are IN your breastmilk, because we are exposed to them constantly.

If you buy canned food, there is BPA in the linings of the cans. If you get coffee to go, or softdrinks to go, there is BPA in the linings of those cups. If you own a mattress manufactured under the federal regulations of the United States--you are exposed to some potentially harmful toxins in the flame retardants that show up in something like 75% of all breastfeeding mothers' milk. If you use mainstream shampoo/conditioner/lotion/bodywash/etc., you are exposing yourself to pthalates and parabens. The list goes on, and on, and on... My point being, unless you completely isolate yourself to the point of becoming a recluse living in the woods off the land, your child will be exposed to these things at some level.

To minimize that level--educate yourself thoroughly about the best ways to avoid these chemicals (calling Medela is a good start), and DEFINITELY check out other household products you use on Environmental Working Group's website (www.ewg.org). You can see the potential for "harm" any of the personal products you use, or use on your boy.

Your baby is going to be fine. I used plasitc bottle liners with my now almost 14 yr. old, plasic bottles with both my girls. They are all fine!! I would change now since we know more but I really don't believe that your child is in danger.
I also used the breast pump.
D.

I'm glad you asked this question... the little yellow part on my pump has a "7" and the white part has a "15"... I'm wondering if the poster who thought that maybe this is not a code related to the plastic is right? If you contact the company, please let us know what you find out. I agree with the others that the contact of the milk with this piece probably isn't an issue (it's so quick) but I'm trying not to use any plastics with BPA so it would be good to know for sure.

R., a 7 as a plastic category does not mean the plastic contains BPA or Phtalates - it CAN contain it.
There are only 6 categories for recyclable plastics and EVERYTHING that does not fit the 6 categories will be labeled 7 or "other"! This includes new phtalate and bpa free plastics.

Are the numbers in the little arrow triangle? I looked on my pump and there are different numbers (1, 9, 6), but they aren't in the recycle triangle, so they are not telling what type of plastic. As far as I know this plastic in the Medela pump accessories is safe.

I'm sure you could buy new parts at a nursing store. Just look for one online, or in Vancouver they have a store called Punky Doodlebugs that has breast pump supplies. And try not to worry too much about exposure up to this point. Remember that the amount of time that your milk is actually in contact with the pumping parts is very minimal, so I would think that it is rather unlikely that there is a high risk for contamination.

I just looked at my pump and the white flaps have a "13" and "21" on mine......if those were where you saw the "7", I think the numbers do not have anything to do with the type of plastic! Hope this helps.

If you haven't put the plastic pieces in the dishwasher or microwave you should be fine. And if anything just avoid heating them very hot from now on. or until you get the new parts. That is when it is a problem. I don't think everyone realizes that. It only gives off BPA...if it is heated. So just hand wash the pieces from now on. And remember they have been using this product in baby bottles for years and the vast majority of kids are fine! But just remember it is your call and if you are uncomfortable with using them then don't and get something new.

My pump yellow with white thing has a 2 on it. Are you sure it means what kind of plastic it is. 7 can also mean the new BPA plastic that doesn't have a catagory yet. I would email or call medela.
Good luck.

http://www.medelabreastfeedingus.com/whats-new/23/medela-...

#7 doesn't always mean there is BPA, which is the case with medela products. Please protect your milk supply for your son! It is the most important thing you can do for him, and I just can't imagine that hand expressing does quite the same as pumping.

I wouldn't worry about it too much, the milk only passes through that plastic piece and doesn't really sit there. but for your peace of mind, babies R Us has box set that includes bottles, lids, shields and the plastic yellow pieces for $25. That is cheaper then getting them separately or online.

I would recommend calling the company and asking for an explination and or replacement parts since a previous post said they do make them bpa free. I am pregnant now and I don't produce enough milk to sustain a baby's health I have to bottle feed, and am very concerned about all this and have been reading up ALOT on it all. I don't think it's just hype at all from what I've been reading. Usually i'm kind of laid back about stuff like this and as a previous post said the media makes it bigger than it is. But after reading the actual studies that have been done there is actual proof it does harm to babies. I guess it bothers me the most because it's a helpless little baby that depends on me to give my baby the best that I can, and giving my baby hormone changing chemicals isn't the best I can do. Know what I mean? Anyway, don't feel bad or upset like it's your fault, none of us knew this previously. I have a 12 year old and a 4.5 year old and this was never brought up when they were babies, so they were probably exposed to it and are healthy kids. You can only do the best that you know how to do and that IS enough for your baby. So give Medela a call and talk to them, all of the companies are very much aware of this issue right now and should be willing to do something about it, the more of us that complain about it the more they will be willing to change! Best wishes and congratulations on your baby.
W.

I wouldn't worry about it too much. After all you aren't storing the milk in the piece. It's usually best to store milk in a glass bottle, overall. In fact, I'm actually starting to think of using my mason jars as water bottles. It's more of a concern when the milk is being STORED in a container with No. 7 than if it just passes by.

Hi R.,

Like the other mom said, if the number isn't in a recycling triangle, then the 7 is probably something else. I'd say it's probably a part number relating to that model that they stamped on there to know which components to put together to box up the pump.

Call Medela and ask, just to know for sure(ask them what the purpose for the number "7" is on that particular part, *not* if it's the recycling number. Make the question open-ended.), or look at your user-manual and see if there's a diagram or illustration there that breaks down the pieces of your pump for re-ordering or for assembly instruction, and what their numbers are, and see if they match the number on the part. For instance, on the diagram, maybe the illustration says the motor is #2. Look on your motor and see if there's a number on it, and if it's number 2.

Like everyone else said, I'd think that the minimal amount of time your milk spends in contact with this piece, especially not being heated, wouldn't pose a danger, though.

If the piece does relate to recycling, ask if they have a replacement part.

Good luck,

K. W

Call the company and ask about it. Mine has a 5, so maybe they have changed and they can send you a free BPA-free component. I agree with previous posters that the time the breastmilk is exposed to that piece isn't significant and it shouldn't be a problem. I also agree that you should hand wash the components as it's the heating that encourages the release. I wouldn't stop pumping over it, but I would look to replace the piece.